When is it time to call an electrician?

When you are resetting circuit breakers or changing fuses too often. When you turn on your air conditioner and the lights dim in the room. When your lights flicker or go on and off. When you can smell electricity burning. When you have six electronic devices going into one outlet in back of your electronics center. When you have receptacle outlets overburdened by multi-plug strips. When a three-prong plug needs a two-prong adapter. If you have to run extension cords to plug in electrical devices.

What size electrical service system do I install in my home?

Most states call for 100 amps minimum, but with all the new electronic devices, air conditioning and electric heat it is suggested that 200 amps be installed. This also gives you some space for future additions. In most cases it involves replacing everything from the service loop (this is the wire that extends from the top of your meter to the utility tie in ) up to and including the main panel.

Which grade of electrical outlets should I have installed in my home?

There are three grades of outlet on the market. Homeowner grade, the cheapest, is the commonest type of outlet for installation in a builder-grade home. However, they are flimsy and tend to wear out in 5-10 years at the most. When you install or replace electrical outlets, go for commercial grade instead – these cost about 50 percent more than the cheaper kind, but the financial difference is insignificant and they will last 100 years under typical home use conditions. Hospital grade are very expensive, costing ten times the price of homeowner quality, and are really not necessary; they are designed for never-fail use in medical facilities, for example to power breathing machines.

What is a surge protector and should I get one?

Surges are created by lightning or from the local power station. Sometimes, a surge of electricity can flood out to the residents from the power station. A surge protector helps to protect your electrical devices from a power surge. Usually, surge protectors are used for electronic devices such as computers and flat screen televisions. If you appreciate your electronic devices and want them to perform efficiently without having to worry about replacing them, you may want to consider protecting your devices with a surge protector.

Do the generators have to be maintained?

Yes, simple maintenance is required. All generators require periodic oil and filter changes to ensure maximum performance for years of reliable service. Preventative maintenance kits are available however we offer service contracts for a worry-free ownership experience. With a service contract we:
Inspect and change Engine oil and filter as needed
Inspect air filter and replacement as needed.
Replace spark plugs once a year or as needed.
Check valves and adjust as needed.
Inspect the fuel system, battery, cables, belts, hoses, battery charging system, fluid levels
Inspect the transfer switch.
Check fuses, power connection, temperatures, and verify voltage
Adjust timers, Voltage and Hz if necessary
Simulate a power outage and verify generator operation
Observe and report condition of the generator
Clean the inside of the case
Wax the outside of the case

If you don’t have a service contract please refer to the owner’s manual for routine maintenance procedures and schedules.