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How Hacking Could Be the New Main Cause for Power Outages

There is a growing threat from hacking since power systems and electrical grids are changing. Global grid investments are now dedicated to the digital network infrastructure, which means the landscape has changed regarding the electrical grid.

Hackers cauing power outages and blackouts

Hackers May Be Aiming for the United States Grid

Hackers known for the cyberattack in 2017 to the Saudi Arabian oil refinery Petro Rabigh are possibly looking into the US power grid now. They are being tracked right now by security analysts and infrastructure security firm Dragos. Apparently, these professional hackers are scanning the grid for entry points, which doesn’t mean it is a huge threat but still a concern.

Knowing these possibilities of foreign hackers looking to disrupt the US grid for different reasons unknown, a backup generator could be your lifeline in an emergency such as a power outage. If hackers around the globe have an entry point, who knows how long a power outage could last?

Ukrainian Attacks 2015 and 2016

There have been cyberattacks including the one in March to the U.S. grid. This attack didn’t cause any outages, but it did cause concern because the attacks on the digital interface were linked to parts of the power grid in California, Utah and Wyoming. This causes concern for the future because if these power grids were linked, then it could be a power outage the next time. Russian hackers caused a power outage in the Ukraine causing hours-long power outages for a quarter-million people.

GenTech Generators

At GenTech Generators, we offer fully automatic backup generators for your convenience. We offer generators large enough to back up the entire house, and we also have smaller ones to generate power for select circuits.

Contact GenTech Generators at 301-365-4226 today to find out more information on our backup generator systems, and how we can help you get the right one you need for your home.

GenTech generator

Why Choose GenTech Generators

A backup generator comes with many benefits. Having a backup generator system will ensure you’ll have power for when an unfortunate event occurs such as a severe storm causing a power outage. Choosing to go with GenTech Generators for installation and maintenance is the right choice, and we want you to know why.

GenTech generator

The Advantages

We provide a complete one stop project and analysis though the generator installation to startup and maintenance. We also provide support because not everyone is an expert with generators when an issue arises.

Cummins Generators

We offer Cummins Generators, which are top quality with low noise and neighborhood friendly equipment.

Maintenance

We provide one free preventative maintenance visit with the purchase of a generator from us. We check everything including spark plugs, ignition contact points, and condensers. We change oil and oil filters once per year, and we inspect fuel tanks and lines. Check out all of our maintenance services!

GenTech Generators

At GenTech Generators, we offer fully automatic backup generators for your convenience. We offer generators large enough to back up the entire house, and we also have smaller ones to generate power for select circuits. Don’t wait for the storm to cause an annoying problem for you to deal with. Be proactive now, and you won’t have to worry about extra damage or costs if you don’t have one.

 

Contact GenTech Generators at 301-365-4226 today to find out more information on our backup generator systems, and how we can help you get the right one you need for your home.

What Causes Power Outages? The Solution

If you’re frustrated about having power outages in your home or neighborhood, there is a solution. Let’s take a look at what causes them, so we can understand how common these events are.

power outage due to storm

The Causes

The Weather – this of course is one of the most common causes for power outages. A heavy storm with lightning, high winds, or ice can cause a power outage in your home or neighborhood. Trees or limbs can fall on electrical lines, which will cause the power to go out.

Equipment malfunction – the electrical system has many parts that make it up. Over time, it can wear down due to age and performance. Heavy storms, lightning strikes, and other factors can cause the system to wear.

Animals – animals looking for warm places to nest up can also cause these power outages. Squirrels, snakes, birds, and other small animals can find their way into the equipment, which then can cause a malfunction if they eat through materials.

The Solution

The causes of power outages can’t really be avoided, so what is the solution? A backup generator system is the perfect solution to combat a power outage in your home. The electrical companies will be working nonstop in neighborhoods to get the power up and running again, but this takes time, especially if there is a major storm. Having a fully automatic backup generator will ensure that your power will stay on. You won’t have to worry about your food going bad, your basement being flooded, or your lights going out.

