Electrical Generators
Electrical Generators | Generators | Electrical | Signal Mountain
When storms sweep over Signal Mountain or the grid simply falters, HEP’s electrical team keeps the lights on with dependable generators that power your home or business without missing a beat. Our seasoned electricians handle every step—site assessment, load calculation, seamless installation, and routine maintenance—so you can enjoy uninterrupted comfort whether you’re working from home, hosting friends, or safeguarding vital equipment.
From compact portable units to fully automatic whole-house systems, we match you with the ideal solution and back it with responsive local service that’s just a call away. Trust the hometown experts at HEP to deliver quiet, efficient performance and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re prepared for whatever Signal Mountain weather brings next.
FAQs
Why should I consider installing a standby generator in Signal Mountain?
Signal Mountain experiences strong storms, occasional ice, and frequent power interruptions caused by the area’s elevated terrain and tree-lined distribution lines. A permanently installed standby generator automatically restores electricity within seconds, protecting refrigerated food, medical devices, HVAC systems, sump pumps, and home offices. It eliminates the need to haul out a portable unit, refuel by hand, or run extension cords, giving you uninterrupted comfort and safety during utility outages.
How do I know what size generator my home or business needs?
Generator sizing is based on the running wattage of the circuits or equipment you want to back up. We perform a free load analysis, itemizing essentials such as HVAC, refrigerator, well pump, lighting, and critical electronics. For most Signal Mountain homes a 14–22 kW air-cooled unit covers the whole house, while a 9–12 kW system can support selected circuits. Larger estates or small businesses may require 22–60 kW liquid-cooled models. Oversizing wastes fuel; undersizing can overload the unit, so professional calculation is key.
What is involved in a typical generator installation and how long does it take?
Once sizing is confirmed, we secure Hamilton County permits, schedule a natural-gas line or place an LP tank, pour a concrete or composite pad, set the generator, and install an automatic transfer switch (ATS) near your main service panel. Electrical and gas connections are pressure- and load-tested before final inspection. Most residential projects take two full working days after permits are approved; larger or commercial systems can take 3–5 days. We coordinate inspections so you have a fully operational system before we leave.
Does Signal Mountain require permits or inspections for standby generators?
Yes. The Town of Signal Mountain and Hamilton County Building Inspection Department require an electrical permit and, when tying into municipal gas service, a mechanical/gas permit. We handle all paperwork, drawings, and fees on your behalf. After rough-in, the county inspector verifies conductor size, bonding, and gas pressure. A final inspection confirms compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local amendments before the utility seals the meter.
What maintenance will my generator need after installation?
Standby generators are similar to small engines in vehicles. They run an automatic 5–20-minute exercise cycle weekly. Once a year—or every 200 hours during heavy outage seasons—you’ll need an oil and filter change, spark-plug check, valve adjustment (for liquid-cooled units), battery load test, and firmware update on the controller. We offer affordable maintenance agreements that include remote monitoring, so we can alert you if a fault code appears before an outage occurs.
What fuel options are available, and how much do they cost to run?
Most Signal Mountain homeowners choose natural gas because existing service lines make refueling automatic and the fuel burns clean. Where gas isn’t available, we install propane (LP) tanks sized from 120 gal. to 500 gal. A 20 kW generator at 50 % load uses roughly 3 ft³ of natural gas or 1.8 gal. of propane per hour, costing about $1–$2/hour depending on local rates. Diesel and bi-fuel options are common for larger commercial units requiring higher power density or long run times.