Generator Options - Find the Best Generator for Your Needs
admin • April 10, 2017

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The country’s infrastructure is aging, including its power grid. This is causing all kinds of problems, including making power outages more frequent. If you’re living in an area with frequent power outages, you don’t have to just resign yourself to dealing with it. Installing a generator is a great way to prepare your home for power outages. If you think you need to install a generator in your home, but you aren’t sure which type would fit your needs best, have a look below.

Portable Generators

In a perfect world, everyone would have the space and resources to run an automatic standby generator. Of course, in a perfect world there would be no power outages. If you don’t have the space for a large automatic standby generator, or you just don’t have power needs great enough to justify it, a portable generator may be a good choice. Portable generators are commonly stored in the garage when not in use, as they’re much smaller than a standby generator. They’re most commonly powered by gasoline, and are activated manually. In the event of a power outage, you just have to plug the generator into your home’s electrical system and start it up. Keep in mind that the generator should not be left to run indoors, as carbon monoxide emissions are dangerous in enclosed spaces.

Portable generators typically do not generate enough power for every appliance in the home, but that isn’t what they’re used for. If you just need to keep the lights on, a portable generator is a good option. If you want more power, though, you’re going to need to install a bigger generator.

Automatic Standby Generators

Automatic standby generators are larger systems, designed to provide enough power to run the entire house for many hours at a time. They’re permanent fixtures, and are installed outside the home. Rather than being powered by gasoline, the system typically has its own natural gas supply. An automatic standby generator monitors the flow of electrical current through the home’s system. In the event of a power outage, the generator automatically activates and begins to power the home. This is a big improvement over a portable generator, since you don’t have to stumble around in the dark to manually activate the system. Having an automatic standby generator also means you don’t have to worry about the fuel source going bad. Gasoline actually gets stale as it ages, but with natural gas the system is much more reliable.

Of course, you have to have the space to accommodate a large system like that. If you don’t have the need for that much power, it’s also kind of a waste to install a standby generator. Otherwise, a standby generator might be the perfect system for your needs.

Anderson Electric Corp offers comprehensive generator installation services in Wayne, NJ. If you need generator services of any kind, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts. We’ll make sure that you get the best generator for your needs.

Anderson Electric electrician testing electrical panel with a multimeter, wires visible, indoor sett
By George Anderson August 15, 2025
What’s Included in a Summer Electrical Safety Inspection? Summer in New Jersey means rising temperatures — and rising electrical usage. Between air conditioners, fans, dehumidifiers, EV chargers, and outdoor appliances, your home’s electrical system will be working overtime. That’s why now is the perfect time for a comprehensive electrical safety inspection . At Anderson Electric, we help homeowners prepare for the heat by identifying potential risks, fixing hidden issues, and making sure their system is up to code before the busy season begins. Here’s what’s included — and why it matters. Why Get an Electrical Inspection Before Summer? Even if your lights seem fine and your panel isn’t tripping, your system could be under silent strain. Summer adds demand and environmental exposure (like humidity or storms) that can stress aging wires and overloaded circuits. Benefits of a seasonal inspection include: Preventing outages during peak usage Protecting your family from fire hazards Avoiding costly emergency repairs Ensuring your HVAC and appliances run efficiently 💡 Related: Is Your Electrical System Ready for Summer in NJ? → What We Check During a Summer Electrical Safety Inspection 1. Electrical Panel Evaluation We open your main service panel to: Check breaker condition and labeling Look for signs of overheating, rust, or loose wires Evaluate if your panel is properly sized for your summer load (especially important if you’ve added AC units or EV chargers) If your panel is outdated or underpowered, we’ll recommend options for a safe 200-amp panel upgrade . 🔌 Read: 5 Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade in NJ → 2. GFCI and Outdoor Outlet Testing GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are essential outdoors and near water — and they should be tested monthly. We’ll: Test GFCIs for fast, reliable shutoff Inspect weatherproof covers and boxes Look for corrosion or loose connections Faulty GFCIs are one of the most common summer hazards near pools and patios. 💡 See our blog: Outdoor Electrical Safety Tips for Summer → 3. HVAC and Cooling Circuit Review Your air conditioner is likely the biggest electrical draw during summer. We’ll inspect: HVAC circuit wiring Disconnect box Breaker capacity Voltage drops when the system powers on We also look for warning signs like dimming lights or buzzing sounds that could indicate overloaded circuits or failing connections. 4. Surge Protection Assessment We check whether your system has adequate protection from lightning or utility surges — which are common during NJ storms. If not, we may recommend a whole-home surge protector , which is installed directly at your panel to shield your entire system. âš¡ Learn more: Why Surge Protection Is Essential in NJ → 5. Grounding and Bonding Verification Proper grounding is key to protecting people and equipment during faults or surges. We verify: Ground rod connections Neutral and ground separation in subpanels Proper bonding of water/gas lines Missing or faulty grounding is a major safety issue — and often goes unnoticed until there’s a serious problem. 6. Smoke Detector and CO Alarm Checks We test hardwired smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure: Power supply is stable Batteries are functional Units are still within their service life For families spending more time indoors with windows closed and AC running, reliable CO detection is essential. Where We Offer Inspections in New Jersey Anderson Electric proudly serves: Montclair West Orange Livingston Caldwell Verona Bloomfield And surrounding areas Our licensed electricians know local codes, township regulations, and the unique needs of NJ homes. FAQs: Summer Electrical Inspections in NJ How long does an electrical safety inspection take? Most inspections take 60–90 minutes, depending on the size of your home and system complexity. Do I need one every year? We recommend seasonal inspections — especially before summer and winter, when electrical demand peaks. Is an inspection required by law? Not typically, but if you're selling your home or making upgrades (like a new HVAC system), a current inspection may be required for permitting. What if something fails the inspection? We'll provide a clear report with recommendations. You’re not obligated to make upgrades, but we can complete repairs as needed — often the same day. Will this inspection help with insurance? Yes. Many insurers appreciate proof of proactive maintenance and may lower premiums for updated panels or smoke detectors. Keep Cool and Safe This Summer Your family’s comfort and safety shouldn’t be left to chance. Get ahead of potential issues and enjoy a stress-free season with a professional summer electrical inspection from Anderson Electric. 👉 Book Your Electrical Safety Inspection Today →
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