GenTech Generators

At GenTech Generators, we offer fully automatic backup generators for your convenience. We offer generators large enough to back up the entire house, and we also have smaller ones to generate power for select circuits. Don’t wait for the storm to cause an annoying problem for you to deal with. Be proactive now, and you won’t have to worry about extra damage or costs if you don’t have one.

 

Contact GenTech Generators at 301-365-4226 today to find out more information on our backup generator systems, and how we can help you get the right one you need for your home.

 

Advantages of a Fully Automatic Backup Generator

Having a fully automatic backup generator has plenty of advantages when it comes to mishaps and power outages in your home. The worries go away when you know that the backup generator kicks on and powers the necessities in your home.

backup generator for your home

 

Benefits of a Backup Generator

 

There are many benefits to having a backup generator set from GenTech Generators . We specialize in providing you with an installed and well-maintained backup generator.  We offer expert engineering and technical support for the startup and maintenance. Why are these important to our lives though?

 

Here is why:

 

Our Cummins generators are low noise and come with customer support, maintenance service, and 24-hour emergency service.

 

  • No more spoiled food
  • No frozen pipes
  • No flooded basements
  • No lights out in the house
  • Electronics will all be functioning and running

 

You won’t have to worry about any of your utilities or electronics being down because you don’t have a backup generator. Installing the backup generator system will ensure that your materials will be on and running smoothly. A bad storm could come in and take the power out, which would ultimately put our lives on pause for a moment. You won’t have to worry about this problem anymore.

 

GenTech Generators

 

At GenTech Generators, we offer fully automatic backup generators for your convenience. We offer generators large enough to back up the entire house, and we also have smaller ones to generate power for select circuits. Don’t wait for the storm to cause an annoying problem for you to deal with. Be proactive now, and you won’t have to worry about extra damage or costs if you don’t have one.

 

Contact GenTech Generators  at 301-365-4226 today to find out more information on our backup generator systems, and how we can help you get the right one you need for your home.

Importance of Regular Maintenance for Your Generator System

It’s not enough to only install a reliable backup generator; you need to be sure it’s properly functioning at all times.

Here are a few reasons why regular maintenance and care are essential to ensure your well-oiled system is guaranteed to work when you need it most.

backup generators on wheels

Generator systems battle the weather

Backup generators sit outside year-round in the elements.

The toughest season for generators is winter. Cold weather can cause a battery to weaken or cause an already weak battery to fail.  It’s very important to replace the battery every three years, so that you don’t end up with a weak battery or a failed battery because of the winter conditions.  That way, it’ll not only survive the winter but also ensure that you stay warm all season long.

Backup generators are vulnerable to rodent damage.

Since your generator is outside, it’s also vulnerable to rodents. Your generator can make a cozy home for a family of mice. We have seen firsthand the damage they cause. Chewed wires, even fried circuit boards mean your generator will not come on when you need it. We offer rodent screening to keep these pests from entering through holes and other openings.

Utilize preventative generator maintenance

A reliable backup generator needs regular preventative maintenance. That’s why at GenTech Generators, we provide one free preventative maintenance visits after purchasing a backup generator with us. We offer regular preventative maintenance service after that.

 

Don’t wait for a problem to arise; our preventative maintenance visits can prevent the problem before it occurs. Let us help you stay safe and warm in the wake of a storm. Give us a call at 301-365-4226 today to learn more about our backup generator systems and our reliable preventative maintenance services.

The Many Advantages of a Cummins Generator

At GenTech Generators, we seek to offer products that are reliable, safe, affordable, and right for our customers. Especially for a product as complicated as backup generators, which really require a certain standard of expertise and experience that not many companies can live up to. You need to know that the generator you’re buying will provide you with electricity during a power outage and comes with an expert installation and maintenance team that is just as dependable as the machine.

