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How Long Can a Generator Run? Understanding Standby Generators

a generator

When the power goes out, a standby generator can feel like a lifesaver. These machines offer peace of mind during outages, but like any mechanical system, they need a little attention to stay reliable.

A standby generator can run continuously since it typically runs on natural gas. While standby generators are designed to run as long as they have fuel, it is important to remember that they are not invincible. They require regular maintenance to keep working without breaking down. 

Let’s take it one step at a time and answer these questions: How do generators work? How long can a generator run safely? How can you get the most out of them?

How Long Can a Generator Run: Getting the Most Out of Your Generator

If you reside in a place with unreliable power grids, it’s smart to prepare for extended periods without power. Many homeowners choose a standby generator, which offers longer running … Read Full Post »

What Electrical Panel Size Do I Need?

an electrical panel

An electrical panel is the control center of your home’s electrical system. It distributes electricity in your home, ensuring all appliances, lights and devices function well. However, not all panels are the same, and their size determines how much electricity your home can handle.

Electrical panels come in different sizes, typically 60 to 400 amps, with most modern homes requiring at least 100 to 200 amps. The right panel size depends on your home’s square footage, the number of appliances and your future power needs.

Upgrading your panel may be necessary if you’re adding large appliances, renovating or experiencing electrical issues. When replacing your panel, it’s best to match the new panel to your current amperage or upgrade if needed.

However, it’s important to note that determining the correct panel size isn’t always straightforward. A licensed electrician can assess your home’s electrical load and recommend the safest and most efficient option.

So, what are … Read Full Post »

Outlet Stopped Working but Breaker Is Not Tripped

an outlet

Circuit breakers are an important part of our home electrical system. When an outlet stops working, finding a tripped breaker is normal. However, if the circuit breaker is okay, it can confuse you as to why the outlet is not functioning.

It can be difficult to sort out this issue if you are not a licensed electrician. The safest option is to consult a licensed electrician with the skills and training to do it best.

Common Reasons Why the Outlet Stopped Working But the Breaker Is Not Tripped

There are different reasons your outlet stopped working even when your breaker did not trip. Each of these reasons requires a skilled and licensed electrician to diagnose and fix.

Here are the most common reasons.

Faulty Outlet

Electric outlets are extensively used in our homes and can get easily damaged. Since items are repeatedly plugged in and out of outlets over time, they get damaged from repeated wear … Read Full Post »

Why Does My Breaker Keep Tripping With Nothing Plugged In?

a circuit breaker

Circuit breakers are silent protectors. From sudden power surges to ground faults or short circuits, breakers ensure our homes and appliances stay protected from electrical issues. A breaker works by immediately terminating electricity flow into the home in case of an overload or overheating and can prevent electrical fires.

If your breaker keeps tripping even when no appliance or device is plugged in, there might be a serious problem. Understanding why this issue is happening can be helpful. However, the best option is to consult a licensed electrician. The electrician has the training and skills to determine the cause and can address the electrical issue.

Why Does My Breaker Keep Tripping With Nothing Plugged In?

Even when you’re not using any appliance or gadget, your breaker can still trip due to the following reasons.

Ground Faults

A ground fault happens when a current takes unintentional paths to the ground. When this occurs, anything in the … Read Full Post »

What is the Preferred Generator Wattage for a House?

a generator being installed

When choosing a standby generator, one of the most common questions is, “What is the preferred generator wattage for a house?” 

Simply put, there’s no “preferred” generator wattage for a house. Selecting the right generator size requires careful consideration of individual household needs. For example, would you like your generator to support just a few appliances, like your fridge and your HVAC unit? Or, are you looking for a generator that can power your whole home? A licensed electrician can consult with you on what your needs are to determine what generator wattage will work best for your home. 

Selecting the right wattage is important because it ensures your home is comfortably functional during an outage without straining the generator.

