Who Installs a Whole Home Generator?

07Nov
by dkelectrical  
0

Keep Your Home Powered When It Matters Most

Power outages do not wait for convenience. Whether it is a thunderstorm, hurricane season, or grid failure, losing electricity can disrupt everything from your home comfort to your family’s safety. That is why more New Jersey homeowners are turning to whole home generators for dependable backup power.

If you are wondering who actually installs these systems safely and legally, you are asking the right question. Installing a generator is not a DIY project or a simple appliance hookup. It is a licensed trade job that connects directly to your home’s electrical panel and utility line, which means it requires certified electrical expertise.

If you live in Burlington or Camden County and want to ensure your generator installation is done correctly, this guide will help you understand who to hire, what to expect, and how to prepare.

What We’ll Cover:

Who Installs Whole Home Generators

Here is the answer right up front: a licensed electrician should install your whole home generator.

While big-box retailers or generator dealers may sell the equipment, they often subcontract the electrical work to certified electricians. This is because connecting a generator to your main panel, transfer switch, and natural gas line (if applicable) requires advanced knowledge of local building codes and electrical safety.

Family Safe with Backup Power During Storm

What the Installer Does

  1. Evaluates your electrical load and generator capacity needs

  2. Obtains necessary permits from your local township

  3. Installs the generator base and transfer switch

  4. Connects wiring from the generator to your electrical panel

  5. Tests and certifies the installation for code compliance

Why It Matters

Improper installation can cause equipment failure, fire hazards, or even void your manufacturer’s warranty. Hiring a Certified Master Electrician ensures your generator operates safely and efficiently during every outage.

Why You Need a Licensed Electrician

Let’s break it down. Installing a whole home generator means integrating a second power source into your home’s main electrical system. This is complex work that can only be performed by a licensed electrician familiar with New Jersey’s residential electrical codes.

Licensed Electricians:

  1. Understand load balancing: They calculate how much power your home needs during an outage.

  2. Ensure code compliance: Every connection must meet state and township regulations.

  3. Handle permits and inspections: They take care of the paperwork and safety certifications.

  4. Guarantee safe transfer of power: Prevents dangerous backfeeding into the grid.

Electrician Connecting Generator Transfer Switch

When you hire a professional, you are not just paying for installation. You are investing in long-term safety and reliability. Learn more about the benefits of hiring a certified electrician.

How the Installation Process Works

Every home is different, but the process typically follows five key steps.

A man in a blue uniform stands by a white van, holding a coil of cable over his shoulder and carrying a metal toolbox—ready for whole home generator installation.

1. On-site Evaluation

Your electrician inspects your electrical system, measures your home’s power needs, and recommends the right generator size.

2. Permitting and Preparation

They handle local permits, coordinate with the gas company (if needed), and prepare the installation site.

3. Mounting the Generator

The generator is placed on a solid concrete or composite pad to prevent shifting or water damage.

4. Electrical and Gas Connections

The electrician installs a transfer switch near your main panel and connects wiring from the generator to ensure smooth power transfer during outages.

5. Testing and Commissioning

Finally, they run a complete system test to confirm your generator powers essential circuits safely and automatically.

This process typically takes one to three days, depending on your home’s setup and inspection schedule. For a deeper understanding, you can read our guide on generator installation tips.

Typical Costs and Timelines

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: How much does it cost to install a whole home generator?

Here is a general breakdown:

Installation TypeAverage Cost Range
10–16 kW Home System$6,000–$9,500
17–22 kW Home System$10,000–$14,000
Transfer Switch & Labor$2,000–$4,000

What Affects Price:

  1. Home size and total wattage needs
  2. Existing electrical panel capacity
  3. Distance between generator and main electrical service
  4. Permitting and inspection fees

At DK Electrical Solutions, we make this process easier with financing options and transparent pricing so you know exactly what to expect before work begins.

You can also learn about the benefits of installing a generator at home.

