Although most local power companies work around the clock to ensure that everyone has reliable and consistent electricity, power outages do happen. Whether a storm, damaged lines or a freak accident causes it, there is a good chance that sometime in your life you will have to depend on an alternative source of electricity. While it is prudent to keep supplies on hand, such as candles, lanterns and other lighting and heat sources, one of the best ways to keep your power going during an outage is with the help of a backup generator. With proper use, a backup generator can keep your electrical essentials running for several days at a time. Adding one to your house, however, is not as simple as plugging it in. There are many dangers involved in connecting a generator to your electrical system. A licensed Electrician in the Great Falls Area, such as Certified Electrical Technologies, should always perform all electric generator installs to ensure that it is done safely and properly.

What Does a Generator Protect?
When operating your electric generator, it is important to power on only the most necessary items. This typically includes appliances such as heating equipment, sump pumps, water pumps, refrigerators, freezers and any home health equipment. You will also want to use the generator to help provide a limited amount of lighting. Keep in mind that your generator will only operate as long as it has fuel. If fuel is abundant, and it is easy to get more, you may power more items. If you are stuck in a snowstorm, or otherwise unable to leave your home, you will want to keep usage to a bare minimum. If you have any questions about what you should and should not power with your generator, feel free to contact Certified Electrical Technologies, a knowledgeable electrician in Great Falls VA.
Types of Generators

The best generators for home use are those that have their engine directly connected to the generator. This type of generator is the most readily available and comes in several different sizes. You can talk to your electrician in Great Falls to determine which size best suits your home. These use a double-throw switch to stop the electricity from feeding back onto the electrical lines, which could cause severe injury to anyone performing outdoor electrical safety assessments or repair work. A certified electrician in Great Falls must install these generators.

If you happen to live on a farm or someplace where a tractor is readily available, you may choose a power-take-off-drive type of generator. This type of generator will connect to your farmstead meter pole, and will allow you to distribute power to your entire home and farm through your current system, with no electrical rewiring required. In this situation, the generator is normally installed permanently in a small building next to the meter pole. An opening is left for the tractor’s power shaft.

Regardless of the type of generator that you select, the most important thing to remember is that the installation must be completed by a qualified electrician in Great Falls. If an installation is done incorrectly, serious damage could be done to your home or to nearby power lines.
While your Great Falls electrician is at your place installing a generator, this is the best time for them to do any type of electrical troubleshooting, home rewiring or electrical upgrade that is necessary to properly support an added generator. You may, for example, need new electrical circuits installed or electrical outlets replaced. These are all considerations that your Great Falls Electrician will take into account when installing your new electrical generator.

If you do a quick search on the Internet for electrician Great Falls MD, you’ll easily be able to find Certified Electrical Technologies, and you’ll be glad you did!

If you need any electrical work in Great Falls, please don’t hesitate to contact us at:

Certified Electrical Technologies
9893 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066
703-955-4629
visit our website electrician in Great Falls