Panels, power & EV

Generator Installation

Safe backup power uses either a standby generator with an automatic transfer switch or a portable generator connected through a listed interlock or transfer switch — never a back-fed outlet.

Call About Backup Power: (855) 679-2483

Free to call · Independent licensed electricians

Free to call
Price before work starts
Permits handled when required

Generator Installation at a glance

Options: Interlock, transfer switch, standby
Fuel: Natural gas, propane or gasoline
Permit: Usually required

Independent licensed electricians in all 50 states + DC

Overview

What generator installation involves

Backup power ranges from a portable generator connected through an interlock kit to a fully automatic standby generator that starts within seconds of an outage. The right choice depends on what you need to keep running, your fuel source, and how often outages happen where you live.

See the types of work What affects the price

Safety first

Never back-feed a home through a dryer outlet or "suicide cord". It can electrocute utility workers and neighbors. Always use a transfer switch or listed interlock.

Warning signs

Signs you need generator installation

If any of these sound familiar, it is time to have a licensed electrician take a look.

1
Frequent or long power outages in your area
2
Medical equipment, sump pumps or well pumps that must keep running
3
Working from home and needing reliable power
4
Currently running extension cords from a portable generator

How it works

How the electrician handles it

What to expect from the licensed electrician you are connected with, from first visit to final inspection.

101
Choose essential circuits or whole-home coverage
202
Size the generator and fuel supply
303
Install transfer switch or interlock
404
Permits, inspection and utility notification where required
505
Test transfer and owner walkthrough

Types of work

Types of generator installation work

Generator Interlock Kit

Safe portable-generator connection through your main panel.

Listed interlock for your specific panel
Exterior power inlet box
Correctly sized generator breaker

Transfer Switch Installation

Manual or automatic transfer switches for backup power.

Manual or automatic switch selection
Essential-load or whole-home configuration
Integration with standby generator

Standby Generator Installation

Permanently installed generators that start automatically.

Pad, clearances and fuel connection coordination
Automatic transfer switch
Exercise schedule and maintenance plan

Pricing

What affects the cost

Prices are set by the electrician after seeing the job. These are the factors that move the number.

Get a real number

A short visit lets the electrician see your panel, wiring and access, so the quote reflects your actual job.

Call to discuss your job

01
Essential circuits vs. whole-home coverage
02
Generator size and fuel type
03
Manual vs. automatic transfer
04
Distance to gas line or tank
05
Pad, clearance and noise requirements

DIY vs. pro

What you can do, and when to stop

Safe for homeowners

List what must run during an outage
Keep portable generators outdoors and far from windows

Stop and call a pro

Back-feeding through a dryer or range outlet
Running a generator in a garage
Connecting to the panel without an interlock

Safety: Never back-feed a home through a dryer outlet or "suicide cord". It can electrocute utility workers and neighbors. Always use a transfer switch or listed interlock.

Questions

Generator Installation questions

What is the difference between an interlock and a transfer switch?

An interlock is a mechanical plate that prevents the main breaker and generator breaker from being on at the same time. A transfer switch is a separate device; automatic versions switch over without you doing anything.

Is a generator interlock legal?

Listed interlock kits designed for your specific panel are an accepted method in many areas when installed with a permit.

How big a generator do I need?

It depends on starting and running loads. Well pumps and central AC raise the requirement substantially.

Same-day help often available

Call about generator installation

Call (855) 679-2483

Free to call
Explain the problem in plain words
Connect with an independent licensed electrician near you

Smoke, flames or sparking? Leave the building and call 911 first.

Pronto Electrician is a free referral service. Calls are answered by independent licensed electricians in your area. Pronto Electrician does not perform electrical work, and the electrician you choose sets the price, schedule, permits and warranty.

Same-day help often available

Prefer to talk it through?

Your call is answered by an independent licensed electrician who serves your area.

(855) 679-2483

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