Rugged Reliability
Rugged Reliability | Generators | Electrical | La Follette
When storms roll over the Cumberland Mountains or a jobsite pushes the limits of endurance, La Follette turns to HEP for rugged, reliable power. Our seasoned technicians match you with top-tier generators that shrug off dust, heat, and surprise outages, then back them up with 24/7 emergency response. From lakefront cabins looking for whole-home peace of mind to industrial crews that can’t afford a minute of downtime, we keep the current flowing so your plans never stall.
As a lifelong East Tennessee company, we know the terrain, the weather, and the urgency that comes with every flicker of the lights. That’s why HEP handles everything—sizing, installation, preventive maintenance, and prompt repairs—with straightforward pricing and a neighborly handshake. Trust the team that powers hospitals, farms, and family cookouts alike; trust the people who live here, too. When you need power that endures, you need HEP.
FAQs
Why should I consider installing a standby generator at my La Follette property?
La Follette’s location in the Cumberland Mountains leaves us vulnerable to severe storms, high winds, and winter ice that can knock out the grid for hours—or even days. A permanently installed standby generator automatically senses an outage and restores power within seconds, keeping HVAC systems, medical equipment, refrigerators, and internet running without you lifting a finger. That level of resilience protects your family’s comfort and safety, prevents costly food spoilage or pipe damage, and can even lower insurance premiums.
What types of generators does Rugged Reliability Electrical recommend for East Tennessee weather?
We primarily install air-cooled units from 10 kW to 26 kW for average-sized homes and liquid-cooled units up to 150 kW for large residences or light commercial sites. All models are rated for cold-weather starts down to –22 °F and feature aluminum, corrosion-resistant enclosures to handle our humid Appalachian climate. Fuel options include natural gas, propane, and diesel; we’ll evaluate gas line capacity or tank size to match the right model to your property.
How do I determine the correct generator size for my home or business?
During a free on-site assessment, our licensed electrician creates a load worksheet that lists every essential circuit—HVAC, well pump, range, computers, etc.—and adds up their starting (surge) and running wattages. We then apply a 20 % safety margin and cross-reference with manufacturer specs to recommend the smallest unit that will comfortably handle peak demand. This approach prevents both overload trips and the wasted fuel of an oversized set.
What is involved in the installation process and how long does it take?
1) Site prep: We pour a concrete or composite pad that meets manufacturer vibration specs. 2) Electrical: A new automatic transfer switch (ATS) is mounted next to the service panel and wired with THHN copper conductors in PVC conduit. 3) Fuel: We run a dedicated gas line (or install a code-approved propane/diesel tank) with a regulator sized for BTU demand. 4) Startup & inspection: We program exercise cycles, perform load-bank testing, and arrange final code inspection with Campbell County. The average residential install takes 1–2 days; commercial systems may require 3–5 days depending on trenching and utility coordination.
How often does my generator need maintenance, and do you offer service plans?
All major manufacturers specify an annual service or every 200 run-hours, whichever comes first. Routine maintenance includes oil and filter changes, valve lash check, spark-plug replacement, air-filter cleaning, battery load test, firmware updates, and a full functional exercise under transfer load. Rugged Reliability Electrical offers Bronze (annual), Silver (bi-annual), and Gold (quarterly) plans that include 24/7 emergency dispatch, remote monitoring, and priority parts availability.
Will my generator meet local codes, and do I need permits?
Yes. We handle all permitting with the City of La Follette, Campbell County Building & Codes, and Powell-Clinch Utility District for gas work. Our installations comply with the 2023 National Electrical Code, NFPA 37 for stationary engines, and NFPA 110 for life-safety systems. We also perform a setback survey to meet zoning rules (typically 5 ft from property lines and 3 ft from combustibles). Final approval is obtained only after both electrical and fuel inspections pass, giving you full peace of mind.