Three Reasons You Need To Hire A Licensed Electrician For Generator Installation

Typically, you don't need an electrician to help you plug in a portable generator. However, when it comes to installing standby generators, you will need the expertise of an electrician to ensure the generator functions properly when its need arises.

Unlike portable generators that only need to get plugged in, standby generators are more complex to install. For instance, backup generators need to get installed such that they start up automatically once the main electrical supply goes out.

However, in addition to ensuring a standby generator functions properly, there are various other benefits you get to enjoy by hiring an electrician to install the generator. Here are three reasons you should have a professional electrician install a generator for you.

Adhering to Electrical Codes

Electrical codes are the regulations that govern how electrical systems should get installed. Unfortunately, electrical codes usually vary between towns and cities; thus, if you are not an electrician, chances are you may not be aware of the electrical codes that are applicable in your area.

Additionally, if you attempt to install a generator without adhering to the electrical codes of your area, you could end up facing severe fines. Thus, it is best to have a professional electrician install the generator for you because they are already acquainted with your area's electrical codes.

Upholding the Generator's Warranty

When you buy a generator, the dealer/manufacturer will provide you with a warranty. The warranty guarantees that if the generator is faulty or malfunctions after installation, the dealer/manufacturer will either provide you with a replacement generator or cover the costs of the repairs.

However, it is essential to note that most generator warranties become null and void if you conduct a DIY installation. The reasoning behind this is that you may have damaged the generator or inappropriately installed it during your DIY attempt. Thus, if you DIY install a generator and it turns out to be faulty or malfunctions, you can't claim the warranty.

Thus, to ensure that the generator's warranty remains valid for its stipulated period, you should have a professional electrician install it. Besides, if the generator turns out to be faulty after installation, the electrician can be your witness when claiming the warranty.

Abiding With the Law

You may not know this but, DIY generator installations get prohibited in some states/cities. The reasoning behind this is that a person with less than adequate electrical expertise can cause an accident. For instance, most standby generators operate on natural gas. Hence, if you make a mistake during your DIY generator installation, it could leak gas or explode.

As a result, some states provide special licenses to electricians who install natural gas generators. Thus, to prevent finding yourself on the wrong side of the law, hiring an electrician for generator installation services is advisable. Besides, you get to rest assured that your generator will not leak or explode due to improper installation.

For more information, contact a generator service company in your area.