That’s where Cummins comes in. Here’s why we deal exclusively with Cummins generators:

Cummins GeneratorCummins offers a global network

Cummins is the largest generator company in the world. What does that mean to you? A seal of approval on all Cummins products, guaranteeing longevity, parts available for your backup generator worldwide and repair facilities whenever, wherever. So, wherever you go with your generator, you have a company that’s there for you.

Noise control in your neighborhood

The Cummins generator is the quietest on the market. It’s been shown to beat out other major brands in decibel counts and when noise control is a major issue, both with municipalities like Montgomery County and local groups, that’s huge. Don’t worry—your neighbors will thank you later.

Cummins powers continuously and smartly

One of the most important factors every homeowner or business owner should consider when purchasing their backup generator is efficiency—because, in the end, that’s where the dollars come in. In that field, no other company compares to Cummins. The company is trusted for hospitals, stadiums, and data centers across North America for this very reason; it powers continuously, and it powers smartly.

At GenTech Generators, we offer the same quality and service to installation and repair that Cummins brings to its products. That’s why we’re proud to be an exclusive dealer for Cummins and have received the Top Cummins Dealer Award for two years in a row. If you have any questions about the Cummins generator or would like to schedule your installation, contact us today!

Why Noise Control Should Be a Necessity with Your Backup Generator

Backup generators are key in remaining safe, comfortable and productive during a power outage. However, we also know that backup generators can make a lot of noise. Between the engine, cooling fan, and other mechanical processes, a generator has the ability to reach high decibels. That’s why it’s not only essential to equip your home or business with a backup generator; it’s essential that you choose one that is of high-quality and is built to actively stifle the noise it produces in your community.

If you live in Montgomery County, there’s a local noise code on the books that every person or place of business must adhere to.

Quiet Backup GeneratorFor residential properties the noise codes are:

  • Daytime hours – 65 dBA
  • Nighttime hours – 55 dBA

For non-residential properties the noise codes are:

  • Daytime hours – 67 dBA
  • Nighttime hours – 62 dBA

To see the official code, head to the Montgomery County website here.

Anything above these levels can constitute a noise disturbance, and lead to unwanted fines, or attention from law enforcement authorities.

Furthermore, if you live in a highly residential area, you’ll have to find out if your local homeowners association (HOA) has their own noise code in place. Many associations do, in order to prevent noisy neighbors from disturbing the peace that they seek to establish. The last thing you want to be dealing with on top of a power outage is aggravated neighbors.

These are just a few of the reasons why we here at GenTech Backup Generator Systems, only use Cummins generators—it’s the quietest generator on the market.

Backup Generator Noise Levels

It constantly clocks in at a lower dBA than other major brands and puts you well in line with the Montgomery County averages. We understand the regulations that our clients must adhere to, and that’s why we ensure an installation process that pays respect to local codes as well as your neighbors.

At GenTech Backup Generator Systems, we’re here to provide you with a high-quality backup generator that is the right fit for your property and needs, exceptional installation and customer services, and continual maintenance to ensure that you will be ready for any power outage. Give us a call at 301-469-7800 to learn more about our generators and receive a free quotation today!

Push for Backup Generator Laws in Nursing Homes Continue

The importance of having backup generators in nursing homes and assisted living facilities has become paramount following the devastation of Hurricane Irma this summer. Push for Backup Generator in Nursing Homes Continue

The category-4 hurricane tore through Florida’s gulf coast this past August, leaving several facilities without power and several residents defenseless against Florida’s summer heat. For one facility in particular, the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills in California, the extreme conditions cost the lives of 14 of their residents, who succumbed to symptoms caused by heat exposure. State regulators have since shut the facility down, and the deaths of 12 residents were deemed homicides, though no charges have been filed against any one individual as of this post.

This senseless tragedy could have been averted if the facility had invested in a backup generator, which would have allowed for the building’s air conditioning system to remain functional.

