Critical Backup Power
Critical Backup Power | Generators | Electrical | Oliver Springs
When the lights go out in Oliver Springs, HEP’s critical backup power electrical team springs into action with reliable generators that keep your home, business, or mission-critical facility running smoothly. From initial load assessment and professional installation to routine maintenance and 24/7 emergency response, our certified technicians tailor every solution to your exact needs—so you never skip a beat when the grid stumbles.
Customers choose us for more than dependable generators; they choose peace of mind. We partner with leading manufacturers, maintain a vast parts inventory, and back every project with transparent pricing and a satisfaction guarantee. Whether you’re safeguarding medical equipment, data servers, or simply the comfort of your family, trust HEP to deliver the power of preparedness right here in Oliver Springs.
FAQs
Why is having a critical backup generator important for homes and businesses in Oliver Springs?
Oliver Springs experiences severe thunderstorms, winter ice, and occasional tornado activity that can knock power out for hours or even days. A properly sized standby generator keeps essential circuits—HVAC, medical devices, refrigeration, data networks, and security systems—running without interruption. For businesses, this prevents costly downtime, data loss, and spoilage; for homeowners it protects comfort, safety, and health during extended outages.
What types of generators do you install and which fuel options are available?
We install permanently-mounted standby generators from 7 kW to 150 kW for residential, commercial, and light-industrial applications. Fuel choices include natural gas (NG), liquid propane (LP), and diesel. NG and LP units are popular for homes because they connect to existing utility or tank supply and run cleanly with minimal maintenance. Diesel sets deliver higher power density and longer run times for critical commercial sites. We will evaluate your site and recommend the fuel that offers the best reliability, run-time, and operating cost for your needs.
How do I determine the right size (kW rating) for my backup generator?
Sizing begins with a load assessment: we list every circuit you want backed up and their starting (surge) and running amperage. HVAC compressors, well pumps, and commercial machinery have high startup currents that must be included. We use this data along with future expansion plans to calculate the minimum kW, then add a 15-20 % margin for safety and longevity. Our technicians perform this assessment on-site at no charge, ensuring you neither overspend on an oversized unit nor stress a generator that is too small.
What is involved in the installation process, and will you handle permitting and inspections in Oliver Springs?
A typical installation takes 1-2 days. Day 1 involves setting the generator on a concrete or Prefab GenPad, running gas and electrical conduit, and installing the automatic transfer switch (ATS) near your main panel. Day 2 covers wiring, gas tie-in, battery hookup, programming, and initial start-up. We pull all required City of Oliver Springs and Roane County permits, schedule utility locates, and arrange electrical and gas inspections. Once the inspector signs off, we register your unit for warranty and give you a full operational walkthrough.
How often does a standby generator need maintenance and what services do you provide?
Manufacturers recommend basic service every 6 months or 100 run hours. This includes oil and filter change, spark plug inspection, battery load test, cooling and fuel system checks, firmware updates, and an automatic full-system exercise. We offer annual, semi-annual, and full service contracts that include 24/7 remote monitoring, priority emergency response, and discounted parts. Routine maintenance not only meets warranty requirements but also extends engine life and ensures the generator will start when you need it most.
Will my generator start automatically during a power outage and how does an automatic transfer switch work?
Yes. The ATS continuously monitors incoming utility voltage. When it senses a disruption (typically a 2-4 second loss of power), it signals the generator to start. Once the generator reaches proper voltage and frequency, the ATS isolates your building from the grid and transfers the load to the generator, all within about 10-15 seconds. When utility power is restored and stable, the ATS reverses the process, reconnecting you to the grid and shutting the generator down after a cool-down cycle. This fully automatic sequence requires no action from you and prevents dangerous back-feeding into utility lines.