FAQs

Gronotte Electric LLC

General Information

  • What are your business hours?

    Our services are available seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., to meet your electrical needs.

  • Do you provide emergency services?

    For urgent electrical issues, we encourage you to contact us immediately. We're equipped to handle emergency situations promptly and efficiently.

  • What is the difference between a portable and a home standby generator?

    Portable units require manual setup, extension cords, and gasoline. Standby generators are permanently installed, connected directly to your electrical panel, and turn on automatically when utility power fails.

  • What size standby generator do I need for my home?

    Sizing depends on what you want to power. A “critical loads” setup (lights, fridge, sump pump) typically requires 10kW–14kW, while a “whole-home” setup with air conditioning usually starts at 20kW+. Our electricians perform a professional load assessment to ensure your unit isn’t undersized. The only real answer is to have Gronotte Electric provide a complimentary site survey to recommend a proper solution to fit your specific requirements.

  • How long does the installation take?

    The actual installation usually takes 1–2 days. However, the end-to-end process—including site surveys, permit approvals, and fuel line connections—can take several weeks, depending on local regulations.

  • Where should the generator be placed?

    Safety codes require units to be at least 5 feet from doors, windows, and air vents. Most units must also be 18–36 inches away from the structure, depending on fire ratings.

  • Can I install the generator myself?

    Standby generators must be installed by a licensed electrician to comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and manufacturer warranties. DIY installation can void warranties and create fire hazards.

  • How loud is the standby generator?

    The air-cooled generators are all about 66 dB at 20 feet. What does this mean? It means you can have a regular conversation between two people standing next to a running air-cooled generator. Remember, Kohler and Cummins have been manufacturing generators for 60-plus years; they are designed for residential neighborhoods.

  • Do I need an electrical permit?

    Gronotte Electric will handle all aspects of permitting and inspections.

  • Why am I getting so many diverse answers on what is needed to install a standby generator?

    It’s called a “spectrum of competence.” Most “generator installers” lack experience, training, and commitment to the industry. They focus only on the sale and installation. As the old saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” This is true in the generator industry as well. If you are looking for the best value, long-term commitment, trained and certified technicians, and peace of mind that your generator will start when it matters most, Gronotte Electric is the authorized dealer for you.

  • Can you install the standby generator for me?

    Yes, if you are in the Greater Cincinnati Tri-State area, we can provide turn-key installation services.

  • Who will be completing the work?

    At Gronotte Electric, you are dealing with one company. You work with a team that focuses exclusively on standby power generation. From the initial site survey and design of your standby solution to the review by our experienced staff, and the installation itself, Gronotte Electric provides all aspects of your generator installation from start to finish.

Maintenance & Operations

  • What fuel supply do I need to run one of your generators?

    Kohler and Cummins home standby generators can run on either natural gas or LP (liquid propane). Most portable generators are designed to run on gasoline only.

  • How much service does a standby generator need once it is installed?

    A commitment must be made to properly maintain your generator to ensure reliability and a long service life. This is not an air-conditioning unit or furnace that can go years without service—you are generating electricity! It is recommended to have your generator serviced once per year, unless you have additional requirements, such as supporting medical equipment. At Gronotte Electric, we provide all your maintenance service needs.

  • How often does my standby generator need maintenance?

    We recommend our professional maintenance contract to provide service every 12 months or after any extended period of continuous use (e.g., 24–48 hours). This includes oil and filter changes and battery testing.

  • Does the standby generator need exercise?

    Yes, the generator will start every week or bi-weekly and run for 20 minutes. This process is fully automatic.

  • Does the generator turn on automatically?

    Yes. An Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) monitors utility power. When a blackout or loss of power is detected, it signals the generator to start and switches your home’s power source within 10–20 seconds. Once utility power is restored, the ATS transfers power back to the utility, and the generator cools down and shuts off automatically.

  • How long can a generator run continuously?

    If connected to a natural gas line, it can run for days. For propane units, runtime depends on your tank size. It is vital to check oil levels every 24 hours during prolonged outages.

  • Are there remote monitoring options?

    Most modern units allow you to check the status of your generator, receive maintenance alerts, and view exercise history from your smartphone.

Cost & Warranty

  • How much does it cost to install a generator?

    We are the only company that will quote you real final costs to properly install your generator. These prices represent turnkey installation. When comparing competitive quotes, be sure to compare the same scope of work—and always get it in writing!

  • How much does a fully installed generator cost?

    Pricing varies by power capacity and installation complexity. A typical residential installation ranges from $9,000–$15,000+.

  • What is the standard warranty?

    Most major brands (Kohler, Cummins) offer a 5-year limited warranty, with extended 7-year or 10-year options available.