How do generators work? In simple terms, they operate like small power plants. A generator engine creates mechanical energy, which is then converted into electrical energy to keep your home running. This electrical … Read Full Post »

How Do EV Charging Stations Work?

an EV charger

While electric vehicles have many conveniences, charging them can be challenging for some EV owners. It’s unfamiliar territory because we’ve all been pumping gas for as long as we can remember. Instead of heading to the gas station, new EV owners must figure out when and how to charge their vehicles. But with the growing number of incentives for EV drivers, it’s worth making the transition.

So, how do EV charging stations work? Here’s your guide to EV charging at home to help you get started. Let a professional electrician handle the installation if you want a charging station on your property. The electrician will assess your home’s electrical capacity, follow safety standards and ensure your charging station works flawlessly.

How Do EV Charging Stations Work?

Charging your EV is similar to charging any other electrical device. You plug one end of the EV charger into your car and the other into a … Read Full Post »

How Often Should I Charge My EV to 100?

charging an EV vehicle

Going electric isn’t just a trend drivers are trying out for fun. It’s a sustainable solution to the problems of driving traditional combustion engine vehicles. EVs play a significant role in battling air pollution as they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They also help drivers save on fuel costs.

Swapping out your gas-powered car for an electric one has various benefits, but it’s not without challenges. One of them is charging. If you’ve been pumping gas for years, charging your vehicle can be confusing. One question new EV drivers ask is, “How often should I charge my EV to 100?”

If EV charging intimidates you, here’s your guide to EV charging at home. For your electrical needs, don’t hesitate to contact a licensed electrician. The electrician will assess your electrical panel at home, upgrade it if necessary and install a charging station for a seamless EV experience.

How Often Should I Charge My … Read Full Post »

How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV Car?

an EV charging

Charging our gadgets is part of our daily routines, whether it’s our phones, laptops or headphones. However, charging a car is something many of us are still getting used to. One challenge you might face is figuring out how long it takes to charge your EV so you can schedule your day appropriately. There’s no straightforward answer to this question because there are various factors to consider.

If you’re new to the EV world, here’s your guide to EV charging at home. Contact an electrician if you’re ready to enjoy the convenience of home charging. A licensed electrician will assess your electrical panel, upgrade it if necessary and install the charging station correctly.

How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV Car?

Your EV’s charging time is dependent on a host of variables. Even the weather and your charging cable’s length may have an impact. But if we’re narrowing it down to … Read Full Post »

How Does a Dimmer Switch Work?

a dimmer switch

Homeowners can be hands-on about many things around the house, but electrical work should be handled by a professional. The dimmer switch is one electrical component that could give you problems at home. You might find that it’s not dimming all the way or won’t work with some lights. If your dimmer switch is stressing you out, we’ll explain how this device works and how to troubleshoot common issues.

Let electricians come to the rescue if you can’t figure it out. These licensed professionals have the tools and expertise to solve the electrical mysteries that could be bugging you at home.

What Is a Dimmer Switch and How Does It Work?

It wasn’t until the 1930s that incandescent dimmers entered the picture, used in theaters to set the mood for different scenes. They had massive panels that required manual operation, a far cry from the modern dimmers.

Fast forward 30 years, dimming technology has … Read Full Post »

GFCI Outlet Not Resetting: What’s Wrong?

a GFCI outlet

Ground-fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, are essential in preventing electrical accidents at home.

What is a GFCI outlet? It is a device used to replace a standard electrical outlet. It monitors the amount of power going into plugged appliances. GFCIs trip whenever they sense irregularities in the electrical current, needing as little as 1/40th of a second to react.

While GFCIs keep us safe from electrical shocks and electrocution, they can malfunction like any other device. Sometimes, they won’t reset, which can be frustrating and potentially dangerous.

If your GFCI outlet is not working as it should, here are some possible reasons behind the issue and how to troubleshoot them. It’s best to call in a licensed professional to handle electrical components in your home.

GFCI Outlet Not Resetting? Here’s What to Do

Homeowners should investigate if a GFCI outlet won’t reset. There are various possible causes for a GFCI outlet that won’t reset. Here … Read Full Post »