What is the process for setting up my whole home generator? How long will it take?

After accepting your generator proposal and making a few key decisions about fuel type and permitting we are generally able to install your new generator system in 4-5 weeks after receiving your deposit. Decisions about what type of fuel and if the homeowner is managing any fuel contractors or permitting will impact this timeframe.

Homeowners should allow up to 2-4 weeks to order materials, apply for the required permits, and co-ordinate schedules with a fuel contractor and then the installation is scheduled and can generally be completed in a week.

Installing a standby generator that is connected to you home requires careful coordination of the fuel contractor, Dynamic Electric and county permitting departments.  If homeowners decide to manage their own fuel contractor or the permitting process they may need additional time to gather quotes and manage schedules so should adjust their timeframe as needed. 

Assuming that Dynamic Electric is managing the fuel contractor and permitting, here is what to expect:

Weeks 2-4 after deposit is received

Dynamic Electric orders the generator and all required parts and materials.

Permit requests are submitted to the appropriate county offices.

Dynamic Electric contacts the fuel sub contractor (Propane or Natural Gas) and schedules installation of service lines with them.

Parts and materials arrive at Dynamic Electric and are staged for install day

Depending on scheduling needs the fuel contractor may come out and set up the service lines prior to Dynamic Electric's install date but in most cases we like to do everything the same week.

Week of Installation:

Install Day 1:  Generator is delivered to home and placed on service pad, leveled and all appropriate lines and materials are laid out for installation. Fuel Contractor sets up new line and preps for first inspection.

Install Day 2: Inspection of fuel line is completed. Transfer switch and electrical connections for generator are completed. Power to the home will be turned off for part or most of the day while this work is completed.

Install Day 3: Fuel contractor connects fuel to generator.

Install Day 4: Final inspection of fuel line and generator is completed. Depending on your county this may be a single inspection or may be two different inspectors.

Install Day 5: Start up test and run through of generator systems by Dynamic Electric.

Your back-up generator is now ready to go!

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Does generator installation require a permit?

Yes, installing a permanent standby generator always required a permit for the electrical connections and another permit for the fuel connection. We pull our own electrical permit and call for our own inspections after the work is complete. Fuel permits are acquired by the fuel provider but we can also provide a turnkey solution to work directly with your fuel provider at an additional cost and manage their installation as well.

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Do you install or Service brands other than Generac?

Yes, our electrician's are trained in the installation requirements for a majority of generator brands. For certain installations, especially commercial installations, we may sub-out the start-up testing process to a certified installer of that brand if needed.

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Are you licensed, qualified and insured?

Our license number is #29684-U and we carry a $1,000,000 general liability policy in addition to workman's compensation insurance for all of our employees.

Qualified electricians are required to pass rigorous testing and show they have completed a minimum number of hours working as apprentices under the direct supervision of a qualified electrician before they are able to take the test.  The North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors or NCBEEC oversees testing, licensing and ongoing continuing education each year.

Licensing is run on a company-wide level where qualified electricians work under the company license and the company is responsible for ensuring that each electrician's work is being performed to the highest standards.

Dynamic Electric is committed to making sure that all of our people have the best training available and stay current on new codes requirements and current issues so we can provide the best service to our customers.

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Will you have the part I need for my repair when you come for a service call?

This of course depends on your particular problem but our service trucks are well stocked with the most common replacements parts and other items needed for repairs.

 Specialty items may need to be ordered or sourced locally.

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What will the apprentice do on my job?

Apprenticeships are a very important part of becoming a qualified electrician. Prior to being allowed to test with the NCBEEC, applicants must show that they have completed a certain number of hours working under the direct supervision of a qualified electrician. We are committed to a training program for people wanting to pursue a career as a qualified electrician and often have an apprentice working on our teams.

Our apprentice electricians play an important role in getting our work done promptly and professionally by assisting the electrician.  Importantly they also provide a second set of eyes and hands for getting each job done right. They are highly trained individuals who are working towards becoming fully qualified electricians.

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What is the difference between AFCI and GFCI breakers and outlets?

Both of these breaker/outlet types are designed to provide protection for you and your home.

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) are designed to prevent any excess current from escaping the line and potentially shocking people by turning off the circuit when power goes where it shouldn’t, wiring becomes wet, or damaged.

These are required for many outlets located in kitchens, bathrooms, outdoors and several other locations. If there is ungrounded or leaking current, the GFCI "trips" to prevent the potential for electrical shock. The outlet is then reset with a small button located on the outlet.

GFCI have been required by code since the late 1960's so most homeowners are familiar with these outlets. They are sometimes called GFI.

AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) are designed to protect your home against fires caused by loose wires and other current disruptions that may allow electrical current to arc and start a fire. When these arcs are detected on the circuit, it will "trip" and cut off electricity to the circuit.

Arc faults can be caused by any number of things. Common causes for arc faults are loose wires, wires that have been damaged by nails or animals, damaged or frayed power cords or simply old wiring. Because these arcs often occur in the walls of a home they can be a huge fire risk.

Code now requires that residential areas of your home be updated with AFCI protected circuits during any remodeling or repair work. AFCI protection is available both on a circuit breaker level (inside your electrical panel) and on outlets and receptacles. These look very similar to a GFCI outlet or breaker with a small reset button that tests the current before allowing the electricity to flow again.

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Where do I need GFCI circuits or receptacles?

GFCI circuits are required by code for any areas that may be exposed to moisture such as bathrooms and kitchens as well as any exterior areas of your home like your garage, crawl space and any exterior outlets.

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Where do I need AFCI circuits or receptacles?

AFCI circuits are now required in all residential areas not protected by GCFI outlets already with minor exceptions. This means that they should be in place for all types of lighting and general outlets. We upgrade many older homes with this new protection code standard.

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Can I plug a portable generator into my home electricity to run essentials?

This may be a great option for customers who do not need to run many items or are not ready for the expense of a dedicated whole home standby generator. There are some great portable generators on the market that can be used for emergency power in the home as well as more common recreational uses.

Some customers prefer this option because they do not have natural gas or propane available at their home and are more comfortable running a gas powered generator rather than adding natural gas or propane service to their home.

What you will be able to run will depend on the size of your generator but even smaller models (2500-3000 watts) can be capable of providing electricity for basic household needs like a refrigerator, coffee pot and some lights during a power outage.

For lights and small appliance, it may be easiest to use the outlets provided on the generator and simply run an extension cord inside to the appliances. Remember, generators should never be operated inside the home and use caution to not overload an extension cord by plugging to many items into it.

If you would like to be able to run larger appliance like your refrigerator or don't want to mess with extension cords, you can connect the generator directly to your panel box and use it to run a limited number of breakers. (Your refrigerator and living room lights for example.)

In order to do this you will need a transfer switch to regulate receiving power from the generator into your electrical panel.

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What is a generator transfer switch?

A transfer switch is a switch that moves electrical load between two different sources, normally between a generator and an electrical panel/utility line.

Transfer switches can be automatic (ATS) (common with standby generators) or manual which require you to physically move the switch when you want to redirect the source of electricity. Both types ensure that power is not backfed to the generator or utility line when changing back and forth.

There are many options available and correct selection will depend on your specific home's needs.

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