Expert Team
Expert Team | Generators | Electrical | Benton
When the lights flicker in Benton, residents and businesses alike turn to HEP’s expert electrical team for fast, friendly relief. Our technicians specialize in sizing, installing, and maintaining generators that keep your home office humming, your freezer cold, and your family comfortable through every outage. From initial load assessment to final hookup, we handle every detail with the precision and care you’d expect from Benton’s most trusted electricians.
What sets us apart is our passion for people. We pick up the phone 24/7, arrive on-time, explain every option in plain English, and stand behind our work with transparent pricing and iron-clad warranties. Add in routine tune-ups and remote monitoring, and you’ll have total confidence that your power—and your peace of mind—are always on.
FAQs
What types of generators does your Benton team install and service?
Our technicians work with a full range of residential and light-commercial generators, including permanently installed whole-home standby units (8 kW–60 kW), portable gasoline generators, PTO units for farms, and towable diesel gensets up to 200 kW. We are factory-trained on leading brands such as Generac, Kohler, Briggs & Stratton, Cummins, and CAT, so we can handle installation, warranty work, routine maintenance, and complex repairs on virtually any model found in Benton.
How do I determine the correct size generator for my Benton property?
Proper sizing starts with a load calculation. We perform an on-site assessment to list critical and convenience loads—HVAC, well pump, refrigerator, medical equipment, lighting, etc.—and measure their starting (surge) and running wattage. Using National Electrical Code (NEC) demand factors and your anticipated future expansions, we recommend a generator with at least 20 % headroom for reliability. For most Benton homes, that falls in the 14 kW–24 kW range, while small businesses often need 30 kW–60 kW units. An undersized generator will trip breakers; an oversized one wastes fuel and money, so the calculation is essential.
Are permits or inspections required to install a standby generator in Benton?
Yes. Saline County and the City of Benton both require an electrical permit, and if the generator ties into your natural gas service, a plumbing/mechanical permit as well. We handle the paperwork, submit site plans showing clearances (minimum 18 inches from combustible walls and 5 ft from windows per NFPA 37), coordinate utility marking, and schedule the final inspection. Skipping permits can void insurance coverage and result in fines, so we always ensure your project complies with NEC 702, local zoning setbacks, and utility interconnection rules.
What routine maintenance does my generator need and how frequently?
Standby generators should receive a full service every 12 months or 100 run hours, whichever comes first. Our maintenance package includes oil and filter change, spark plug replacement, air-filter inspection, battery test, valve clearance check, firmware updates, and a 20-minute loaded exercise. Portable units need oil changes every 50 hours and fuel stabilizer if stored. Benton’s warm, humid climate can accelerate corrosion, so we also clean terminals and check for rodent ingress. Regular maintenance preserves warranty coverage and ensures the generator starts during severe weather events common to Central Arkansas.
Do you offer 24/7 emergency repair during Benton power outages?
Absolutely. Our on-call technicians are available around the clock, including holidays. A dedicated dispatch line routes Benton calls to the nearest service truck stocked with common parts—control boards, voltage regulators, starter motors, fuel regulators, and batteries. We aim for a two-hour response window within the city limits and four hours in outlying Saline County. Temporary rental generators are available if a major repair requires shop time, so your home or business stays powered.
What fuel options are available for standby generators, and which is best for Benton?
Most standby units run on natural gas (NG) or liquid propane (LP), with diesel and bi-fuel models for larger commercial needs. In Benton, natural gas is widely available and offers unlimited runtime without refueling, making it the first choice for residential installations. LP is ideal for rural properties without NG service; a 500-gallon tank typically provides 5–7 days of runtime at 50 % load. Diesel delivers higher energy density and simpler maintenance for 30 kW+ applications but requires on-site fuel polishing to prevent algae growth in our humid climate. During the sizing visit, we compare fuel costs, storage requirements, and your backup duration goals to recommend the best option.