Generac Generator Sales, Installation and Service in Newport News, VA

Transfer-Switch Installation

The transfer switch is an important part of a home backup generator system. It separates the home from the utility supply during an outage and safely directs generator power to the electrical system.

Automatic transfer switches work with standby generators to detect an outage and initiate the transition to backup power. Manual transfer switches and interlock systems may be used with certain portable-generator applications.

Gault Electric installs generator transfer equipment based on the type of generator, electrical panel and backup-power needs of the property.

Portable Generator Connections and Interlock Switches

Some homeowners prefer to use a portable generator instead of installing a permanent standby system. A professionally installed manual transfer switch or generator interlock can provide a safer method for connecting portable equipment to selected household circuits.

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Gault Electric can evaluate the electrical panel and determine what type of portable-generator connection may be appropriate. Generator connections should never allow electricity to feed back into utility lines or rely on unsafe wiring methods.

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Homeowners are responsible for positioning and operating portable generators according to manufacturer instructions. Portable equipment should only be used outdoors and away from doors, windows and other building openings.

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Generator Repair and Troubleshooting

A generator that fails to start, shuts down unexpectedly or displays a warning should be inspected before the next outage. Generator problems may involve the battery, controls, fuel supply, electrical connections, sensors, transfer equipment or other internal components.

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Gault Electric provides generator repair and troubleshooting throughout Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, Williamsburg, Grafton and Hampton Roads.

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Schedule generator service if you notice:

• The generator does not start during an outage

• The unit fails its regular exercise cycle

• Warning lights or error codes appear

• The generator starts and then shuts down

• The system produces unusual noises

• The generator leaks fluid

• The transfer switch does not operate properly

• The system has missed scheduled maintenance

• The generator struggles under its normal electrical load

• The battery repeatedly loses its charge

Our factory-trained technicians can inspect the generator, identify the source of the problem and determine what repairs or replacement parts may be required.

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Generac Generator Service and Maintenance

A standby generator must remain ready even when it has not been needed for several months. Preventative maintenance helps identify developing problems before an outage places the system under a full electrical load.

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Generac generator service may include:

• Visual inspection of the unit

• Battery and charging-system checks

• Oil and filter service

• Air-filter inspection

• Spark-plug inspection

• Review of generator controls

• Inspection for leaks or corrosion

• Transfer-switch evaluation

• Exercise-cycle testing

• Operational testing

• Review of maintenance alerts

• Identification of worn generator parts

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The appropriate maintenance schedule depends on the generator model, operating hours, environmental conditions and manufacturer requirements. Annual generator service is commonly recommended for residential standby systems.

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Generac Generator Parts and Component Replacement

Generator parts can wear, corrode or fail as the system ages. Batteries, filters, spark plugs, sensors, controls and other components may eventually require attention.

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Gault Electric can inspect a Generac generator and determine whether a component should be cleaned, adjusted, repaired or replaced. Using parts appropriate for the generator model helps preserve proper operation and may be important for applicable warranty requirements.

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Contact Gault Electric with the generator model, serial number and a description of the problem when requesting Generac service. This information can help our team prepare for the appointment.

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Generator Replacement

An older generator may eventually require replacement if it experiences repeated failures, can no longer provide sufficient power or needs major repairs that are difficult to justify.

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Generator replacement also provides an opportunity to reconsider the property’s backup-power needs. A household may now have additional appliances, HVAC equipment, a home office, medical devices or other electrical loads that were not present when the original generator was installed.

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Gault Electric can evaluate the existing generator and determine whether repair or replacement is the more practical option. If a new system is recommended, our team can help select a generator that better reflects the property’s current electrical demands.

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Commercial Standby Generators

Power interruptions can affect business operations, security systems, communications, refrigeration, lighting and essential equipment. Gault Electric provides commercial generator sales, installation and service for businesses throughout Newport News and Hampton Roads.

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Commercial generator planning may involve:

• Reviewing essential business equipment

• Determining the required electrical load

• Evaluating available fuel sources

• Selecting a generator location

• Coordinating transfer equipment

• Installing electrical and fuel connections

• Testing the completed system

• Planning ongoing generator maintenance

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The appropriate commercial generator depends on the property, equipment and length of operation required during an outage. Gault Electric can evaluate the facility and recommend a backup-power system based on those needs.