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Frank Blankenship Properties & Electrical, LLC
4.5(
27
)
Fixed Generator - InstallGenerator - Install - For BusinessPortable Generator - Install

Serving Athens, WV and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2016

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

Frank Blankenship Properties & Electrical is just what you needed to light up you life, or main focus is Electrical Switches, Outlets & Fixtures, Electrical Wiring or Panel Upgrade, So don't sreach in the dark for a good electrican when you are ready to hire call us.\n

13 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by84%of homeowners
McSweeney Electric
5.0(
2
)
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - Repair

Serving Athens, WV and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Nate was the one who came out to install our home charger and he was amazing. He went over what I wanted and where best to execute the procedure. I was very impressed with his knowledge and his attitude, very approachable and would definitely hire again when I am in need of electrical services."
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Mister Sparky of Southern West Virginia
Mister Sparky of Southern West Virginia
5.0(
2
)
Portable Generator - Install

Serving Athens, WV and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Monica and Harley treated us like family. The company is fantastic. Lee and his wife made sure we were happy with the work. They went above and beyond. May God bless them and the company with great success."
Response time8 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Generator Install questions, answered by experts

Generators are safe to use as long as they are installed and operated correctly according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The most critical safety tips are to never use a portable or fuel-powered generator inside an enclosed space due to the risk of lethal carbon monoxide poisoning; always operate it outdoors where fumes can dissipate away from your home. Additionally, never attempt to connect a generator to your home’s electrical panel yourself—hire a professional to ensure the setup meets safety standards. Finally, avoid overloading the generator by not connecting more appliances than it is rated for, as this can damage your equipment or cause a fire.

Sizing a generator is a careful process that requires calculating the electrical load of your entire house. You have to take into account every device you want to use and their wattage requirements, plus the wattage needed to start them, and look for a generator that can safely run all that at around 80% capacity.

In more practical terms, a small home can run on a 10,000-watt generator (and if you only want to power a few key appliances, much less than that). A mid-sized home may need something between 15,000 and 22,000 watts. Larger homes require 25,000 watts or more. 

Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:

Portable generator:

  • 2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. 

  • 4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.

  • 8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.

Partial to whole-house generator:

  • 20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.

Whole-house generators can run continuously for extended periods, even for weeks at a time (around 400 to 500 hours), as long as they have a sufficient fuel supply. However, this type of extensive use will increase wear and tear and can shorten the generator's overall lifespan. During long periods of operation, it's important to check and refill the engine oil as needed, potentially as frequently as daily depending on the model. If your generator uses a fuel tank, ensure it is kept full to prevent unexpected shutdowns.

Natural gas generators are designed to run for extended periods of time, such as power outages during a natural disaster. Since there’s no limit to the supply of natural gas, they don’t need to stop for refills. However, generators do need maintenance, including pauses to check and add oil. Constantly running them will also cause a lot more wear and tear, leading to a shorter lifespan.

The Athens, WV homeowners’ guide to generator installs

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.