Generator Installation
A permanently installed standby generator is a home resilience project with more parts than the generator itself. The work begins with the loads you want available, then considers fuel, transfer equipment, equipment location, service capacity, and the approvals for the property.
Backup scope
Essential-load planning identifies what needs power when the grid is unavailable.
Fuel and location
Fuel coordination, accessible equipment space, routing, and local requirements shape the installation.
Transfer equipment
Transfer equipment is the part of the system that separates utility and generator power.
A permanently installed standby generator is connected through transfer equipment. A portable generator has different connection and operating requirements. Neither should ever be connected to utility wiring in a way that can energize utility lines.
PG&E’s backup-power guide distinguishes manual and automatic transfer arrangements and notes that permitting and utility requirements depend on the configuration. That is why a site assessment should describe the actual equipment and loads, rather than treating every generator project as identical.
The loads you expect to run at the same time determine the design conversation. Refrigeration, lighting, pumps, medical equipment, HVAC, cooking, and EV charging all place different demands on a backup source.
A load review clarifies whether the project is intended for selected essentials or a broader set of circuits. It also identifies existing panel or service questions before equipment is selected.
The property needs an approved equipment location, practical wiring route, service access, and fuel coordination. Local requirements and the fuel provider’s rules apply to the actual address; the approved layout must account for clearances, openings, neighboring property, and the selected equipment.
The review also considers exterior access for installation and later service. The proposal should state assumptions and distinguish work within the electrical scope from work that requires another trade or utility coordination.
The transfer arrangement isolates the generator from the utility before the generator supplies the backed-up loads. It is a safety function, not an optional accessory. PG&E’s guide references UL 1008 for manual and automatic transfer switches.
The exact arrangement depends on the generator, the intended load scope, and the approved design. We explain the equipment path and operating boundary before installation rather than assuming automatic operation or whole-home coverage.
Send photos of the meter, panel, possible generator location, and fuel-service area, along with a list of priority loads and any remodel plans. That makes the first conversation more specific.
The final scope follows site conditions, equipment compatibility, authority requirements, and any utility or fuel-provider coordination.
CRE scopes the electrical connections, transfer equipment, circuit identification, and electrical checks. The proposal identifies who supplies the generator and who handles fuel piping, the equipment base, delivery, startup, and ongoing servicing. Those items are not automatically included in electrical installation.
Before scheduling, agree on the power interruption and any critical loads that need another supply. At handoff, review the selected backup circuits, operating instructions, inspection records where applicable, and any work still assigned to the utility or another trade.
Choose the rooms and everyday essentials you want available during an outage. We’ll use your list to start a site-specific generator conversation.
Running watts are the continuous load for selected items. Starting watts are extra power some motor-driven equipment may need briefly. This check adds the largest listed additional starting load to the listed running load; it does not promise a generator size.
Illustrative values: fridge 700 W plus 2,200 W starting; kitchen lights 100 W; TV 500 W; bedroom lights 60 W; phone charging 20 W; laptop 65 W; monitor 35 W; garage lights 100 W; small electronics 100 W; Wi-Fi 60 W. Check data plates/manuals and assess transfer equipment, motor starts, fuel, ventilation, local requirements, and the selected model. Fuel duration needs actual equipment and load information.
Guidance: Generac wattage worksheet and Briggs & Stratton sizing guide.
A generator plan starts with essential loads, then resolves transfer equipment, location, fuel coordination, and approvals for the property.
Document the loads and systems the home needs during an outage.
Assess service equipment, generator location, routing, and fuel coordination.
Define the transfer arrangement and approval steps for the address.
Backup scope depends on the load review, generator and transfer-equipment design, and existing service arrangement.
A permanently connected generator requires an appropriate transfer arrangement to isolate it from utility power.
Portable and permanent systems have different safety and connection requirements. Never backfeed utility wiring.
The site review considers access, equipment routing, fuel coordination, and local requirements for the actual property.
Share your city, the work you need, and any equipment or plans you already have.
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