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Commercial Services

Standby Generator Installation

Standby generator installation is a necessity for industrial and commercial businesses — enabling emergency power restoration during outages, overload shutdowns, and system failures.

Installing Standby Generators in Houston

Standby generator installation is a necessity for industrial businesses. Due to the unpredictability of storms and disasters, a back-up power source is important for businesses. Enabling emergency power restoration during outages, overload shutdowns and system failures, standby generators are critical to preventing downtime and safeguarding perishable assets.

In the event of any unforeseen circumstances, standby generator installation enables you to restore power to your facility in minutes — keeping your operations running when the grid goes down.

Generator Power Requirements

Selecting the right standby generators for an industrial business involves an understanding of power calculations. Our technicians evaluate your power usage to help you determine the type and number of generators that you need. Before starting your installation project, our electricians will determine your total energy requirements, involving calculations of the starting and running wattage of your equipment.

Generator Installation Up to 2 Megawatts

Providing generator installation of up to 2 megawatts, we ensure the efficiency and stability that your business requires. Our industrial electricians are skilled at working with 3-phase systems and can handle generator installations of virtually any size or complexity — from small commercial backup units to large industrial power systems.

Services Include

  • Standby generator installation
  • Up to 2 MW capacity
  • 3-phase generator systems
  • Automatic transfer switches
  • Load calculations
  • Generator sizing
  • Emergency power systems
  • Generator maintenance
  • Generator repairs
  • Fuel system connection
  • Code compliance

Power Outage? Call Now

24/7 emergency generator service available across the greater Houston area.

(713) 660-7344

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What size standby generator do I need for my business?

It depends on whether you want partial backup (just critical loads — IT, refrigeration, security, emergency lighting) or full facility backup. We start with a load study: motor starting wattage, running wattage, future expansion, and code-required loads. Typical commercial standby units run 25–500 kW; we install up to 2 MW for industrial sites. We'll size to your actual loads, not a guess.

Diesel, natural gas, or propane — which generator fuel is best?

Natural gas is the most common choice for commercial buildings on the gas grid — fuel is delivered continuously, no on-site storage, lower maintenance. Diesel is preferred for larger industrial sites and where extended runtime independence matters (24+ hours without refueling). Propane is a middle ground for sites without natural gas service. We'll recommend based on your runtime expectations, site constraints, and local code.

How long does standby generator installation take?

A typical commercial installation runs 1–3 weeks once equipment arrives — pad/foundation, transfer switch, conduit, conductor pull, control wiring, fuel hookup, commissioning, and testing. Lead times on generator units themselves can be 8–20+ weeks depending on size and manufacturer, so engage early. Emergency replacement of a failed unit can sometimes be expedited.

What is an automatic transfer switch (ATS) and do I need one?

An ATS automatically transfers your facility's electrical load from utility power to the generator when it detects an outage — typically within 10 seconds. For any unattended facility or any operation where minutes of downtime cost real money, you want an ATS. Manual transfer switches are cheaper but require someone on-site to switch and start the generator.

Do you service and maintain existing standby generators?

Yes. We perform load bank testing, annual preventive maintenance, transfer switch testing, fuel system service, and on-call repair for any brand. Generators that aren't exercised and tested regularly are the ones that fail when you need them — we set up service intervals matched to your runtime hours and NFPA 110 requirements where applicable.

Are permits and code inspections handled?

Yes — we pull all required permits, coordinate with the utility for any service-side work, and schedule the AHJ inspection. Generator installations involve mechanical (fuel/exhaust), electrical, and sometimes building/structural permits depending on jurisdiction. We handle the paperwork so you don't have to.

Never Lose Power Again

Contact Southern Electrical Services for professional standby generator installation in Houston, TX.

24/7 Emergency