The Importance of Professional Installation for Standby Generators
What to Expect During a Standby Generator Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide
Investing in a standby generator is a smart decision for homeowners looking to ensure uninterrupted power during outages. However, the installation process involves several key steps that must be carefully managed to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance with local codes. At
MALL Energy Home, we handle the entire process seamlessly, ensuring you get the best possible installation experience. Here’s what you can expect:
Delivery and Site Preparation
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The generator unit and its concrete slab are delivered to the site and placed in the designated location.
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Site preparation may involve minor leveling, ground clearing, or fence adjustments to provide access.
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Best placement is as close as possible to the existing gas and electrical supply to minimize costs and complexity.
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Space requirements must be met for proper maintenance access and cooling system efficiency.
Electrical and Plumbing Installation
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Electrical and plumbing work can be done in either order or simultaneously, depending on scheduling and site conditions.
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The process duration varies from half a day to a couple of days, based on the proximity of the generator to the main electrical breaker and gas meter (or propane tank).
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Electrical Installation:
- Involves installing the automatic transfer switch between the utility power source and the main breaker panel.
- The generator is connected to the transfer switch to ensure automatic activation during a power outage.
- Temporary power disruption during this step typically lasts only a few minutes.
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Plumbing Installation:
- Includes running gas piping from the meter (or propane tank) to the generator.
- If propane is required, a propane company must install the tank, which can be a significant expense, especially for buried tanks.
Important: Electrical and plumbing work must be completed by licensed professionals to meet quality and safety standards. Non-compliance can lead to insurance claim issues.
Permitting and Regulatory Considerations
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Permits vary by city and subdivision, and compliance with local noise and placement regulations is required.
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In most cases, electricians and plumbers handle permits, but if purchasing a turnkey installation from MALL Energy Home, we manage the entire process.
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If the home lacks an existing gas line but gas is available, the homeowner must coordinate with the gas utility to install a meter and supply line (typically a one-day job, but scheduling depends on the utility company’s workload).
Final Installation and Testing
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The generator is placed on a cart or manually lifted onto the slab.
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Installers take care to avoid damaging landscaping elements such as flower beds and grass.
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After the unit is installed, MALL Energy Home provides operating and maintenance instructions to the homeowner.
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- The generator is started and checked for leaks.
- The home’s main breaker is turned off to simulate a power outage, triggering the transfer switch.
- The entire test takes about five minutes.
- Once completed, the unit is set to "standby mode," ready for operation.
Ongoing Maintenance and Support
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MALL Energy Home offers maintenance service plans, typically including two visits per year:
- Inspection Visit: A visual inspection, battery test, and stop/start run with no load applied. Any fluid leaks or loose wires are checked.
- Full Service Visit: Oil and air filter changes, a battery test, and a load test where the utility power is disconnected to simulate an outage.
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At installation, we also program the generator for auto-exercising, meaning it will start itself on a schedule (once or twice a month) to ensure reliability.
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Remote monitoring is available via an app, allowing homeowners to check the generator’s status and receive alerts. MALL can also monitor it for an additional fee.
Common Misconceptions About Standby Generators
- Many homeowners assume that an air-cooled generator (up to 26kW) will power their entire home like normal utility service. While possible, it can be costly and requires careful sizing.
- Proper generator sizing is critical, especially for all-electric homes. Many suppliers do not have the expertise to size generators correctly, leading to inefficiencies or failures during an outage.
- MALL Energy Home has an electrical engineer on staff to review the application who properly assesses and sizes each generator before purchase.
- We do not sell a generator without first conducting a home survey to determine the best fit. Unlike some other companies, we ensure that every generator we sell is tailored to your home's specific needs. This approach guarantees that you receive the right solution, providing reliable and efficient backup power.
Why Choose MALL Energy Home?
No company in East Texas is more qualified to install, maintain, and repair standby generators than MALL Energy Home.
Check out our perfect 5-Star record on Google! In addition to our Home division,
many local hospitals and data centers in East Texas rely on our services and trust in our expertise. No company in East Texas is more qualified to install and size a standby generator than MALL Energy Home. Our expertise ensures you get a properly installed and correctly sized generator, preventing costly mistakes and ensuring your home stays powered during outages.
Get Started Today!
Ready to install a standby generator? Contact MALL Energy Home today for a consultation and home assessment. Our team will guide you through the process and ensure a smooth installation tailored to your home’s needs.