Following the tragedy at Hollywood Hills, Florida state lawmakers took swift legal measures to ensure that it would become the exception, not the rule. On Sept. 16, Florida Governor Rick Scott issued an emergency rule requiring nursing homes and assisted living facilities to install backup generators with 96 hours-worth of fuel within 90 days. The Florida Department of Veteran’s Affairs acted quickly and, in early October, were approved for $3 million in funding to install generators and make all veteran’s nursing homes compliant with the rule.

In November, Florida State Senator Gary Farmer, D-Lighthouse Point, filed State Senate Bill 896, which would make Gov. Scott’s rule state law and impose other measures to impose more oversight on nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Though some detractors of Sen. Farmer’s bill argue the measure is too large a financial burden to impose on these facilities, it begs the question: isn’t it costlier to put lives at risk?

If you want to learn more about how GenTech Backup Generator Systems can help you protect your customers and theirs, give us a call or contact us online today!

The GenTech Advantage: What Our Customers Have to Say

At GenTech Backup Generator Systems, we pride ourselves on being a community-minded company; just ask the dozens of satisfied customers who call us at a moment’s notice when there is a power outage in their homes.

Over the years, we have kept the customer-written letters that exemplify what GenTech Backup Generators stand for, and we want to share those with you.

The GenTech Advantage: What Our Customers Have to SayProfessionalism

The GenTech Advantage is about upholding excellence in service and quality, and we do that at all costs:

“The real measure of a contractor is how he behaves when something unexpected happens…I don’t even know how much that cost was, because GenTech absorbed it without even mentioning that fact to me. That’s how you want a reputable contractor to behave.”

Trouble-Shooting

Our twice-a-year maintenance contract is put in place to ensure the seamless operation of your machine after the initial installation:

 “The work was done quickly and professionally. Several sub-contractors were involved, and their work was scheduled and managed perfectly. A few months after installation we had a small problem with noise; GenTech solved it for us right away. The twice-a-year maintenance contract has been a comfort as well.” 

Reliability

Our customers know that GenTech backup generators are trusted and reliable:

 “I thought you folks might like to know…the storm brought down some trees in the Village.  We had a multi-hour power outage yesterday, and we’re having another one as I write this.  The generator worked like a champ.”

Quick Response Time

And that we have fast turn-around because we understand the severity of the situation:

“…was extremely responsive and did a very good job. I would highly recommend to others.”

There are many advantages to having a Cummins backup generator installed in your home by GenTech Backup Generator Systems. Visit our facts page for a complete list of features.

Why You Need a Generator in Your Home This Winter

Winter brings more than plush falling snow over ice-capped hills; it can also rear its ugly head in the form of harsh winter storms, savagely wiping out your home’s power. When this happens, you’ll need a plan B: a backup generator. Here’s why.

Why You Need a Generator in Your Home This Winter

Functionality

If your power goes out, you can’t function properly. Food will spoil because the fridge isn’t powered. That’s a lot of money gone to waste, especially if power is out for an extended period of time. What about your home’s security? Power outages affect home security systems. Home medical equipment that also depends on power to operate is also affected. This could gravely become a life or death situation if there is no quick way of turning the power back on.

Stay Warm

If you’re going to be cooped up in your house for a few days because of piling snow, you’ll want to be comfortable in your home. That means taking safety into your own hands by making sure you have backup heat. This is especially true if you own a home-based business. Your livelihood depends on it!

Prevent Flooding

Without backup power, how will you be able to run your sump pump? You’re going to need it if runoff from melting ice and snow flows into your basement, which is detrimental to the structure of your home and will result in costly repairs.

At GenTech Backup Generator Systems, we’ve seen the damage a brutal winter storm can do to the functioning of a home. That’s why we use a top-rated line of Cummins Generators during our installations. Find out how resilient these machines really are in the face of ugly winter weather!

GenTech Generators

GenTech Generators