Signs You’re Ready for a Whole Home Generator

Not sure if it is time to invest in backup power? Here are some signs your home could benefit:

  1. You have experienced multiple outages in the past year.
  2. You work remotely or rely on medical equipment.
  3. You have a sump pump or refrigerator that must stay powered.
  4. You want protection during severe weather seasons.

You may also want to explore how to prevent winter blackouts to keep your home safe year-round.

Installing a whole home generator is a proactive investment in comfort, safety, and peace of mind.

Trusted Expertise You Can Count On

At DK Electrical Solutions, our Certified Master Electricians have helped hundreds of New Jersey homeowners install reliable whole home generators. We understand the local codes, safety standards, and township permitting requirements inside and out.

Our team focuses on precision wiring, long-term reliability, and clean installations that integrate seamlessly with your home’s existing electrical system. Whether you are upgrading from a portable unit or installing your first standby generator, we handle everything from start to finish safely, efficiently, and affordably.

We also assist homeowners with services such as electrical troubleshooting in South Jersey and other electrical needs.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are considering a generator for your home, the best way to start is with a quick evaluation.

We will assess your power needs, explain your options, and give you a clear, no-obligation estimate for installation.

Schedule a Consultation or Get a Quick Quote Today

Your family’s safety and comfort deserve professional care from trusted local experts.

FAQs About Whole Home Generator Installation

Installing a whole home generator is not a DIY-friendly project. It involves complex electrical and fuel connections that require certified training, permits, and inspection. A licensed electrician must connect the generator to your main panel and install a transfer switch to ensure power flows safely.

DIY installations risk incorrect wiring, code violations, gas leaks, and serious safety hazards. They can also void your warranty and lead to fines from your local township. Always hire a professional electrician who understands New Jersey code compliance and can certify the work for safe operation.

Yes, you do. Generator installations in New Jersey require electrical permits and often plumbing or gas permits if the unit connects to natural gas or propane. The permit process ensures your system meets state safety codes and that a local inspector signs off before activation.

When you work with DK Electrical Solutions, we handle the entire permitting and inspection process on your behalf, saving you time and guaranteeing compliance.

Most generator installations take one to three days from start to finish, depending on your site layout, inspection timing, and electrical configuration. The steps include site preparation, mounting the generator, connecting the electrical and gas lines, and testing.

If your home needs additional electrical panel upgrades or trenching for gas lines, the process might take slightly longer. Your electrician will outline the full schedule during the initial consultation.

A portable generator provides temporary power for a few appliances using extension cords or a manual transfer switch. They are ideal for short-term outages but require setup each time and cannot run high-load systems such as HVAC units.

A whole home generator, on the other hand, is permanently installed and wired into your electrical system. It automatically detects outages and restores power to essential circuits in seconds, running on natural gas or propane for days at a time. You can also check what size generator you need to find the perfect fit for your home.

To ensure your generator performs when you need it most, professional maintenance is recommended at least once a year. Service includes checking oil levels, testing the battery, cleaning air filters, inspecting electrical connections, and running a load test to verify performance.

Many homeowners choose a maintenance plan so their system is inspected automatically each year. Regular servicing extends your generator’s lifespan and keeps the warranty valid.

Yes. Certified electricians like the team at DK Electrical Solutions are trained to install most major generator brands, including Generac, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton. The important factor is that your installer follows the manufacturer’s specifications and local building codes.

When installed by a licensed professional, your system will meet warranty conditions and operate safely for years to come.

Keep Your Home Safe, Bright, and Powered

When the power goes out, your home should not have to stop. By working with a certified electrician, you can ensure your generator is installed safely, legally, and ready when you need it most.

If you live in Burlington or Camden County, NJ, DK Electrical Solutions is your trusted local expert for professional generator installation and maintenance, electrical upgrades, and home safety solutions.

✔️ Protect your home from outages. Contact us today to request a quote or inspection.

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