Residential And Commercial
Residential And Commercial | Generators | Electrical | Newport
When storms sweep across Newport or an unexpected outage strikes, you don’t have time to wonder if the lights will come back on— you need certainty. HEP’s licensed electricians deliver that peace of mind with dependable generators tailored to homes, retail spaces, offices, and industrial facilities alike. From meticulous load calculations to seamless permits and installation, we handle every detail so you can stay productive, comfortable, and secure no matter what the weather or grid is doing outside.
Beyond installation, our team is on call 24/7 for preventative maintenance, remote monitoring, and prompt repairs, ensuring your investment keeps running at peak performance for years to come. Flexible financing, honest up-front pricing, and a local Newport crew that treats your property with respect make HEP the smart choice for anyone who refuses to be left in the dark.
FAQs
Why should I consider a standby generator for my Newport home or business?
Coastal storms, nor’easters, and aging grid infrastructure make Newport particularly susceptible to extended power outages. A standby generator automatically restores electricity within seconds, protecting refrigerated food, sump pumps, medical devices, heating or cooling systems, security equipment, point-of-sale terminals, and computer servers. For homeowners, this means comfort and safety; for businesses, it prevents revenue loss, data corruption, and costly downtime.
What size generator do I need and how is it determined?
Generator capacity is measured in kilowatts (kW). To size a unit correctly, a licensed electrician or generator specialist will list every circuit you want powered, total their running watts, add the higher starting watts of large motors (HVAC, well pumps, compressors), and include a safety margin for future expansion. Most Newport residences require 7–22 kW systems, while small-to-medium commercial properties typically range from 25–250 kW. A professional load calculation and on-site evaluation ensure your generator meets National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements and avoids under- or over-sizing.
How often should my generator be serviced and what does maintenance involve?
Manufacturers recommend routine maintenance every six months or after 100 run hours, whichever comes first. A standard service visit includes: oil and filter change, air and fuel filter replacement, spark-plug inspection, coolant level check, battery testing, fuel system and exhaust inspection, cleaning of debris, firmware updates, and a 20-30-minute operational test. Commercial units should also receive an annual load-bank test to verify full-load performance. Enrolling in a preventive maintenance plan keeps the warranty valid and maximizes reliability.
Will the generator start automatically during a power outage?
Yes. Your standby generator is paired with an automatic transfer switch (ATS) that constantly monitors utility power. When the ATS senses an outage, it signals the generator to start, typically restoring power to your selected circuits within 10–30 seconds. When utility power stabilizes, the ATS seamlessly transfers the load back, runs a short cool-down cycle, and shuts the generator off. Many modern systems offer Wi-Fi or cellular monitoring so you can receive status alerts on your phone.
How loud is a standby generator and will it comply with Newport’s noise regulations?
Residential-grade generators are enclosed in sound-attenuated, weather-proof cabinets and generally produce 60–70 dB at 23 ft—comparable to normal conversation or an air-conditioning unit. Larger commercial units include hospital-grade mufflers and can be specified with additional insulation to meet stricter site limits. Newport’s municipal code limits daytime residential noise to approximately 65 dB; correct sizing, placement, and optional acoustic fencing ensure compliance. A site survey determines the quietest, code-approved location on your property.
Do I need permits or inspections to install a generator in Newport?
Yes. The City of Newport requires an electrical permit for the generator and automatic transfer switch, and a mechanical or fuel-gas permit if the unit runs on natural gas or propane. Setback requirements, flood-zone rules, and historic district guidelines may also apply. A licensed master electrician will submit drawings, secure approvals, coordinate utility notification, and schedule final inspections to verify NEC and local code compliance before the system is activated.