Standby Backup Systems
Standby Backup Systems | Generators | Electrical | Sequatchie
When the lights go out in Sequatchie, HEP’s standby backup systems leap into action, keeping homes, farms, and small businesses humming without interruption. Our state-of-the-art generators detect power loss in seconds and deliver smooth, reliable electricity until utility service is restored, protecting everything from sensitive electronics to refrigerated goods. Built to handle the valley’s unpredictable weather and rugged terrain, they’re engineered for quiet operation, fuel efficiency, and long service life—so you can focus on what matters instead of watching the forecast.
From the first site visit to routine maintenance years down the road, HEP’s local technicians handle every detail with the same neighbor-to-neighbor care we’ve offered since day one. Financing options, 24/7 monitoring, and rapid response service come standard, making it easier than ever to safeguard your property and peace of mind. Discover why Sequatchie residents trust our generators to keep their world powered, whatever the storm.
FAQs
What kinds of standby generators do you install and service in Sequatchie?
We install and maintain residential, commercial and light-industrial standby generators ranging from 7 kW air-cooled units for small homes up to 150 kW liquid-cooled models that can power large facilities. Brands we regularly work with include Generac, Kohler, Cummins and Briggs & Stratton. All systems are UL-listed, meet NFPA 110 standards and are sized specifically for local Sequatchie utility voltages and frequency (120/240 V, 60 Hz).
How do I know what size generator my property needs?
Sizing starts with a load calculation. We inventory the appliances, HVAC, well pumps and critical circuits you want to protect, then add their running wattage plus a margin for motor starting (inrush) current. For homes, that usually lands between 10 kW (basic essentials) and 22 kW (whole-house). For businesses we add demand factors and future growth; a restaurant, for example, may need 60–80 kW. After the load analysis we present at least two capacity options and their cost, fuel and noise impacts so you can choose the best fit.
What maintenance does a standby generator require and how often?
Manufacturers recommend an oil and filter change every 100–150 operating hours or once a year, whichever comes first. A full annual service also includes spark-plug replacement, valve adjustment (liquid-cooled models), battery load test, coolant PH check, air-filter change and a firmware update for the control board. We offer maintenance plans that run the unit in exercise mode weekly, record run hours, email alerts for faults and dispatch a technician automatically if a code appears.
Do I need permits or inspections to install a standby generator in Sequatchie County?
Yes. Sequatchie County follows the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC). A county electrical permit is required, and if the unit is larger than 15 kW or connects to a gas line, the Sequatchie County Building & Zoning office also mandates a mechanical permit. After installation, a county inspector verifies proper clearances, transfer-switch wiring and grounding before the gas utility approves final startup. We handle all paperwork, drawings and inspection scheduling for you.
Will the generator start automatically when the power goes out?
If your system includes an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS), it monitors utility voltage 24/7. When it detects an outage for 3–10 seconds (adjustable), it signals the generator to start, reaches rated speed in about 5–10 seconds and transfers the load once voltage and frequency stabilize. When power is restored, the ATS waits a safe reconnection period (usually 60 seconds), switches back to utility supply and cools the generator down before shutting it off—all without any user action.
How long can a standby generator run and what fuel options are available locally?
Runtime depends on fuel type and tank size. Natural-gas units can run indefinitely as long as municipal supply pressure stays above 3.5 in. WC. Propane models draw from an onsite 100–500 gal ASME tank; at half load a 22 kW unit burns roughly 2 gal/hr, so a 250-gal tank yields about 100 hours. Diesel generators (typically 30 kW and larger) use a belly or sub-base tank sized for 24–48 hours at 75 % load; we arrange priority refueling with Sequatchie fuel distributors if extended outages occur.