Reliable Performance
Reliable Performance | Generators | Electrical | Jellico
When the Jellico hills go dark, HEP keeps the lights—and life—running. Our certified electricians design, install, and maintain premium generators that stand up to East Tennessee’s toughest storms, giving homeowners and businesses seamless, automatic power the instant an outage hits. From whisper-quiet residential units to rugged commercial systems, every solution is sized for your exact load and backed by industry-leading warranties.
But reliable machinery means little without reliable people. That’s why HEP’s emergency team is on call 24/7, arriving with fully stocked trucks, transparent pricing, and a promise to leave your property as tidy as we found it. Schedule a free on-site assessment today and discover how worry-free backup power can be—because in Jellico, we don’t just sell generators, we deliver peace of mind.
FAQs
Why should Jellico homeowners and businesses consider installing a standby generator?
Jellico experiences its share of severe thunderstorms, ice events, and occasional wind-related outages that can knock power out for hours or even days. A permanently installed standby generator automatically senses a utility failure and restores electricity in less than 30 seconds, keeping critical loads—such as HVAC systems, medical equipment, refrigerators, and network servers—running. Beyond comfort and safety, a generator protects plumbing from freezing, prevents food spoilage, and allows local businesses to avoid costly downtime, making it a practical investment for our region.
How do I know what size generator I need?
Proper sizing starts with a load calculation. Our technicians list every appliance, motor, or circuit you want backed up, determine each item’s running wattage and starting (surge) wattage, and add them together with a 20–25 % safety margin. For most Jellico homes, a 14–22 kW air-cooled unit handles essentials plus HVAC. Larger residences or commercial sites may require 30–150 kW liquid-cooled models. An undersized generator can stall or overload, while an oversized unit wastes fuel and money, so we always conduct an on-site assessment before making a recommendation.
How often does a generator need maintenance, and do you service units in Jellico?
Yes. Reliable Performance Electrical offers full maintenance plans for all major brands in Jellico and surrounding Campbell County. Air-cooled residential units typically need service every 12 months or 100 running hours; commercial liquid-cooled sets may need service every 6 months or 250 hours. A standard visit includes oil and filter changes, spark-plug replacement, battery inspection, firmware checks, valve adjustments (if required), load-bank testing, and verification of automatic transfer switch (ATS) operation. Routine upkeep ensures warranty compliance and extends engine life well past 15 years.
What fuel options are available, and which is best for Jellico?
Standby generators generally run on natural gas, liquid propane (LP), or diesel. • Natural gas is convenient in Jellico neighborhoods served by municipal gas lines; supply is virtually unlimited and no on-site refueling is needed. • Liquid propane is ideal for rural homes without natural-gas access; a 250–500 gal tank gives 4–10 days of runtime and stores indefinitely without degradation. • Diesel is preferred for larger commercial or industrial units because of its high energy density and lower operating RPM, but it requires fuel polishing if stored long-term. We evaluate fuel availability, runtime requirements, environmental regulations, and budget before recommending the optimal choice.
Will a generator installation require permits or inspections in Jellico?
Yes. Campbell County enforces the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local zoning ordinances. Reliable Performance Electrical handles the entire permitting process: electrical permit, gas line permit (if applicable), and any structural or noise-compliance paperwork. After installation, a county inspector verifies proper conductor sizing, grounding, clearances (minimum 5 ft from openings and ignition sources), and ATS wiring before the system can be activated. Skipping permits can void insurance coverage and manufacturer warranties, so we ensure every job is fully compliant.
How quickly will the generator restore power during an outage, and will I notice the transfer?
When utility voltage drops below the set threshold, your automatic transfer switch signals the generator to start. Modern units reach rated speed and voltage in 5–10 seconds, then the ATS shifts your home or business load from utility to generator power. The entire process takes 10–30 seconds, during which lights may flicker once and sensitive electronics remain protected by built-in voltage regulation. When grid power returns and stabilizes for a preset period (usually 1–2 minutes), the ATS re-transfers the load back to the utility and the generator cools down before shutting off automatically.