Why Huntsville homeowners add backup power
- Severe spring storms and summer thunderstorms
- Occasional winter ice
- Working from home
- Medical equipment
- Protecting food, sump pumps and HVAC
Standby vs. portable
A standby generator starts automatically and can run on natural gas or propane. A portable generator costs less but needs manual setup and refueling.
Either way, a transfer switch or listed interlock is required to keep generator power from backfeeding utility lines.
Installation steps
Decide what to power
Essentials only, or the whole house with load management.
Choose transfer equipment
Automatic transfer switch, manual transfer switch or interlock.
Install and connect
Pad, inlet, wiring and transfer equipment.
Test and inspect
Simulate an outage and pass inspection.
Carbon monoxide kills. Never run a generator indoors, in a garage or near windows. Never backfeed through an outlet. Install CO alarms.
Related services
Generator Installation
Standby and portable generator hookups with transfer switches or interlocks for safe backup power.
Whole Home Generator
Permanently installed standby generators sized to power your entire home automatically during outages.
Generator Repair
Electrical troubleshooting for generators that won't transfer, won't start in an outage, or trip breakers under load.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation
Hardwired carbon monoxide alarms for homes with gas appliances, fireplaces, attached garages or generators.
Related problems
Frequently asked questions
Generator and transfer switch installations typically require permits and inspection. The electrician can confirm.
It depends on what's available at your address.
If sized for the AC's starting load, often with load management.