Minding Your Business Jan. 18, 2024 RCA Electric & Generators

RCA Electric & Generators

…Generating Trust since 1990

153 Commercial St.

Mashpee

508-428-0449

rcaelectric.com

Open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

24 hour emergency service

“To be honest with you, stormy weather is our best marketing tool,” Sharon Brown of RCA Electric & Generators said with a laugh. “The phone rings like crazy after a storm.” Storms may make you realize you need a generator, but seriously any time is a good time to call RCA; their knowledgeable staff can answer all your questions on how to add a generator, and the right generator, on your property.

Cost is the first question. “The cost of buying and installing a generator ranges from $10,000 to $15,000,” Brown said. “Factors to consider are to fuel it with natural gas or propane, and the size you need (the amount of kilowatts generated determines the number of circuits you get).

“At RCA we only do ‘back-up power,’ that’s all we do! So one call does it all. At RCA we have employees to help you buy the correct unit and install it, too. We employ both electricians and gas fitters. We don’t sub out the work, except if a gas line is needed to be brought in from the road; National Grid has to do that, but we give you all those forms.” They offer financing and leasing options, too. “Check with your insurance agent also. Most home-owners insurance policies will offer a discount if you install a generator. Because there’s less risk of frozen pipes and the damage they can cause.”

Brown also said they take great pride in the fact that when you call you get a live person immediately. No prompts, no hold time. “We give free estimates.” RCA is a local, family-owned company that was founded in 1990. “Randy and Donna Agnew are the owners. Randy is a master electrician who graduated from Cape Cod Tech.”

Their knowledge is impressive. In one short interview Sharon shared with me some of the specifics involved in your generator installation. You learn about the codes you need to adhere to, of course, but she also educated me on the distance requirements for your generator: “three feet clearance on three sides, left, right and front, 18 inches on the back side, though you may want it even further away if you can. Twenty feet is the optimal distance. It’s like a car engine, a running car engine or a mini power plant. It’s air cooled from the right and expels carbon monoxide from the left. It needs to be in a safe spot.”

Brown said once you make the decision, installation is a quick process. They can install it in one day and then you wait on the town inspection to test everything; then RCA returns immediately, finalizes the setup, and gives you a walk-through on how to use it. They have 26 trucks and service all of the Cape. “We have a solution for every budget! This month if you sign a contract by Jan. 31, you get a free 10-year warranty and a free first-year maintenance visit.” Call them today for more information on that offer and more.