Call 844-335-0814 and our 24/7 service desk will connect you with an independent local electrician who installs generators for homes and businesses.
Standby or portable generator
A standby generator is permanently installed outside, runs on natural gas or propane and starts automatically when the power fails. A portable generator is cheaper and flexible but has to be started, fueled and connected by hand. Both need a safe connection to your home's wiring.
- Standby: automatic, larger capacity, higher upfront cost
- Portable: manual, smaller loads, lower cost
- Either way: a transfer switch or approved interlock is needed for panel connection
Sizing a generator for your home
Sizing starts with deciding what must run during an outage. Some people want only essentials such as the refrigerator, lights, internet and a few outlets. Others want the whole house, including air conditioning. The electrician will total those loads and recommend a size and transfer setup to match.
In hot Sacramento summers, central air conditioning is often the deciding factor in how large a generator needs to be.
Installing a generator step by step
- Call 844-335-0814 and tell us what you want to keep running.
- We connect you with an independent electrician who installs generators.
- The electrician sizes the generator, picks a location and plans the transfer switch.
- Permits are pulled; gas work and pad installation are coordinated as needed.
- The generator and transfer switch are installed, inspected and tested under load.
Placement and safety around the house
Generators produce carbon monoxide and must be placed away from doors, windows and vents. Standby units also need clearance for service and airflow, and placement may be subject to setback rules from your city or the county.
Never connect a portable generator by plugging it into a household outlet. That can energize utility lines and endanger line workers.
Maintaining your generator
Standby generators run short self tests on a schedule and need periodic service. Portable units need fresh fuel and a regular test run so they start when you need them.
Questions about Generator Installation
Do I need a permit for a standby generator?
Standby generators usually require permits for the electrical connection and often for gas and placement. The electrician should confirm with your local building department.
Can a generator run my whole house?
It can if it is sized for your full load, but many homes choose a smaller unit that powers selected circuits.