Robust Backup System
Robust Backup System | Generators | Electrical | Etowah
When Etowah’s grid goes dark, HEP’s robust backup system electrical solutions power right through the chaos. Our certified technicians design, install, and maintain industry-leading generators that automatically restore electricity in seconds, keeping your lights on, your data safe, and your daily routine uninterrupted. From compact residential units to heavy-duty commercial setups, every system is customized to fit your exact load requirements and budget—so you pay only for the protection you need.
Beyond installation, we stand by your side with 24/7 monitoring, proactive maintenance, and rapid emergency response. This end-to-end service means your investment keeps performing at its peak, no matter how many storms roll through Etowah. Choose HEP today and experience the confidence that comes with reliable generators and a local team that’s always ready to help.
FAQs
What size generator do I need for my home or business in Etowah?
Generator sizing depends on the total running wattage of the appliances and equipment you want to keep online. For most Etowah homes, a 14–22 kW standby unit will power essentials such as HVAC, refrigerators, lights, and selected outlets. Small offices with servers or medical equipment often require 25–40 kW. For larger commercial sites, we perform a free load calculation: we list every motor, appliance, and system, add their starting (surge) wattages, and select a generator that can handle 20 % overhead so it never runs at full capacity. Our team can visit your property, measure actual loads with an amp probe, and provide a written sizing recommendation within 48 hours.
How quickly will the backup generator start after a power outage?
Our automatic standby generators constantly monitor the utility feed through an ATS (automatic transfer switch). The moment the switch senses a voltage drop or total loss, it signals the generator to start. Typical start-up time is 5–15 seconds, after which the ATS safely transfers your circuits to generator power. When public power is restored and stable for at least 90 seconds, the system automatically re-transfers the load and shuts the generator down after a brief cool-down period. This seamless operation means most residents notice only a brief flicker, and critical electronics remain protected.
What fuel options are available and which is best for Etowah?
We install generators that run on natural gas, propane (LPG), or diesel. • Natural gas: Ideal in Etowah neighborhoods with municipal gas lines. It offers unlimited runtime, cleaner emissions, and no on-site fuel storage worries. • Propane: Perfect for rural parts of Etowah without natural-gas service. A 250–500 gal tank can run a 22 kW unit for 5–10 days before needing a refill. • Diesel: Common in larger commercial and industrial setups where high torque and long continuous operation are required. Diesel has higher energy density but must be maintained (additive treatments) to prevent algae growth. Our consultants weigh your runtime goals, space constraints, and fuel availability to recommend the most cost-effective option.
Do I need permits or inspections for generator installation in Etowah?
Yes. McMinn County (and Etowah city, if inside limits) requires an electrical permit and, for units over 15 kW or with new fuel plumbing, a mechanical/utility permit. We handle all paperwork: submitting load calculations, site plans, and equipment specs to the inspector’s office. After installation, a final inspection is scheduled to verify code compliance (NEC 702, fuel line setbacks, and exhaust clearances). Your generator is not officially in service until it passes this inspection, and we provide you with a signed approval sticker for your records.
How often should my generator be serviced and what maintenance is required?
For residential units: an annual service or every 100 run hours, whichever comes first. Commercial diesel units often require semi-annual service. Our standard maintenance package includes: 1. Oil and filter change 2. Air filter and spark plug replacement (gas/propane units) 3. Coolant level and belt inspection 4. Battery load test and terminal cleaning 5. Firmware updates on digital controllers 6. Full transfer-of-load test for at least 30 minutes Keeping to this schedule maintains warranty coverage and ensures the generator starts reliably during Etowah’s storm season.
How noisy are standby generators and can they meet Etowah noise ordinances?
Modern residential standby generators are engineered with sound-attenuated enclosures, typically producing 60 –70 dB at 23 ft—similar to a central A/C unit. Etowah’s general noise ordinance allows up to 75 dB at the property line during daytime and 65 dB at night. Since generators run mainly during outages (when other neighborhood noise is minimal), compliance is rarely an issue. For sensitive locations (schools, hospitals, HOA communities), we can add acoustic baffles or place the unit behind a code-approved fence or landscaping to achieve further 5–7 dB reduction. We perform a site noise assessment before installation to guarantee adherence.