Generators

An automatic backup generator is a back up electrical system that operates whether you are home or away. Within seconds of an outage, it automatically supplies power directly to your home’s electrical circuit breaker box. After utility power returns, the generator shuts itself off and waits for the next outage. It operates on natural gas or liquid propane gas and sits outside just like a central air conditioning unit. See our “How It Works” video for more information.

*** To refrain from damaging your equipment, follow these steps below in order during an outage. Shutdowns could be needed during outages for maintenance or to conserve generator fuel.

*** It is imperative to remove the load from the generator prior to shutting down!

To turn the generator OFF:

• Set the main utility disconnect to OFF (OPEN).
• Set the generator MLCB (generator disconnect) to OFF (OPEN).
• Allow the generator to run for a cool-down period of approximately one minute.
• At the controller, set the generator to OFF.
• Remove the 15A fuse from the controller.

To turn the generator back ON:

• Install 15A fuse in the controller.
• Confirm the generator MLCB (generator disconnect) is OFF (OPEN).
• At the controller, set the generator to AUTO mode.
• Generator will start and run. Allow generator to run and warm up for a few minutes.
• ** Follow direction for each individual and new model. Each model can differ.

After following these steps, the control panel may go through programming. All your settings should remain so you will need to press ENTER (or make any adjustments needed) and get the unit to the main screen (“Switched to OFF, hours of protection” or “system” is flashing.). Also, you will need to reconnect your Wi-Fi if your router is not connected to the generator power. When using the unit during a longer outage, it is imperative to shut the generator down every 24 hours to do a visual inspection and add any fluids it might need.

Procedure for a hard reset:

• Switch controller by pressing the OFF button
• Remove service end of generator for access to the battery
• Wait 15 seconds, reconnect T1 connector and then reconnect & tighten negative battery terminal
• Reinstall the generator side panel
• Setup the controller again: time and date, exercise settings.  After this is complete it can be put back in AUTO mode so it is ready to run.

During a power outage, a backup standby generator provides numerous advantages over a portable generator, including:

• The American Red Cross recommendation of having your backup generator permanently installed. This is a safer way to provide backup power to a home than a portable generator.
• With an automatic generator properly installed, your home or business is protected from deadly carbon monoxide poisoning that is a much greater risk with portable generators.
• Natural gas or LP fuel supply are less expensive to run than gasoline. Plus, sources such as natural gas do not need to be refilled.
• Automatic start within seconds of a power outage. These systems remove the need to transport a heavy portable generator outside or run extension cords throughout your home.
• Provides 24/7 protection, whether you are at home, at work, or on vacation, and they automatically turn off when the power returns, so there is no need to monitor the unit during an outage.

Some ways to determine what kind of power you need for your home or business is to imagine your properties without power. Outages may be short in duration, but others can last for several days, or even weeks. Can you imagine your active household or busy office space without power for even a few hours?

One of the best ways to determine what size generator you will need is to schedule an assessment with Lakepointe Electric. During your assessment, you will have one of our experts walk you through the generator installation process step-by-step, including what generator will suit the size of your property.

You can explore our backup standby generator solutions by clicking here and doing some research of your own. Lakepointe Electric has been servicing the residential and commercial generator needs in the electric industry around Shelby Township and Metro Detroit for many years. We know the ins-and-outs of this process, and there is no property too big or too small that we won’t find a solution for, so give us a call today and get started!

Standby generators require frequent maintenance to provide maximum performance for years of reliable service. You can schedule maintenance appointments right here at Lakepointe Electric. From simple filter changes to electrical service on the backend of the generator, you can trust that your generator will be up and running exactly when you need it. To ensure the performance is always reliable, we recommend you have your generator serviced every six months by one of our licensed electricians.

One of the best ways to determine what size generator you will need is to schedule an assessment with Lakepointe Electric. During your assessment, you will have one of our experts walk you through the generator installation process step-by-step, including what generator will suit the size of your property.

You can explore our backup standby generator solutions by clicking here and doing some research of your own. Lakepointe Electric has been servicing the residential and commercial generator needs in the electric industry around Shelby Township and Metro Detroit for many years. We know the ins-and-outs of this process, and there is no property too big or too small that we won’t find a solution for, so give us a call today and get started!

Please refer to owner’s manual.

Please refer to owner’s manual.

Most generators are designed with overload protection. In the rare event of an overload, the circuit breaker of the generator will trip, disconnecting the unit from the load. You can correct the overload and reset the breaker in the generator. Contact Lakepointe for additional help with generator overload.

The main difference is in the engines. Air-cooled generator systems come with engines using fans to force air across the engine for cooling. Liquid-cooled generator systems use radiator systems for cooling, just like a car. Generally, liquid-cooled generator systems are used on larger kW generators due to the larger output of power used in the system.

Premium aluminum enclosures for commercial and residential backup generators are naturally rust and corrosion resistant. For salt air or high humidity conditions, aluminum is highly recommended to ensure decades of worry-free service.

No…the generator fuel costs would be much more expensive than buying power from the utility company since their cost to produce electricity is divided among thousands of customers. Our automatic generators are produced for use as backup to utility power specifically and should not be used as primary power. Please refer to the warranty policy for additional information. You can find a copy of the warranty on the Product Support page.

It is not recommended that you perform your own installation if you do not have the prior experience in doing so. Most Generac generators include comprehensive installation instructions, but that does not include the fuel connection and electrical work involved in the process. For safety reasons and to ensure adherence to all local, state, and national electrical codes, we recommend you use Lakepointe Electric to install and maintain your generator system properly.

This is a reminder light that flashes when the generator needs maintenance. You can reset this light by pressing ENTER on the control panel. Service reminders include battery inspection, oil and filter changes, air filter changes, and spark plug inspection and/or replacement. Please refer to the generator circuit board.

Every home and business is different, and so are our utilities. Considering the generator placement, the required materials, and installation of the natural gas or fuel source can change installation costs.  Installation costs can fluctuate, but it can be more or less depending upon your situation. How to know for sure is to get an assessment. Our team at Lakepointe will take note of your concerns, assess your home or business, and give you a detailed quote. Be assured that our generator systems and maintenance will never leave you in the dark!

Standby generators are only designed to run on one fuel source. They are factory set to run on natural gas; however, during installation, generators can be reconfigured to run on liquid propane.

Our recommendation is at least 250 gallons of propane for Generac automatic standby generators, for example. Though, every home and business is different, and we know the installation process will be different, too. We recommend you opt for a free assessment to determine the setup that best suits your home or business needs. Give us a call and be assured that we’ll walk you through every step of the installation and service process from start-to-finish.

Lakepointe Electric, of course! We specialize not only in generator installation but also in generator repairs, regular maintenance, and parts service. Our licensed electrician services provide residential and commercial generators to all builders, properties, companies, and homeowners that are looking for a reliable backup generator power system. No job too big or too small, our commercial and residential electricians near Macomb County will handle your home generator through maintenance, setup, wiring, replacements, and installs. We sell, service, and install Generac, Kohler, and Briggs and Stratton generators.