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Frequently Asked Questions

Browse our frequently asked questions to learn more about CRG Electric’s specialized services, in-house processes, and technical expertise. We believe in providing our clients in Washtenaw and Jackson Counties with the clarity needed to make informed decisions about their electrical infrastructure.

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Everything you need to know — all in one place.

Click on the questions below to reveal the expert answer. If you need additional information, please don’t hesitate to call us at 734-415-4455 or fill out our brief web form—we are always happy to provide professional assistance or technical recommendations.

Generator FAQs

Generator installation cost would start at about $10,000 for a basic installation if the gas and electric meter are right next to each other and the generator is going near that locaiton for a 16 circuit switch with a 10KW generator. Cost will rise with the generator size and installation options. Typical 20 KW installation with a whole house transfer switch with the gas and electric meter in the same location would be aobut $13,000.

A typical installation of a whole house generator and transfer switch will take one day (two techs eight hours) if the gas and electric meter are located near the generator.

 

With the generator in the off position (not running) pull the dipstick to make sure the level is correct. There should be a line on the dipstick showing the full mark.

On most air cooled units there is a fill cap on top of the valve cover. Most air cooled units take 5W 30 full synthetic oil.

 

Usually this means something is wrong and the unit will not start or produce voltage. So the unit will not work during a power outage.

Check for fault codes in the generator. If the generator is in fault try to reset the fault by turning the unit to off and putting it back in auto. The unit might start, if the unit fails to start, you will need a technician to come out to further troubleshoot the unit.

 

Currently if you have purchased a generator from CRG Electric we will give you a $100 referral fee. Kohler will also match the $100 referral fee, depending on if they are running this promotion. There is paper work that is needed to be filled out to receive both. Feel free to call our office for the paperwork.

The only true way to know if you need a gas meter upgrade is to contact the gas company to know. We can assist if needed.
We strongly recommend a minimum of once a year.
 

While a load bank isn’t always required, it can be highly beneficial—especially if your generator hasn’t been used during a real power outage. A load bank applies a controlled electrical load to the unit, allowing it to run under realistic operating conditions. This helps identify any potential issues and ensures the generator is performing as expected when you actually need it.

For systems that haven’t been exercised under load, we recommend performing a load bank test during routine maintenance to confirm reliability and prevent unexpected failures.

 

Alway refer back to the manual for recommendations. We recommend every 8 hours in long run periods.

This all depends on how well the generator is maintained and the manufacture. I would say the unit’s life expectancy is approximately 15- 20 years.

 

The Kohler units will sense low voltage situations (dimming lights) and transfer the home to generator power.

 

One trip a year for an air cooled 8-24KW is $340. It is best to give the office a call to confirm pricing.

 

We strongly advise the battery to be swapped out every three years. Even if the battery tests good we see lots of battery failures after they are three years old.

 

We offer a continuous maintenance contract so a contract does not need to be signed every year. If the contract is canceled we need to have this in writing.

Maintenance contracts are designed to give you options. These options will also allow us to complete the selected options without you being home and eliminates a second trip to complete the PM.
 

A typical installation there would be about a three hour power outage during the installation of the transfer switch.

 

A typical installation there would be about a three hour power outage during the installation of the transfer switch.

 

A typical generator and transfer switch installation will take one day with two technicians from start to finish. When the generator is located farther away from the gas and electric meter the time of the installation would increase.

Generator installation cost would start at about $10,000 for a basic installation if the gas and electric meter are right next to each other and the generator is going near that locaiton for a 16 circuit switch with a 10KW generator. Cost will rise with the generator size and installation options. Typical 20 KW installation with a whole house transfer switch with the gas and electric meter in the same location would be aobut $13,000.

A typical installation of a whole house generator and transfer switch will take one day (two techs eight hours) if the gas and electric meter are located near the generator.

Electrical FAQs

 
Yes we do. You can use the form on our website by clicking the button below or call us at (734) 415-4455 and we’d be more than happy to assist you.
 
We do offer financing, use the link below to apply. Rates do change from time to time. We offer many flexible plans from a one year same as cash, a three, five seven and a ten year plan. These are all soft credit checks so it will not show on your credit report if you apply.
 
I would turn off the main breaker to the home so that the power is off. Brown out/low voltage can damage your appliances.
 
Surge protectors will help in a surge situation. Make sure you are looking at the specs on the surge protector to see what the device will handle for a surge protection.
 
A LED bulb will generally use less energy and be much more energy efficient.
 
By code a sump pump needs to be GFI protected. We would strongly recommend not GFI protecting your sump pump. If the GFI trips your sump pump will not work and your basement will flood.
 
AC units have a very large inrush of current to start the compressor. This will sometimes cause the lights to flicker in the home.
 
We always have a technician on call. If you call the office line after hours or the weekend and use the emergency prompt, it will direct you to the call center. They will collect all the needed information then contact the technician on call.
 
Sometimes this can be caused by a dead short in the circuit or an overloaded circuit. If the circuit is overloaded you might need a new circuit installed.
 
No you can not. The circuit breaker is rated to the gauge/amperage of the wire. If the breaker is changed to a higher amperage and the wire is not rated for it you could cause a fire.
 
Yes, the State of Michigan requires the apprentice to go to school.
 
It takes around four years to become a journeyman electrician, which includes education an apprenticeship.
 
After the apprentice completes four years in the field and the needed schooling the apprentice can then take their Journeyman’s test through the State of MI.
 
From the start of the apprenticeship to becoming a Journeyman it takes four years once the Journeyman’s test is passed it will take another two years to become a Master electrician.

Ensuring Safety and Reliability in Washtenaw & Jackson Counties

CRG Electric, LLC provides the specialized equipment and Certified Technicians to handle your project entirely in-house. From Willis to Jackson, we ensure your electrical systems are built for long-term performance.

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