Why own a generator?

IPS12000 Indoor Power Source

 

Now you have it, now you don't. From hurricanes and snow storms to accidents, tens of millions of Americans lose electrical power to their homes each year. No warning - just no lights, no heat, no air conditioning. No refrigerator, no sump pump, no security system. A few hours without power is a nuisance. Losing power for days, weeks or even longer can be costly and downright dangerous. With American Electrical Contracting in Jacksonville, installing generators throughout the region, this is a condition you do not have to put up with.
A Generac standby generator for residential or commercial applications, installed by American Electrical Contracting, delivers the power you need, the security and peace of mind you want. A Generac® automatic standby generator returns your home to full power within seconds, 24/7, even when you're not at home. More convenient than a portable unit, a fully automatic Generac standby generator senses an outage and begins to produce power immediately. There are no extension cords to plug in, gas tanks to fill, or switches to flip.

How it Works(click for video)

Generac Standby Generators are completely automatic, helping to ensure that your home or business remain safe from the negative and potentially harmful effects of power loss.
1. The Generac system automatically and continuously monitors incoming power from the utility line.

2. When utility power is interrupted, the control system in the generator automatically senses the loss of power and signals the generator to start.
3. The automatic transfer switch safely closes off the utility line and simultaneously opens a new power line from the generator.
4. Your Generac generator supplies electricity to your main distribution panel through an automatic transfer switch. You can elect to back up selected emergency circuits or your entire electrical service.
5. When utility line voltage returns, the system transfers the electrical load back to the utility line. The generator continues to run for an engine cool-down period of several minutes and the entire system stands ready for the next power outage.
To ensure the system is always ready when you need it, your generator will run a 10-12 minute self-test cycle every week.

Why Use American Electrical Contracting

To say use American Electrical Contracting, Inc. because we are the best, is too simple and obviously what you expect us to say. You have to understand why we are the best. In 8 years American Electrical Contracting has grown to be one of the largest electrical service and installation companies in North Florida. In the very competitive world of electrical companies, you can only grow this consistently if you are doing an exceptional job.
The majority of our business comes from the referrals of satisfied customers. American Electrical’s generator installation experience is both commercial and residential, covering a variety of models, sized and installed to fit the needs of that particular customer. Through ongoing training, our electricians keep up with technological changes and installation requirements. While our sales increase during active hurricane seasons, we encourage you to plan a head and not wait until the last minute. Please give us the opportunity to satisfy your generator requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an automatic standby generator?
An automatic standby generator is a back-up electrical system that operates whether you are at your property or away. It automatically supplies power to your home or business within seconds of a utility outage. When utility power returns, the generator shuts itself off and awaits the next outage. Generac home standby and QT Series generators operate on natural gas or liquid propane and are usually installed outside at ground level or on the roof.

What will it power?
Generac generators supply electricity to your main distribution panel through an automatic transfer switch. You can elect to back up selected emergency circuits or your entire electrical service. Generac’s 7 to 13 kW air-cooled models provide exceptional value to homeowners interested in backing up critical circuits. The 16 and 18 kW air-cooled models and Generac’s liquid-cooled units ranging from 18-150 kW are ideal for critical circuit and entire service back up in larger residential, commercial and light industrial applications.
Why should I buy an automatic standby generator instead of a portable generator?
While portable generators do supply power, Generac automatic standby generators produce higher quality, computer friendly electricity. They operate automatically and run a weekly self-test to ensure proper response to an outage. There are no extension cords to plug in and no gas tanks to fill. Because they operate automatically, your property is protected even when you're away. When the utility returns, the generator shuts itself off and restores utility power.

What's the difference between air-cooled and liquid-cooled?
Generac’s air-cooled home standby units use engines that Generac designs and manufactures specifically for Generac’s smaller generators. Volume production helps Generac to keep costs down, making Generac’s air-cooled generators the most affordable in the industry. Smaller models essential circuits and Generac’s 16 and 18 kW units can often back up the entire service, in many residential applications.
Generac liquid-cooled generators use over-the-road truck or industrial engines for reliability, long life and increased horsepower. This makes them ideal for larger homes, commercial and light industrial applications.

Do they have to be maintained?
Just like your car's engine, generators need periodic oil and filter changes. Many customers rely on Generac's preventative maintenance kits to satisfy routine maintenance requirements. Refer to your owner's manual for routine maintenance procedures and schedules. The simplest way to maintain your generator is to set up a generator maintenance agreement with American Electrical Contracting.

What is the advantage of an aluminum enclosure?
Aluminum is corrosion resistant, so it prolongs the life and look of the generator, particularly in coastal, salt air climates and in regions where salt is often spread on the roads in winter.

What is Quiet-Test™?
Quiet-Test is a feature that allows the generator's engine to run at lower speeds during the automatic weekly self-test cycle (exercise). Quiet-Test reduces generator sound levels by up to 50%, making them as quiet as a car idling in your driveway. This near-silent operation allows the 16 and 18 kW air-cooled models and Generac’s QT Series generators to satisfy all known sound ordinances. QuietTest also reduces fuel consumption during exercise.

