Whole House Generators:
Your Ultimate Home Power Solution
Never lose power again. At Benchmark Electric, we bring Memphis-area homeowners the peace of mind that comes with reliable, automatic backup power. When the lights go out in your neighborhood, your home stays bright, comfortable, and fully operational.
Instant Power When You Need It Most
Imagine never worrying about spoiled food, dead phones, or sweltering summer nights without air conditioning. Our whole house generators detect power outages instantly and restore electricity to your home in just 10 seconds. No manual switches, no rushing outside in storms—just seamless, automatic protection for everything you value.
When utility power returns, your generator doesn't just shut off immediately. It continues running for five additional minutes, standing guard against those frustrating power flickers that seem to happen right after the main outage ends. Only when it's certain your power is stable does it quietly return to standby mode.
Two Powerful Options for Every Budget and Need
Air-Cooled Generators: Smart Budget Choice
Perfect for most Memphis homes up to 3,000 square feet, these efficient units handle short-term outages (2-3 days) with ease. They're the smart choice for homeowners who want reliable backup power without breaking the bank.
Liquid-Cooled Generators: Maximum Endurance
For extended outages or larger homes, liquid-cooled generators—especially diesel models—deliver unmatched performance. These workhorses can run flawlessly for weeks with proper maintenance, and with professional care, they'll protect your home for decades.
Video describes whole house generators from Cummins Power Generation.
Installation of a Cummins RS30, 30kW Whole House Generator.
True Whole House vs. Managed Power: Know the Difference
Don't Fall for the "Whole House" Marketing Trap
Walk into any big box store and you'll see generators labeled "Whole House Generator." Here's what they don't tell you: a 14kW unit with a 150-amp transfer switch won't actually power your whole house—not if you want to use your air conditioning, oven, and dryer at the same time.
We recently helped a customer who learned this lesson the hard way. After purchasing what seemed like the perfect "whole house" solution, they discovered it couldn't handle their 3,500 square foot home's actual power needs. The transfer switch was too small, and the generator was under-powered for real-world use.
Managed Whole House Systems: Smart Compromise
Our managed whole house generators use intelligent load management to maximize your smaller generator's capability. Picture this: you have two 5-ton air conditioning units, but the system ensures only one runs at a time. When the first unit satisfies your home's cooling needs and cycles off, the second unit can kick in if needed. Optional load management modules can manage your oven, dryer, and other high-demand appliances the same way.
This smart approach lets you power your entire home with a more affordable generator—you just won't run every high-energy appliance simultaneously.
True Whole House Power: No Compromises
Want to run both air conditioners, your electric oven, clothes dryer, and every light in the house all at once? That's true whole house power, and it typically requires a larger liquid-cooled generator properly sized for your home's complete electrical load.
Generator box labeled "whole house" but does it really cover the whole house? Probably not.
Optional load management modules can manage loads like your oven, clothes dryer, or electric water heater.
With true whole house coverage, you'll never think twice about what you can and can't use during an outage. Your home operates exactly as it would on regular utility power.
Professional Sizing: Why It Matters More Than Everything Else
Those online generator calculators? They're a starting point, nothing more. Every home is unique, and every family's power needs are different. The difference between a generator that works and one that disappoints often comes down to proper professional sizing.
At Benchmark Electric, we don't guess—we analyze. We evaluate your home's actual electrical demands, consider your family's lifestyle, and recommend the right solution for your specific needs and budget.
Your Next Step to Uninterrupted Power
Ready to never worry about power outages again? Benchmark Electric makes the entire process painless with free, comprehensive turnkey installation quotes. We handle everything from proper sizing to professional installation, ensuring your investment protects your home exactly as intended.
Call us today at 901-590-4968 or send us a message online to get started.
Before you make any decisions, read our detailed article on How Benchmark Electric Rates and Ranks Standby Generators. It's essential reading for anyone serious about protecting their home with reliable backup power.
Don't let the next storm catch you powerless. Contact Benchmark Electric today and discover why Memphis-area homeowners trust us for their most critical electrical needs.
Cummins Air-Cooled Generator
Cummins Liquid-Cooled NG/LP
Cummins Liquid-Cooled Diesel
Keep Your Backup Generator Running at Peak Performance
Your backup generator needs regular maintenance just like your vehicle. However, while your car requires an oil change every 3,000 miles, your generator needs servicing every 200 engine hours—or at minimum, once per year.
Fortunately, Benchmark Electric makes generator care simple. Our preventive maintenance program ensures your system is always ready to perform when power outages strike. Additionally, we provide comprehensive repair services for any unexpected issues.
Learn more by visiting our dedicated pages on routine generator service and generator repair. We're committed to keeping your backup power reliable and worry-free.
frequently asked questions About Standby Generators
Standby generators fueled by natural gas (NG) have an unlimited supply of fuel from the gas meter. No fuel storage or refilling.
Generators fueled by liquid-propane (LP) or diesel require a fuel storage tank. LP gas suppliers offer fuel tanks in various sizes. Diesel generators have a fuel storage tank mounted subbase and are also available in different sizes.
Owners of propane generators or diesel generators have a local service provider to provide refueling.