As a homeowner, you have made one of the best decisions in protecting your daily comfort: buying a whole-house generator. Also known as a standby generator, this wonderful piece of tech provides you backup power during everything from random blackouts to severe weather. But after making the big purchase, the next question is “How do you perform a home generator installation?” No need to worry as the electrical experts at Hunter Super Techs have the guide you need to get your brand-new generator installed and ready to be used.

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How a Standby Generator Works

A standby generator, which is the same as a whole-home generator, is a permanent appliance installation that supplies power to an area when an outage occurs. As soon as the area’s main power supply is stopped, the generator kicks on to provide backup power. Your main power supply can be interrupted for multiple reasons, such as severe weather, but with a generator, blackouts only last mere seconds.

Here is a breakdown of how your new standby generator installation functions:

Your home suddenly loses power due to a bad storm, rolling blackouts, or other unexpected circumstances.
Your standby generator senses the cut power supply and flips a transfer switch to start supplying backup power within a few seconds
The generator will continue supplying backup power until your main supply returns. This process is hands-off, allowing the generator unit to provide backup power whether you are home or not.

Is Installing a Whole-House Generator a DIY Project?

In the world of electrical projects, there is plenty that can be done using your know-how. Unfortunately, a home standby generator installation is not one of those projects. Generators can be risky items to work with, especially if you don’t have experience working with electrical equipment. This task is best left in the hands of a professional electrician, as they have the proper tools and expertise to tackle the complex installation process and keep you safe.

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Home Standby Generator?

A home generator installation is a project with an ever-changing price tag. The exact price will always depend on factors such as where your home is located, fuel type, and the complexity of the installation. Average prices for home generators and their installation will range anywhere from $8,000 to $16,000. While not a cheap investment for your home, a licensed generator dealer, like Hunter Super Techs will assist with creating an installation plan to find the perfect fit for your needs. Hunter Super Techs even offers various financing options to take some of the shock out of the generator’s sticker price.

How to Install a Standby Generator in Your Home

Learn the installation process from our expert electricians at Hunter Super Techs. The following steps are ones our team takes for brand-new installations:

1. Choose the Right Generator

Selecting the best home generator for your home depends on certain factors. The factors include:

Location: The placement of the generator needs to comply with the local codes. Additionally, the size and location need to be distanced from possible hazards like flooding but must also be placed in an easily accessible area.
Fuel: Consider what fuel is available around in your area, and your capacity for storing it. Whole-house generators typically use fuel supplies like natural gas, diesel, or propane.
Your Power Requirements: Find the essential appliances you want running in the chance an outage occurs and calculate the power needed for them to run.

2. Gather Tools

For the installation process, our team uses a variety of tools, including:

Wire strippers
Linesman pliers
Shovels
Fish Tape
Trenching machine

3. Prepare the Installation Site

With your standby generator, you next need to find the best possible spot for installation. Prep time includes having a concrete pad installed, which will sit underneath the generator for support. The site needs to be in a location where that is safe, stable, and strong enough to support the weight of both the generator and the concrete pad underneath. The concrete pad itself will need to be larger than the space and dimensions of the generator while also being level.

4. Professional Installation

The installation process includes dealing with both electrical and gas connections, requiring the expertise of professionals from a company like Hunter Super Techs. A professional electrician provides both the necessary permits and inspections to make sure your installation process is properly done.

Electrician installing a transfer panel for a whole house generator

5. Electrical Connection

For proper electrical connection to the generator, a Hunter electrician will first install an electrical sub-panel alongside your home’s main electrical panel. A key part of this panel is the transfer switch which enables the generator to turn on when the main power supply is cut off.

Our electricians will then redirect the critical electrical circuits from the main panel to the sub-pane. This way the generator is fully integrated into your home’s electrical system.

6. Gas Connection

To connect the generator to the chosen fuel source, a Hunter electrician first digs a trench that connects the generator to your home’s high-pressure gas meter. This trench allows our team to run a natural gas line and trace wire to connect the meter and the generator.

When the fuel connection is completed, our team will inspect to make sure there are any possible hazards such as leaks.

7. Testing

Our final step is conducting various tests on the system. This includes making sure the generator can respond efficiently when power is cut and that the backup supply provides enough energy for your needs.

When tests are complete, our electricians will take the time to give you a thorough walkthrough of the system. We will consult about system functions, general safety, and the maintenance you can perform to get the most out of the investment.

How Long Does it Take to Install a Home Standby Generator?

The installation process for a home standby generator will typically take hours to complete. All the prep needed before the generator arrives at your property can take even longer, up to multiple weeks. Preparations can be impacted by factors like preparing the work site, getting a permit, or even the availability of the standby generator itself.

Whole-House Generator Installation Services in South Oklahoma and North Texas

Excited about your new home generator? Leave the complex installation to the pros at Hunter Super Techs. Our experienced electricians know the ins and outs of the installation process and we’ll get your system installed in no time flat. Utilizing the best equipment available, our installation process creates little to no disruption to your day, allowing you to go about your business. If you are ready for a professional installation, it’s time to call Hunter Super Techs.

Already have a standby generator installed on your property? No problem, our electrician team provides other comprehensive services for your electrical system including routine maintenance and repairs. Your home electrical system is foundational to your daily comfort, so call on the Hunter Super Techs when the lights go out and we’ll get things running again.