How do I select a generator that's right for me?
The most accurate way is to size a generator for any application is to measure the total amount of electricity required to power the circuits or appliances that will operate with emergency backup power. In addition, certain appliances such as central air conditioners can require up to five times as much power to get them started as they will use when running. When selecting a generator, that additional starting requirement must be taken into consideration. Generac recommends that you consult a qualified electrician to ensure your generator is correctly sized for your specific requirements. American Electrical Contracting has qualified electricians to simplify the generator sizing process.
Generac's 10, 12 or 16 circuit pre-wired systems make sizing easy for customers who only want to back up a few essential circuits. You simply connect the circuits you want to back up to matching circuits in the pre-wired transfer switch. For customers concerned with air conditioning, you will need to make sure the kW rating of the generator and the size of the circuit breakers in the transfer switch will meet the A/C startup power requirements.

How long does it take to install an automatic standby generator?
Of course installation times vary depending on many factors. Generac home standby and QT Series generators offer the easiest installation in the industry. Generac’s air-cooled models are shipped with a tough composite mounting pad and some can be installed in as little as four hours.
Because of their additional weight, liquid-cooled units must be installed on a stronger mounting surface such as a concrete slab.
Note: Time estimates are based on typical applications. Additional time may be required to run electrical conduit or gas piping if the unit cannot be located near the incoming gas or electrical service.

When is the best time to install my generator?
American Electrical Contracting does emergency generator installation in Jacksonville and surrounding cities. However, the best time to install a generator is before you actually need it. Typically, generator sales and installations increase before and after a storm or extended power outage. Why wait until the last minute? Protect your food, family, etc. and avoid the inconvenience of a power outage by having American Electrical Contracting install your generator in a timely manner.

How much fuel does an automatic standby generator use?

Portable Generators

American Electrical Contracting sells and installs generators in Jacksonville and surrounding cities. As you read the information below keep in mind that electrical work is not a hobby and on the job training can be deadly. Trust the experts and save your life!

While we are providing you with the precautions to take we would prefer that you use our expertise in all kinds of generators rather than trying to do things by yourself. By the way, we know that everyone has a know it all friend. Does he have checkable credentials? How much do you trust him?

American Electrical Contracting “Wired Right At A Fair Price”, not just a slogan it’s the way we run our business!

Introduction: Portable generators are a necessary piece of equipment to supply temporary or remote electric power. Generators can be hazardous if not operated and maintained with caution. The primary hazards associated with portable generators are carbon monoxide poisoning from exhaust fumes, electric shock or electrocution, and fire. While working with the larger trailer mounted generators, moving parts pose additional hazards which require proper lockout/blockout-tagout procedures. Following are guidelines for portable generator safety:

OSHA requirements for mobile power generating equipment:

Power cable connections to mobile machines:

• A metallic enclosure must be provided on the generator for enclosing the power cable terminals.

• The enclosure must include provisions for a solid connection for the ground wire(s) terminal to effectively ground the machine frame.

• The method of cable termination used must prevent any strain or pull on the cable from stressing the electrical connections.

• The enclosure must be locked so only authorized personnel may open it, and marked with a sign warning of the presence of energized parts.

      Guarding live parts:

• All energized switching and control parts must be enclosed in effectively grounded metal cabinets or enclosures.

• Circuit breakers and protective equipment must have the operating mechanism projecting through the metal cabinet or enclosure so the units can be reset without the locked doors being opened. .

• Enclosures and metal cabinets must be locked so that only authorized qualified persons have access, and marked with a sign warning of the presence of energized parts.

General safety guidelines for operating generators:

        Employers must ensure that personnel who operate or maintain generators are properly trained to safely accomplish the work assigned.

        Employees exposed to energized parts of the generator must be equipped with the proper personal protective equipment.

Generators must be properly grounded either to their frame or to a grounding rod driven into the earth.

If not incorporated into the generator by the manufacturer, an external ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) should be used between the generator and electrical device, extension cord, etc.

        Never operate a generator in an enclosed area or in close proximity to an enclosed occupied excavation such as a drilled shaft hole or bell bottom pier hole, as exhaust fumes may seep into these areas. Make sure adequate ventilation is provided for safe operation.

        A fire extinguisher should be available at all times.

        If direct wiring connections to equipment are required, ensure that only qualified electricians or competent persons perform these tasks.

Do not adjust engine speed governing devices beyond the manufacturer’s recommendation.

        Do not overload the rated power capacity of the generator.

Open major circuits to connected equipment before starting the generator. Wait until the generator is operating at speed before closing circuits.

Ensure that all equipment supplied by the generator have the power controls turned off at the equipment before closing the supplying circuit from the generator to the equipment.

Do not fuel generators while running or while the engine is hot. Schedule refueling between or after shifts when power is not required. Do not allow fuel to overflow.

Keep the generator in a dry sheltered area. Do not use the generator in rain or wet conditions. Dry your hands before touching the generator.

Plug equipment directly into the generator. If extension cords are used, use heavy duty cable rated at least equal to the sum off all connected equipment loads. Check all cable or cords for proper grounding connection, and for cuts, abrasions, or other damage before use.

Never try to power an existing house or structure by plugging the generator directly into a wall outlet. This practice, known as “backfeeding”, is extremely dangerous. It bypasses the built-in circuit protection devices, and can cause electrocution to utility workers and neighboring structure occupants served by the same transformer.

Personnel performing maintenance on generators must be properly trained, and use the correct     

lockout/blockout-tagout procedures for the task performed. Do not perform maintenance on machinery

while it is running.

Conclusion: Portable generators come in varied sizes with a large range of generating capacities. From small units which supply only enough power to run a few household appliances or power tools, to extremely large high voltage generators which supply enough power to meet the needs of major production plants or heavy machinery. These large generator require additional training to deal safely with the unique requirements of high voltage hazards.

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