Critical Backup Power
Critical Backup Power | Generators | Electrical | Friendsville
When the lights go out in Friendsville, HEP keeps homes, farms, and businesses humming with dependable generators that start in seconds and run for days. Our licensed electricians size each unit to your exact load, integrate automatic transfer switches, and test every system under real-world conditions, so you’re never left guessing whether the power will hold when storms roll across the Smokies.
From free on-site evaluations to 24/7 remote monitoring and fuel delivery coordination, we handle every detail—letting you focus on family or operations, not outages. Trust the local team that’s protected East Tennessee for over two decades; trust HEP to make downtime disappear. Reach out today and discover how a custom backup power plan can give you total peace of mind.
FAQs
Why is a standby generator important for homes and businesses in Friendsville?
Friendsville and the greater Blount County area experience severe thunderstorms, winter ice, and occasional high-wind events that can knock out utility power for hours or even days. A permanently installed standby generator senses a blackout within seconds and restores electricity automatically, keeping sump pumps, medical devices, refrigeration, internet, and security systems running without interruption. For businesses, that means no lost inventory, downtime, or data corruption. In short, a generator safeguards comfort, safety, and revenue whenever the grid fails.
How do I determine what size generator I need?
The correct size depends on the total running and starting (surge) wattage of the equipment you want to power. Start by listing critical loads—HVAC, refrigerators, well pumps, servers, lighting, etc.—and their amperage or wattage ratings. Add the running watts together and then factor in the highest motor-start (surge) requirement. In most homes this results in a 14–24 kW unit; larger residences or small commercial sites might need 30–60 kW or more. Our technicians perform an on-site load assessment with an amp-probe to calculate exact demand and recommend the most cost-efficient unit that covers current needs while allowing for future expansion.
What is the difference between portable, standby, and whole-home generators?
• Portable generators are gasoline-powered, manually started units that connect through extension cords or a manual transfer switch. They are affordable but require refueling every few hours and do not switch on automatically. • Standby generators (also called "home standby" or "backup" generators) are permanently mounted outside, run on natural gas or propane, start automatically, and are hard-wired into your electrical panel via an automatic transfer switch. • Whole-home generators are a subset of standby units sized to handle the entire electrical load of your property rather than only essential circuits. They may incorporate load-management modules to prioritize high-demand appliances without upsizing the generator excessively.
How often should my generator be serviced and what does maintenance include?
Most manufacturers recommend a professional service visit every six months or after every 200 hours of run time, whichever comes first. A typical maintenance session includes: oil and filter change, spark-plug replacement, valve clearance check, battery test, air-filter replacement, coolant inspection (liquid-cooled models), fuel-pressure verification, firmware updates, exercise-cycle review, and a complete system load test. Regular upkeep preserves your warranty, ensures reliable starts, and can double the lifespan of the unit.
Will the generator automatically start during a power outage, and how is it installed?
Yes. During installation we mount the generator on a concrete or polymer pad outside, connect it to your natural-gas line (or propane tank), wire an automatic transfer switch (ATS) between the utility meter and the main electrical panel, and program the controller. When the ATS senses loss of utility voltage, it signals the generator to start, stabilizes output within 5–15 seconds, then transfers the load to generator power. When the grid returns, the ATS reverts to utility power and cools the generator down before shutting it off—entirely hands-free for the owner.
Are permits or inspections required in Friendsville, and do you handle the paperwork?
Yes. Blount County and the City of Friendsville require electrical and often gas permits for standby generator installations. An inspection ensures the unit meets National Electrical Code (NEC), local amendments, zoning setbacks, and gas-piping standards. Our team manages the entire permitting process: submitting drawings, scheduling inspections, coordinating with your gas provider, and delivering the final Certificate of Completion. This turnkey approach keeps your project compliant and stress-free.