Stay Alight During a Power Outage
We like to think of electricity as one of the greatest inventions of all time. It keeps you warm during winter, helps you cook, watch TV, it powers your phone and Wi-Fi. We are so used to it that it’s hard to imagine life without it. But, we get acquainted with that feeling once a power outage happens. That can be more frequent if you live somewhere windy or cold. Even if you don’t, it’s best to be prepared for such an event. Besides preparing food, water, medicine and having lighting options close by, you can still have electricity and continue your life by getting a generator. If you want to know all about generators, how to choose the best one and operate it when the power cut-off happens, we prepared a homeowner’s guide for you with an explanation of what kind of services we offer if you happen to live in the Greater Seattle area.
Before we go into more complex steps regarding generator installation and how to manage it, I think it’s best we start by answering a question:
What is a generator?
A generator is an electromechanical device that provides electrical power during a power outage. The way it does that is by converting the mechanical energy provided from an external source, to electrical energy to provide enough energy for other appliances. Even though it essentially helps provide electricity, it’s not a device that creates it. The generator simply uses existing mechanical energy and forces the flow of present electric charges inside the wire of its windings. Sources of mechanical energy used to drive generators include steam turbines, gas turbines, water turbines, wind turbines etc.
Can you install a generator yourself?
Though there are many possible electricity DIY projects, this one doesn’t fall into such a category. Unless you have years of electrical experience, it’s best to hire professionals to install the best possible generator for your home. Our team provides consultation and installation for reliable generators to keep your home powered and the lights on.
How do you choose the best generator?
As with installation, it’s best to consult a professional electrician team to assess your home and its location, and find the generator that fits your particular needs. Before making a final choice, one should consider factors like your home’s size, electrical load, which appliances you want to power during an outage or which brand of generator is best for you. We’re certified to install, repair and maintain all major generator brands commonly used in the PNW, from Kohler to Cummins.
It’s also important to consider whether you want a standby or a portable generator.
Portable generators are ideal for temporary or occasional outages and can be set up outdoors. They have lower initial cost but require more effort to maintain. Standby generators are permanently installed in your home’s electrical system, automatically activating during an outage. They may be higher in cost upfront but easier to maintain.
Generators also use different types of fuel, like propane and natural gas, and all of that should be examined before making the final decision. For example, propane is easy to store, burns easily and has a long shelf life. Natural gas is convenient for homes with an existing natural gas line, but may be affected during natural disasters. No matter if you prefer natural gas, diesel or propane, we have the experience and know-how to recommend and install the right generator for your home.
It’s also important to set your budget before you go into full process.
Our team performs electrical load calculations to make sure you get the right capacity. Most residential homes in our area need between 16-24 kW for optimal coverage. For commercials, it varies based on business needs and scale.
Obtaining permits
Once you’ve chosen professional electricians, the type of generator you want, got a professional assessment of your home, location and chose the right fuel for you, permits need to be obtained. This step needs to comply with local building codes and regulations, so make sure to check those. Necessary documents typically include electrical permits, plumbing or gas permits if applicable, and approvals from homeowners’ associations for residential installations. Having a professional electrician or a contractor can make this step easier.
Site Preparation
In order to prepare the location where your generator will be installed, you need to clear it and level the ground. If necessary, a concrete pad should be set or another approved mounting surface. You also need to ensure adequate ventilation for your generator’s cooling and exhaust systems. Preparing the location properly will ensure your generator to remain secure even during bad weather, will help lower the possibility of operational issues and extend your generator’s lifespan.
Installing the transfer switch and connecting it to the fuel source
During installation, make sure that the transfer switch is installed. That will ensure power is safely routed to essential circuits without back feeding electricity into the grid. The professional you hired will install the transfer switch near your main electrical panel. It’s important to work with a professional electrician at this stage to guarantee a safe integration and reliable power transfer. The generator also must be connected to a reliable fuel source in order to work. Our generator installers ensure your system connects efficiently with your electrical panel.
Once it’s connected to a fuel source, and the transfer switch is installed, clear the area of debris and enclose the generator according to your climate.
Final testing
Testing the generator and the technicians doing a thorough inspection, is essential to check whether the generator works properly. Simulate a power outage by cutting off electricity and allowing the generator to activate automatically.
Verify that the generator powers the designated circuits correctly and that the transfer switch is operational. Once everything is checked, the generator will be ready to use and provide a backup for your home when there’s a power outage.
Why are generators important in the Greater-Seattle area?
Storm-Driven Outages – Puget Sound faces powerful windstorms and bomb cyclones from time to time.
Yearly Interruptions – Even in calm years, most homes experience 1–2 outages each year.
Tree Density – Half of unplanned outages in Seattle are caused by trees or branches falling on power lines.
Prolonged Blackouts – Severe weather can overwhelm the power grid.
Critical Power Needs – With more families working from home, relying on medical devices, and needing heating during freezing winters, a generator ensures uninterrupted power.
If you live in the Greater Seattle area and are looking to install a generator to make sure your home is prepared for a power outage, our whole home generator installers help you choose the best generator size and setup. You can start by scheduling a consultation. CBR Electric is committed to delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality electrical services for your home.
