In St. Louis, we know that the weather can change in a heartbeat. One minute the sun is shining, and the next, a big thunderstorm or even a tornado could be rolling through. When these big storms hit, they can knock down power lines and leave your home or business in the dark. This is why many people decide to get a backup generator. Think of a generator like a spare tire for your house; you might not need it every day, but when you do, it is a lifesaver. If you are looking for help, an Electrical contractor ST Louis MO can guide you through the process of keeping your lights on when the rest of the neighborhood goes dark.
Why Do We Need Backup Power?
St. Louis has some very unpredictable weather. We deal with everything from icy winters to very hot and humid summers. These extreme temperatures and storms put a lot of stress on the power grid, which is the system of wires that brings electricity to everyone. Sometimes the grid gets fragile and breaks. A backup generator is a machine that makes its own electricity so you can keep your refrigerator running, your air conditioner cooling, and your lights glowing. Without one, a long power outage could mean spoiled food or a very uncomfortable house.
Choosing the Right Type of Generator
There are a few different types of generators you can choose from. The way each one operates varies according to your needs.
· Standby Generators: These are big machines that are permanently installed outside your building, similar to an air conditioning unit. They are very smart because they can tell the moment the power goes out and turn themselves on automatically.
· Portable Generators: These are smaller and have wheels so you can move them around. They are good for smaller jobs or temporary spots like construction sites.
· Diesel and Natural Gas: Some generators run on diesel fuel, which is great for very large buildings like hospitals. Others connect directly to the natural gas lines under the street, so you never have to worry about running out of fuel.
A St Louis electrical contractor can look at your home or business and help you decide which type is the best fit for your budget and your space.
Figuring Out the Right Size
You don’t want a generator that is too small, or it won’t be able to power everything you need. You also don’t want one that is way too big because that can cost extra money you don’t need to spend. When figuring out the size, experts look at your “peak load,” which is the most electricity you use at one time.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a generator that can handle about 20% more power than you actually need. This extra space makes sure the machine doesn’t get too tired or worn out if it has to run for a long time. It also leaves room in case you buy new appliances later.
The Installation Journey
Because installing a generator is a large task involving fuel and electricity, it needs to be done carefully by experts. This is how the procedure typically looks:
1. Site Inspection: To determine the ideal location for the generator, an electrical contractor from ST Louis, MO will come to your site. It must be in an area that is both convenient to connect to your electrical grid and allows it to breathe.
2. Obtaining Permits: You must obtain permission from the county or city before beginning any work. We refer to this as a permission. These licenses ensure that the installation complies with all fire and electrical safety regulations.
3. The Basis: Generators are bulky! To prevent them from sinking into the ground or moving during a storm, they require a sturdy concrete platform to sit atop.
4. Wiring and Switches: The “transfer switch” is the most crucial component. This unique box serves as an electricity traffic cop. The switch switches the “traffic” so that electricity comes from your generator rather than the street when the main power goes out.
5. Fuel Connection: A plumber will connect the pipes if your generator runs on natural gas or propane so it has the fuel it needs to function.
6. Testing: Once everything is hooked up, the electrician will test everything to make sure it starts up flawlessly and powers the right portions of your house.
It typically takes four to eight weeks to complete the entire process.
Keeping Your Generator Happy (Maintenance)
Just like a car, a generator needs “check-ups” to stay healthy. If you don’t take care of it, it might not start when you really need it during a blizzard or a thunderstorm.
· Weekly Checks: You should take a quick look at it once a week to make sure it is clean and that no lights are blinking to show an error.
· Monthly Testing: It is a good idea to run the generator for about 30 minutes every month. This keeps the engine parts moving and ensures the battery is charged.
· Annual Service: Once a year, a professional should come by to change the oil and the filters.
Because St. Louis is very humid, moisture can sometimes get inside the machine and cause rust. Regular maintenance helps stop this from happening so your machine lasts a long time. A trusted St Louis electrical contractor can set up a schedule to handle all these chores for you so you don’t have to worry about it.
Safety and Local Rules
There are a lot of rules to follow in Missouri when it comes to generators. These are called “codes”. These codes cover things like how much noise the machine can make so it doesn’t bother your neighbors and how to store fuel safely so it doesn’t cause a fire. It is also important to have the machine inspected by a city official after it is installed to make sure everything was done exactly right.
Following these rules isn’t just about avoiding tickets; it’s about making sure your family or your employees are safe. A professional will know exactly which rules apply to your specific neighborhood.
Conclusion
Having a plan for backup power is one of the smartest things a homeowner or business owner in Missouri can do. It gives you peace of mind knowing that even if a big ice storm or a summer thunderstorm hits, your life won’t have to stop. From picking the right size to making sure it is maintained every year, every step is important for keeping the power flowing. When you are ready to protect your home with a professional setup, you can always count on the experienced team at Bates-Electric to help you get the job done right.
