Grand Bay Electric Case Studies: Farm Home in North Adams, MI, Gets Generac Generator to Keep Power On
Challenge
Norman needed a whole-home generator to prevent a power outage and keep the heat on during winter. He also wanted a warrantied product from a company he could trust.
Solution
Grand Bay Electric’s knowledgeable generator specialist met with Norman to discuss his needs and determine which brand and model would work best. He also measured the home’s square footage, assessed the number and type of systems Norman wanted the ability to power, checked the home’s electrical and gas supply setup, and identified the best place to locate the generator.
Based on our initial appointment and inspection findings, we recommended a 14kW Generac generator to maintain power to the entire two-story brick farmhouse, including heating and cooling, refrigerators and freezers, lighting, electronics, and more.
The next step was to obtain an electrical permit and collect the necessary details from Norman’s electrical and propane suppliers. Automatic generators use a transfer switch to detect outages from the utility company and transfer power to the generator. The fuel to run the unit is obtained directly from the home’s gas supply. Coordinating the installation of a generator with these utility providers is critical to ensure it will operate safely and effectively.
Our electrician went out for the installation about two weeks after Norman’s initial appointment. First, he upgraded the home’s service panel, which was outdated and potentially unsafe. The panel also had to be moved away from the water main. These kinds of issues are common in older homes and should always be handled by a licensed professional like the ones at Grand Bay Electric.
Once the new service panel was ready to go, we brought in the generator, set it in place outside the home, and connected the electrical. We also worked with our plumbing partner to run the gas lines and link the unit to the propane. After testing and an inspection, the generator was ready to take over the next time Norman’s home lost power.
Like vehicles, generators use internal combustion engines and need regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Norman’s annual maintenance contract ensures he won’t forget this critical step. Generac’s automatic standby generators also include a free five-year warranty, which Norman was grateful to have when his unit suddenly shut down. He called Grand Bay Electric as soon as he noticed the problem and we came out quickly, found the issue, replaced the warrantied part, and got the generator up and running the same day.
Norman is thrilled to no longer worry about a power outage in his home. In addition, he knows he can trust Grand Bay Electric to answer his questions and take care of any issues that arise in the future.