Robust Electrical System
Robust Electrical System | Generators | Electrical | Decatur
When storms roll across Decatur or the grid flickers under heavy demand, HEP keeps the lights blazing with dependable generators engineered for every home and business size. Our licensed electricians match you with the right unit, install it with precision, and integrate smart transfer technology so power flows seamlessly the moment an outage begins. You’ll never worry about spoiled food, stalled production lines, or dimmed security systems again.
Beyond installation, we stand behind our work with proactive maintenance plans, 24/7 emergency response, and friendly technicians who treat your property like their own. Choose HEP for a robust electrical system that delivers confidence, comfort, and continuity—because life in Decatur shouldn’t skip a beat when the power company does.
FAQs
Why should I install a standby generator for my Decatur home or business?
A permanently installed standby generator automatically powers critical circuits within seconds of a utility outage, keeping HVAC systems, refrigerators, medical equipment, security devices, and business servers running. In Decatur, severe thunderstorms, ice events, and grid-related brownouts account for dozens of outages each year, so a generator adds comfort, safety, and continuity while also protecting property from frozen pipes, food spoilage, and data loss.
What size generator do I need, and how is it determined?
Sizing depends on the total running wattage and startup (surge) wattage of the appliances or systems you want to back up. A licensed electrician will perform a load calculation, noting items such as HVAC compressors, well pumps, sump pumps, refrigerators, lighting, and electronics. In Decatur’s residential market, popular whole-house units range from 14 kW to 26 kW, while small businesses may require 30 kW to 60 kW or more. Proper sizing prevents overloads, ensures fuel efficiency, and extends equipment life.
Are permits or inspections required in Decatur for generator installation?
Yes. The City of Decatur and the surrounding county require an electrical permit and, in many cases, a separate fuel-source permit (natural gas or propane). After installation, a city or county inspector verifies code compliance, grounding, clearance from structures, and correct transfer-switch wiring. Working with a local, licensed electrical contractor ensures all paperwork is filed and the project passes inspection the first time.
How often does a generator need maintenance and what does it include?
Most manufacturers recommend maintenance every 6 months or after 100-200 operating hours. A routine service visit in Decatur typically includes oil and filter changes, spark-plug inspection, valve clearance checks, battery load testing, firmware updates for the controller, and a simulated outage test. Regular maintenance preserves the factory warranty, prevents unexpected failures, and keeps emissions within EPA requirements.
Can a generator be integrated with my existing electrical panel without rewiring the entire house?
Yes. A properly sized automatic transfer switch (ATS) is installed between your utility meter and main service panel. During normal operation, utility power flows through the ATS untouched. When it senses an outage, it disconnects the grid and energizes selected circuits or the whole panel from the generator. Only minimal rewiring—typically a short conduit run to the ATS and a new feeder cable—is required, so walls and finishes remain intact. Your electrician will decide whether a service-rated (whole-house) or load-center (select-circuit) ATS best meets your needs and budget.
How loud are standby generators and where can they be placed in Decatur?
Modern air-cooled residential units range from 60 dB to 70 dB at 23 feet—similar to an outdoor A/C condenser. Decatur’s zoning rules require placement at least 5 feet from property lines and away from bedroom windows or fresh-air intakes. The generator must sit on a non-combustible pad, have 3-4 feet of clearance for service access, and meet manufacturer guidelines for ventilation. If noise is a concern, acoustic fencing or a liquid-cooled model with additional sound attenuation can reduce decibel levels further.