Skip to content
Phil Stratton Electric

Articles

Tips, news and know-how from Northeastern Arizona's licensed electricians.


Generator Installation in Show Low, AZ: Homes and Storefronts

Generator Installation in Show Low, AZ: Homes and Storefronts

Power outages in Show Low can last for hours. Summer monsoon storms bring lightning and strong winds. Winter brings snow and ice that can knock down power lines. At Phil Stratton Electric, we provide generator installation in Show Low, AZ for homes and small businesses. We install Kohler, Cummins, and Generac standby generators that run on natural gas or propane. When the power goes out, the generator starts on its own and keeps your most important equipment running. Call (928) 521-8833 to set up a quote visit.

What a standby generator does

A standby generator is a generator that is permanently installed outside your home or business. It sits on a small concrete pad and connects to your natural gas line or propane tank. You never have to fill it with gasoline.

It works with an automatic transfer switch. This is a device we install near your electrical panel. When the power goes out, the switch senses it, starts the generator, and moves your home or shop over to generator power. When utility power comes back, the switch moves you back and the generator shuts off. You don’t have to be there for any of this to happen.

A portable generator works differently. Someone has to roll it out, start it by hand, keep it fueled, and run cords to what you need. That is hard to do in a storm or in the middle of the night. If you only need power for a short time, we also offer portable generator rental. You can find it on our services page.

You can read more about the Kohler, Cummins, and Generac models we install on our generators page.

Why outages hit Show Low homes and businesses hard

Show Low sits at about 6,350 feet in the White Mountains. The weather here is tough on power lines. In summer, monsoon storms bring lightning, high winds, and dust. In winter, heavy snow and ice can weigh down lines and trees.

The same storm often knocks out power to homes and businesses at the same time. For a family, a January outage can mean a cold house and a risk of frozen pipes. For a business, it can mean spoiled food, a register that won’t work, and lost sales.

What small businesses usually want backed up

Many shops, restaurants, motels, and offices in Show Low are along Deuce of Clubs (US 60), the main street through town. When these businesses lose power, many have to close until it comes back.

Most business owners want their generator to keep these things running:

  • Refrigerators, coolers, and freezers, so food and stock don’t spoil
  • Card readers, cash registers, and internet equipment, so you can keep taking payments
  • Lights, so customers and staff can see and stay safe
  • Heat, especially for motels and other lodging with guests staying overnight

We walk through your building with you and look at your electrical panel. Then we help you decide which equipment the generator should cover. Some businesses want the whole building on backup. Others only need the most important equipment. That choice decides how big the generator needs to be.

We can schedule the installation around your business hours, such as after closing, so your parking lot and front door stay open.

What homes usually want backed up

Many Show Low homes are lived in all year, so winter outages are the biggest worry. Most homeowners want backup power for:

  • The furnace or heating system
  • The refrigerator and freezer
  • The well pump, if your home has one
  • Medical equipment that someone in the home depends on
  • Lights, a home office, and a few outlets

Some people want the whole house covered. Others want only the essentials. We explain both options and help you pick what fits your home.

If your Show Low home is a second home, let us know. Remote monitoring is available on some Kohler and Generac models. It lets you check on your generator while you are away.

Natural gas or propane: we connect to what you have

Standby generators run on natural gas or propane. We connect your generator to the fuel you already use. Many homes and businesses in town have natural gas service. Many properties outside town use a propane tank.

During the quote visit, we check your fuel supply to make sure it can run the generator. We also choose a good spot for the generator. It needs level ground, good drainage, room for air to flow, and protection from drifting snow.

For your safety, generator, gas line, and transfer switch work should only be done by licensed professionals.

What happens at your quote visit

Here is what to expect when you call us at (928) 521-8833:

  • You tell us whether it’s a home or a business and what you need to keep running.
  • We visit your property, look at your electrical panel, and check your fuel supply.
  • We help you choose the right size and brand of generator.
  • We pick the best spots for the generator and the transfer switch.
  • We give you a quote for the full job.

Generator installations follow local permit and inspection rules. We will explain what your job needs.

We are based in Snowflake and have served Northeastern Arizona for over 30 years. Show Low is on our service areas list. You can read what customers say on our reviews page. For other electrical work, like repairs or panel upgrades, see our Show Low electrician page.

If your power is out right now and something seems unsafe, such as a burning smell or sparks, call us right away. We offer 24/7 emergency service and same-day service. As our contact page explains, emergency calls reach a real person.

Taking care of your generator after installation

A standby generator needs regular care so it is ready when you need it. Follow the maintenance schedule from the manufacturer. Most generators also run a short self-test on a set schedule to keep the engine in good shape.

Keep snow, leaves, and brush cleared away from the generator so air can flow around it. If your generator shows a warning light or error code, don’t try to fix it yourself. Call us at (928) 521-8833 and tell us what the screen says.

We also service and repair standby generators that are already installed. Learn more on our generators page.

FAQ

Can a generator keep my business open during a power outage?

Yes, in most cases. A standby generator can keep your coolers, card readers, lights, and heat running. We look at your electrical panel and equipment to decide which items the generator should cover. Call (928) 521-8833 to set up a visit.

Do I need a whole-house generator or just one for the essentials?

It depends on what you need during an outage. A whole-house generator can power your entire home. A smaller system powers only the essentials, like heat, the refrigerator, and a well pump. We explain both options and help you choose.

Can my generator run on propane?

Yes. Standby generators can run on propane or natural gas. We connect the generator to the fuel you already have and check that your supply can run it.

What is an automatic transfer switch?

It is a device we install near your electrical panel. When the power goes out, it starts the generator and switches your home or business to generator power. When the power comes back, it switches you back. You don’t have to do anything.

Is a portable generator good enough?

A portable generator can help during a short outage if someone is there to start it, fuel it, and run cords. A standby generator starts on its own, even at night or when you are away. We also offer portable generator rental, listed on our services page.

Call us for a generator quote in Show Low

Call (928) 521-8833. Tell us whether it’s a home or a business, what you need to keep running, and whether you use natural gas or propane. We will set up a visit to look at your property.

Our office is at 106 South Main St, Snowflake, AZ 85937, and we serve Show Low and all of Northeastern Arizona. You can also send a non-urgent message through our contact us page or visit our homepage.

Customer reviews

Get A Free Quote

Please fill in the form below.

Name *
Address