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Power outages during hurricanes and severe weather leave Baton Rouge homes without electricity for hours or days. Whole house generators restore power automatically within seconds, keeping your family comfortable and safe during outages. BIG Family Electrical Services & EV Charger Installation installs and services whole house generators throughout Baton Rouge, providing reliable backup power when utility service fails.
Generator systems require proper electrical integration, fuel connections, and automatic transfer switches that safely disconnect utility power while engaging generator power. We handle complete installations from initial planning through testing and training.
our services:
- Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation
- Circuit Breaker Installation
- Commercial Electrician & Electrical Services
- Electrical Outlet Installation
- Electrical Panel Upgrade & Replacement
- Electrical Repair
- Electrical Rewiring
- Electrical Safety Inspection
- Electrical Service Upgrade
- Electrician
- Emergency Electrician
- EV Charger Installation
- GFCI Outlet Installation
- Home Automation Installation
- Low Voltage Wiring
- Residential Electrician & Electrical Services
- Smoke Detector Installation
- Whole House Generator Installation & Repair
- Whole House Surge Protector
How Whole House Generators Protect Your Home
Whole house generators automatically detect utility power loss and restore electricity to your home within 10 to 30 seconds. These permanently installed systems run on natural gas or propane, providing power for days or weeks during extended outages.
When utility power fails, an automatic transfer switch senses the loss and signals the generator to start. Within seconds, the transfer switch disconnects utility power and connects generator power to your home’s electrical system. Your lights, appliances, and HVAC systems resume operation automatically.
Generator capacity determines what your home can power during outages. Properly sized generators handle essential circuits or your entire electrical panel depending on capacity. We calculate electrical loads to size generators that meet your needs without unnecessarily oversizing.
Louisiana’s hurricane season makes backup power particularly valuable. Extended outages lasting days or weeks occur regularly during major storms. Generators keep refrigerators running, air conditioning operating, and medical equipment functioning when utility restoration takes time.
Natural gas generators connect to existing gas lines, providing unlimited runtime during outages. Propane generators use onsite tanks refilled periodically. Both fuel types provide reliable operation unlike portable generators requiring constant gasoline refueling.
Automatic operation means generators work even when you’re away. If power fails while you’re evacuated, your generator starts automatically protecting refrigerated food, preventing pipe freezing, and maintaining security systems until power returns.
When Generator Installation or Repair Is Needed
Several situations indicate whole house generator installation makes sense for your home. Understanding these scenarios helps determine when backup power provides valuable protection.
Times to consider generator installation include:
- Frequent power outages are affecting your neighborhood
- Medical equipment requires reliable electricity
- Hurricane preparedness for extended storm-related outages
- Business operations from home need uninterrupted power
- Valuable refrigerated items, including medications and food
- Elderly family membersare sensitive to heat during summer outages
- Security systems requiring continuous power
- Sump pumps protect basements from flooding during storms
Generator repairs become necessary when systems malfunction or fail to start during outages. Regular maintenance prevents most problems, but components eventually wear out and need replacement.
Signs pointing to generator repair needs include:
- Generator failing to start during a utility power loss
- Starting but shutting down shortly after beginning operation
- Running roughly with unusual noises or vibrations
- Low oil pressure warnings appear on the control panels
- The transfer switch is not engaging when utility power fails
- Excessive exhaust smoke during operation
- Fuel supply issues are preventing proper operation
Common Whole House Generator Issues
Generators develop predictable problems requiring professional diagnosis and repair. Understanding common issues helps homeowners recognize when to call for service.
Typical generator problems include:
- Battery failures prevent starting when the power fails
- Fuel supply interruptions from clogged lines or valves
- The transfer switch malfunctions prevents power switching
- Low oil levels are causing automatic shutdown protection
- Corroded electrical connections in humid conditions
- Control board failures are affecting automatic operation
- Worn engine components reduce performance
- Exhaust system damage from weather exposure
Batteries provide starting power for generators. These batteries require periodic replacement like car batteries. Dead batteries are the most common reason generators fail to start during outages. Regular testing identifies weak batteries before failures occur.
Transfer switches contain electrical and mechanical components that degrade over time. Contacts corrode in Louisiana’s humidity. Mechanical linkages wear out. Transfer switch failures prevent generators from powering homes even when engines run properly.
Fuel system problems prevent generators from running. Clogged fuel filters, failed regulators, and blocked lines all stop fuel flow. Natural gas generators need adequate gas pressure. Propane generators require sufficient tank levels and functioning regulators.
Control boards manage automatic operation. These electronics fail from power surges, heat exposure, and age. Failed control boards prevent automatic starting even when all other components work properly.
Baton Rouge’s weather accelerates generator wear. Outdoor installations face humidity, heat, rain, and occasional flooding. Regular maintenance and proper installation protect components from the weather and extend generator life.
Generator Installation, Repair & Maintenance Services
We provide complete generator services from initial consultation through installation, maintenance, and repairs. Our systematic approach ensures reliable backup power when you need it.
Our generator services include:
- Electrical load calculation to size generators appropriately
- Complete generator installation, including concrete pads and mounting
- Automatic transfer switch installation and electrical integration
- Natural gas line connection coordinating with utility companies
- Propane tank installation and fuel line connection
- Electrical permit acquisition and inspection coordination
- Generator testing and commissioning
- Preventive maintenance, including oil changes and inspections
- Emergency repair service when generators fail
- Transfer switch repair and replacement
- Battery replacement and electrical system maintenance
Installation begins with a load calculation, determining the appropriate generator size. We assess your essential circuits or total electrical demand depending on your backup power goals. Right-sizing generators balances capability with installation cost.
Generator placement considers noise, exhaust, access for maintenance, and setback requirements from property lines. We handle concrete pad installation, mounting, fuel connections, and electrical integration. Complete installations include automatic transfer switches properly sized for your electrical service.
Natural gas generators require coordination with gas utilities for line installation or connection verification. Propane generators need properly sized tanks with adequate fuel capacity for extended outages. We coordinate fuel installations, ensuring generators have a reliable fuel supply.
After installation, we test generators thoroughly. We verify automatic starting, transfer switch operation, and proper power delivery to your home. You receive training on generator operation, maintenance requirements, and what to expect during outages.
Preventive maintenance keeps generators ready for emergencies. We recommend annual service including oil changes, filter replacement, battery testing, connection inspection, and exercise cycle verification. Regular maintenance prevents failures during hurricanes and storms when you need backup power most.
Why Choose BIG Family Electrical Services & EV Charger Installation
BIG Family Electrical has installed and serviced generators throughout Baton Rouge since 2006. We’re a family-owned company that understands Louisiana’s backup power needs during hurricane season. Our founder combines electrician experience with engineering knowledge to design generator systems that work reliably when utility power fails.
We size generators appropriately for your needs and budget. Oversized generators waste money while undersized systems disappoint during outages. We calculate loads accurately and recommend generators that provide the backup power you need.
Our team handles complete installations including electrical integration, transfer switches, and fuel connections. We coordinate with gas utilities and propane suppliers, ensuring your generator has a reliable fuel supply. You work with one company through the entire installation.
We understand the Louisiana electrical code and permitting requirements for generator installations. We handle permits, provide required documentation, and schedule inspections.
Our installations meet code and pass inspection the first time.
We service generators year-round, including emergency repairs during storms. When your generator fails during hurricane season, we respond quickly to restore backup power protection. We stock common generator parts and transfer switches for faster repairs.
We respect your property during generator installations. Concrete pads, electrical work, and fuel connections require careful work to prevent property damage. We protect landscaping, clean up thoroughly, and leave your property looking neat when installations are complete.