How Does a Generac Generator Work During a Power Outage?

March 20, 2026. Posted by Tom Riggs in Electrical • Bryan-College Station

Key Takeaways

A Generac standby generator is a whole-home backup power solution. For many Texas homeowners, investing in a properly sized and professionally installed Generac generator will help keep their home running smoothly during an outage.

In Texas, power outages are often caused by severe storms and summer heat putting strain on the power grid. One of the best ways to prepare for a power outage is investing in a backup power source, like a Generac home generator.

A Generac generator is a standby generator, which is different from a portable generator. It’s designed to automatically restore power during an outage and is more reliable and convenient than portable generators.

This comprehensive guide covers how Generac standby generators work, their fuel types and the advantages of owning one in Texas. It also includes expert insights from Anthony Burks, Master Electrician and certified Generac generator maintenance technician … Read Full Post »

How Long Do Generators Last?

February 20, 2026. Posted by Tom Riggs in Electrical • Bryan-College Station

Many Texas homeowners choose to rely on generators for backup power. Since we experience high summer heat and occasional winter freezes, having a standby generator can keep your home powered during outages.

How long do generators last, and what can you do to extend their lifespan? To help answer these questions, we spoke with Anthony Burks, Master Electrician at ABC Home & Commercial Services.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the lifespan of your generator, how to make it last as long as possible, signs that it’s near the end of its life and more.

Average Lifespan of Home Generators

The average lifespan of a professionally-installed, well-maintained standby generator is between 20 and 30 years. However, the lifespan of generators is not solely measured in years; it’s also measured in hours of use.

A well-maintained standby generator can typically offer about 10,000 to … Read Full Post »

GFCI Outlet is Not Working: Symptoms, Causes and Fixes for a Broken GFCI Outlet

February 13, 2026. Posted by Tom Riggs in Electrical • San Antonio

A red light coming from the outlet which indicates the GFCI outlet is not working

When electricians talk about GFCI outlets, they’re talking about ground-fault circuit interrupters. This is a common safety feature in many homes. What is a GFCI outlet?

Anthony Burks, Master Electrician at ABC Home & Commercial Services, explains: “GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. It’s a specialty device designed to turn power off due to a fault in the circuit for safety.”

The difference between a standard outlet and a GFCI outlet is that GFCI outlets continuously monitor the current through the circuit. They can detect when current is leaking where it shouldn’t.

As Burks explains: “GFCIs are designed to cut power off if it detects a ground fault. It monitors surges in the current going to and returning from equipment. If the difference meets the rating of the specific GFCI device, then it shuts off power. A ground fault occurs when there is an unintentional path between a power source and a grounded … Read Full Post »

Rewiring Your Home Electrical System

August 15, 2025. Posted by Tom Riggs in Electrical • Austin

When renovating, many homeowners focus on improving the home’s aesthetic appeal. They could add a fresh coat of paint, upgrade appliances or replace old furniture. But what about the wires behind the walls? These might be due for a change, too.

Rewiring a home’s electrical system can help ensure that your family is protected from electrical mishaps, especially if you have an older home. A whole-house rewire involves replacing all of the old wiring throughout your home and installing a new fuse box.

Home rewiring is a highly complicated task and should not be attempted as a DIY project. That’s why you should ask a licensed electrician to handle this task.

How Do Electricians Rewire a Whole House?

A professional electrician follows six key steps when rewiring a house, which include the following:

Electrical system assessment
Layout planning
Outlet and fixture marking
Old wiring removal
Read Full Post »

How Long Can a Generator Run? Understanding Standby Generators

April 4, 2025. Posted by Tom Riggs in Electrical • San Antonio

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 »

Tax Credits for EV Charging at Home

April 2, 2025. Posted by Tom Riggs in Electrical • Austin

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a great way to help fight climate change and reduce gas costs. Additionally, the U.S. federal government offers a tax credit for EV charging stations to help make switching to an electric vehicle more affordable.

Let’s go over a few things you should know about this EV incentive.

Tax Credit for EV Charger: What Is It?

The EV charger tax credit is a provision under the U.S. government’s Inflation Reduction Act. The federal government offers these incentives to help lower the cost of installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Known as the 30C Tax Credit or EV Charging Tax Credit, this program provides up to $1,000 per charger for home installations. It covers 30% of the installation costs, including the charger, necessary parts, permits, hardware upgrades and the work of a licensed electrician.

Although this tax credit does not help pay for the electricity used to charge your EV, it … Read Full Post »

What Electrical Panel Size Do I Need?

March 10, 2025. Posted by Tom Riggs in Electrical • Bryan-College Station

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

January 24, 2025. Posted by Tom Riggs in Electrical • San Antonio

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?

January 6, 2025. Posted by Tom Riggs in Electrical • Bryan-College Station

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?

December 4, 2024. Posted by Tom Riggs in Electrical • Austin

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 »