What is the difference between a power strip and a whole house surge protector?

A surge-protected power strip only protects devices plugged into it. A whole house surge protector is installed at the main electrical panel and protects every circuit simultaneously including HVAC, hardwired appliances, and EV chargers. Both have a role - the panel device handles large events, the strip handles daily small surges on sensitive electronics.

Where do most power surges come from in Arlington TX homes?

About 80 percent of power surge damage comes from internal surges generated by large appliances cycling inside the home - HVAC compressors, refrigerators, EV chargers. The remaining 20 percent comes from external sources like lightning and Oncor utility switching surges. A panel-mounted whole house surge protector handles both.

How do I know if my whole house surge protector is still working?

Check the indicator LED on the device. Green or 'Protected' means the device has remaining capacity. Red or no light means it was depleted by a surge and is no longer protecting your home. Check this light once a year. Call Bolt Electric at (817) 754-5700 if you need help locating it.

What joule rating do I need for a whole house surge protector in Arlington TX?

Minimum 1,000 joules for basic protection. 2,000 to 3,000 joules for most Arlington TX homes. 3,000+ joules for homes with EV chargers, home automation, or significant electronics. Higher joule ratings mean more surge absorption capacity before the device is sacrificed.

Should I install surge protection when I upgrade my electrical panel in Arlington TX?

Yes. A panel upgrade is the most efficient time to add surge protection - the panel is already open. Bolt Electric includes the surge protection option in every panel upgrade quote. It adds minimal time to the job.

Standby Generator Installation Arlington TX | Generac

Standby Generator Installation in Arlington TX

A standby generator sits outside your home on a concrete pad, connected to your natural gas or propane line. When Oncor power goes out — at 2am, during a storm, or on a 110-degree summer day — it starts automatically. You do not go outside. You do not flip a switch. The lights stay on.

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⚡ Generac & Kohler🔋 Natural Gas & Propane△ Automatic Transfer Switch📝 City of Arlington Permits

Bolt Electric installs Generac and Kohler standby generators throughout Arlington TX and surrounding communities. Call (817) 754-5700.

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Standby generator installation in Arlington TX. Generac and Kohler. Gas and propane. Automatic.

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What It Is

What Is a Standby Generator?

Unlike a portable generator you wheel out and manually connect, a standby generator is permanently installed. It monitors utility power 24 hours a day. The moment Oncor power fails, it starts and transfers the home to generator power within 20 seconds through an automatic transfer switch. When utility power is restored, it transfers back and shuts off.

It runs on your existing natural gas line — no refueling, no storage cans, no running out of fuel after day two of a winter storm. In Arlington TX where outages can last hours to days, this matters.

Sizing Guide

What Size Generator Does My Arlington TX Home Need?

›1,200 – 1,800 sq ft home: 11 to 14 kW covers essential circuits
›1,800 – 2,500 sq ft home: 16 to 20 kW for whole-home coverage
›2,500+ sq ft home or two HVAC units: 22 to 26 kW

We size the generator based on your actual panel load, not a square footage formula. A home with a pool pump, EV charger, and two HVAC units needs more capacity than the same square footage without those loads. We calculate this on the site visit.

What to Expect

What the Installation Involves

›Site assessment and generator sizing calculation
›Concrete pad poured at installation location
›Gas line run from existing service — Atmos Energy coordination included
›Automatic transfer switch installed at your main panel
›Generator wired and connected
›City of Arlington permit and inspection
›Weekly self-test programmed before we leave

Most standby generator installations in Arlington TX are completed in one to two days. Concrete pad needs 24 hours to cure before generator is set.

Brand Comparison

Generac vs Kohler — Which Brand Is Right for Arlington TX?

Both are excellent. Generac has the largest market share in residential standby generators and the deepest service network. Kohler is slightly quieter and built to a premium standard. Both have dealers in the DFW area. We install both and give you the comparison at the site visit based on your specific needs and budget.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

One to two days for most residential installations. Concrete pad poured day one, generator set and wired day two. Atmos Energy gas line coordination adds one to two weeks of lead time in some cases — we factor this into the timeline upfront.

Yes. Multiple real estate studies show whole-home generators add 3 to 5 percent to home value in Texas markets. In neighborhoods where Winter Storm Uri caused significant damage, buyers actively search for generator-equipped homes.

It runs as long as your natural gas supply is available. During Winter Storm Uri, Atmos Energy natural gas service continued throughout most of the Arlington TX area while Oncor electric grid was down. Natural gas standby generators ran continuously for days without interruption.

Get a Standby Generator Installed in Arlington TX

Oncor outages happen. When they do, a standby generator keeps the lights on, the AC running, and the refrigerator cold — automatically, without you doing anything.

We serve Arlington TX, South Arlington, Pantego, Dalworthington Gardens, and surrounding communities.

(817) 754-5700

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✅ Licensed & Insured 📝 City of Arlington Permits ⚡ Generac & Kohler 💰 Firm Price Before We Start

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