Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Preparedness | Generators | Electrical | Mountain City
When the lights go out in Mountain City, HEP keeps your world humming. Our team specializes in sizing, installing, and maintaining reliable generators that start automatically and power everything from medical devices to livestock heaters. With rapid-response technicians on call 24/7, you can trust HEP to safeguard your home or business against ice-laden power lines, high-altitude lightning strikes, and every outage in between.
From seamless switch-overs to smart monitoring apps, we build turnkey emergency power systems tailored to the rugged demands of life at 4,700 feet. Discover how our generators deliver peace of mind, stabilize your budget, and let you focus on what matters most—whether that’s keeping customers comfortable or sharing hot cocoa with the family while the storm rages outside.
FAQs
Why is having an emergency generator important for homes and businesses in Mountain City?
Mountain City is prone to severe winter storms, high-wind events, and occasional flooding that can knock out power for hours or even days. An emergency generator keeps essential circuits—such as heating systems, refrigerators, well pumps, medical devices, and security equipment—running until utility service is restored, protecting property and personal safety.
What size generator do I need to power my critical loads?
Start by listing all appliances and systems you must keep running, then add up their running wattage and start-up (surge) wattage. For most Mountain City residences, a 7–10 kW standby unit will handle basics like a furnace, fridge, lights, and a few outlets. Larger homes or small businesses may require 14–22 kW or more. A licensed electrician can perform a load calculation and recommend the right capacity so you neither under- nor overspend.
Which fuel type is best—propane, natural gas, or diesel?
• Natural gas is convenient if you have a utility line and rarely runs out, but service can be interrupted by landslides or line damage. • Propane is popular in rural areas around Mountain City. It stores indefinitely in on-site tanks and burns cleanly, but you must monitor tank levels and schedule deliveries. • Diesel offers high energy density and lower operating costs for large commercial sets, yet it requires routine fuel turnover and winter additives to prevent gelling. Choose based on fuel availability, runtime requirements, and local code restrictions.
Do I need a permit to install a standby generator in Mountain City?
Yes. Johnson County and the Town of Mountain City require an electrical permit for permanent generator installations. You’ll need a site plan showing placement that meets zoning setbacks and manufacturer-specified clearances, plus an inspection of the automatic transfer switch and gas line (if applicable). Hiring a licensed, bonded electrician ensures the installation passes code and keeps your home insurance valid.
How often should I maintain or test my generator?
Most manufacturers recommend a 5- to 15-minute exercise cycle once a week; modern units do this automatically. Change oil and filters every 100–200 hours of run time or annually, whichever comes first. Inspect the battery, coolant (if liquid-cooled), and air intake quarterly. Before winter, top off fuel, check the enclosure for rodent damage, and confirm the unit starts under load. Regular maintenance prevents startup failures when you need power most.
Can a portable generator be safely connected to my home’s wiring?
Yes, but only through a manual transfer switch or an interlock kit installed by a qualified electrician. Back-feeding a house through a dryer or other outlet is illegal and can send deadly voltage onto utility lines. A properly installed transfer switch isolates your generator from the grid, protects utility workers, and lets you select specific circuits to energize while complying with National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements.