Home Generator Installation – Part 2

What you need to know after your Home Generator Installation

Often, a significant power outage initiates an investigation by a homeowner into a whole-house generator. Since this decision will become complex and difficult, we wrote this two-part series of articles to walk homeowners through the process, from assessment of the need to maintaining an installed generator. In Part One, we covered:

• The necessary need assessment, to determine the right generator.
• The site selection process maximizes the generator’s utility with little interruption of available space.
• The preparation of the site and generator installation.

Part Two will cover what happens inside after the Home Generator Installation onsite. Some of the preparation of the home’s electrical system can happen simultaneously with the outdoor preparation but cannot be connected until the generator is securely in place.

Connecting the Generator After Home Generator Installation

The generator installation team completed an assessment of your home, which included an analysis of the circuits and power usage. If the budget is insufficient to purchase a whole-house generator, electrical circuits will be prioritized for emergencies. Circuits that power seldom-used spaces might be left off the emergency circuit plan. Circuits that power security functions—such as lights, food storage, and HVAC functions will have priority. The assessment determined the generator output needed for the emergency plan; those circuits will be connected directly to the generator.

A conduit and cable will be buried, leading from the generator to the closest access to the electrical service panel, so technicians will need access to this portion of the house. If the home has an old or underperforming electrical service panel, this might be required as a part of the installation process. However, the generator is not ready for service yet.

Home Generator Installation Transfer Switch

Currently, the home is connected directly to a utility power grid. If the generator comes on now while the home is connected to the power grid, power can flow from the generator to the power grid. This is a very dangerous proposition, since repair technicians trying to restore power will not be expecting downed lines to be live, and disastrous injuries and death can result. This power can also flow to nearby homes, creating dangers for your closest neighbors. For this reason, the generator is connected directly to a transfer switch.

A transfer switch has sensors that detect a sudden loss of power and will respond in a matter of seconds.

• First, the connection to the power grid is disconnected.
• Second, the emergency generator is started, sending power to the designated circuits or the whole house as previously planned.
• Power will flow as planned until the power grid circuit is restored. The sensor will detect the power grid, turn off the generator, and reestablish the connection with the power grid.

These steps are taken automatically to ensure a near-seamless flow of electricity.

Home Generator Installation Post-Connection

After the generator is connected to the transfer switch, the emergency system will be tested to ensure everything is connected properly. The fuel, electrical connections, transfer switch, and predetermined emergency circuits will need to function as planned in an emergency, so a simulation will test the system. If the system is determined to function properly, the project will be considered a success.

We would love to answer your questions about Home Generator Installation.

With our four decades of experience as a Residential Electrician Contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skills and expertise to help answer your Home Generator Installation questions.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our team of Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Home Generator Installation needs.