Frequently Asked Questions

A home generator automatically detects when utility power fails and starts within seconds, using a transfer switch to safely power essential circuits. The system runs on natural gas or propane until grid power returns. At Pro Power Electric, we install Generac generators with proper transfer switches to ensure seamless power transitions during Charlotte-area storms and outages.

Generator sizing depends on your home's square footage, essential appliances, and electrical panel capacity. Most homes need between 10kW and 24kW to power heating, cooling, refrigeration, and lighting. Pro Power Electric evaluates your property's power needs and Charlotte-area electrical infrastructure to recommend the right Generac model for reliable backup power.

Generators should be serviced at least once per year, ideally before storm season begins in late spring or early summer. Regular maintenance includes checking electrical connections, fuel lines, oil levels, and testing automatic start functions. At Pro Power Electric, we recommend proactive maintenance to catch performance issues before outages occur in the Charlotte metro.

Portable generators require manual setup, fuel refills, and extension cords, while standby generators are permanently installed and start automatically during outages. Standby systems offer whole-home power with transfer switches and run on natural gas or propane. Pro Power Electric installs Generac standby generators designed for long-term reliability in residential and commercial properties.

Yes, properly installed standby generators are designed to operate safely during heavy rain, wind, and heat common in Charlotte summers. Generac systems include weather-resistant enclosures and automatic monitoring to handle regional weather impacts. Pro Power Electric ensures installations meet code requirements and account for local climate conditions to maintain backup power reliability year-round.

Common causes include dead batteries, stale fuel, clogged air filters, or faulty transfer switches that prevent automatic startup. Electrical or mechanical issues often go unnoticed without regular maintenance. At Pro Power Electric, we diagnose and repair Generac systems quickly, addressing performance problems that affect backup power reliability for homes and commercial properties.

Most residential generator installations are completed in one to two days, depending on site preparation, electrical panel setup, and permit requirements. The process includes placement, fuel line connections, transfer switch wiring, and code-compliant setup. Pro Power Electric coordinates with local permitting in the Charlotte area to ensure timely, professional installation for seamless power transitions.

Yes, generator installations in Charlotte typically require electrical and building permits to ensure safety and code compliance. Permits verify proper transfer switch wiring, fuel connections, and placement standards. Pro Power Electric is familiar with local permitting and inspection requirements, ensuring your Generac system meets all regulations for residential and commercial properties.

Cost factors include generator size, fuel type, distance from the electrical panel, transfer switch complexity, and site preparation needs like concrete pads or gas line extensions. Larger homes and commercial properties typically require higher-capacity systems. Pro Power Electric provides sizing recommendations and pricing based on your property's power needs and Charlotte-area electrical infrastructure.

Skipping annual maintenance is the most common mistake, leading to startup failures during actual outages. Many homeowners also undersize their generator or neglect transfer switch testing. At Pro Power Electric, we stress proactive service and proper sizing to ensure Generac systems deliver reliable backup power when Charlotte-area storms and grid issues strike.

With proper maintenance, a Generac standby generator typically lasts 20 to 30 years, depending on usage frequency and environmental conditions. Regular oil changes, filter replacements, and electrical inspections extend system lifespan. Pro Power Electric offers one-year warranties on installations plus manufacturer coverage, and we provide ongoing maintenance to maximize generator performance and reliability.

Yes, but older homes may require panel upgrades to handle the generator's electrical load and modern transfer switch requirements. Pro Power Electric evaluates your existing panel capacity and wiring to ensure safe, code-compliant integration. We're experienced with older homes and newer developments throughout the Charlotte area, customizing installations to fit your property's electrical system.