Professional Generator Transfer Switch & Inlet Installation
Power outages during Florida storms can last hours or even days, and sitting in the dark with no AC, no refrigeration, and no way to charge phones gets old fast. ResQmedics doesn't install standby generators, but we do set up your home to safely use portable generators during outages. That means installing transfer switches and inlet boxes so you can power essential circuits without dangerous extension cords running everywhere or risking deadly backfeeding into utility lines.
Want to use your portable generator safely? Call us at 941-216-7000 or message us online - we'll get you set up right.
What's A Transfer Switch And Why Do I Need One?
Transfer switches aren't optional equipment if you want to use portable generators safely - they're essential safety devices preventing dangerous situations that kill people every year.
- Prevents Deadly Backfeeding: Transfer switches physically disconnect your home from utility lines before connecting generator power, preventing electricity from flowing backward through transformers where it can electrocute utility workers.
- Safely Powers Multiple Circuits: Rather than running extension cords through windows and doors to individual devices, transfer switches let you power entire circuits throughout your home normally.
- Manual Operation You Control: When power fails, you manually switch from utility to generator power at the transfer switch, then reverse the process when utility power returns.
- Eliminates Extension Cord Hazards: No more cords creating tripping hazards, getting pinched in doors and windows, or overheating from inadequate wire gauge for loads they're carrying.
- Protects Your Generator: Transfer switches prevent accidental connection to both utility and generator power simultaneously, which can destroy your generator and create dangerous electrical conditions.
- Code Compliant and Legal: Proper transfer switch installation meets electrical codes and legal requirements for generator use - operating generators without them violates codes and voids insurance coverage.
How Do I Choose Which Circuits To Power During Outages?
Portable generators have limited capacity, so you can't power everything simultaneously. Strategic circuit selection keeps essential systems running without overloading your generator.
- Refrigerator and Freezer First: Food preservation should top your priority list - these appliances need power to maintain safe temperatures, preventing hundreds in spoiled food losses.
- Essential Lighting Circuits: Powering circuits serving critical areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways provides safety and basic functionality throughout your home during outages.
- Well Pumps for Water: If you're on well water, the pump circuit becomes essential - no power means no water for drinking, cooking, sanitation, or toilet flushing.
- Heating or Cooling Capacity: Depending on the season, powering HVAC systems or at least fans maintains livable conditions, though air conditioning typically requires generators beyond most portable unit capacities.
- Medical Equipment If Needed: Anyone depending on powered medical devices requires those circuits prioritized, ensuring life-sustaining equipment continues operating throughout outages.
- Communication and Charging: Circuits powering areas where you charge phones, laptops, and communication devices keep you connected to emergency information and outside contact during extended outages.
Portable Generator FAQs
Transfer switch and inlet box installation typically costs $800-$1,500 depending on transfer switch size (number of circuits), panel location, inlet box placement, and installation complexity. Manual transfer switches cost less than automatic ones. We provide free estimates after assessing your electrical panel and discussing which circuits you want powered during outages.
Legally and safely, no. Extension cords create fire hazards, tripping dangers, and limit what you can power. More critically, connecting generators without transfer switches risks backfeeding - sending power back through utility lines potentially killing utility workers restoring power. Transfer switches are required by code and essential for safety.
Most transfer switch and inlet box installations complete in 4-8 hours depending on panel accessibility, inlet location, and circuit quantity you're connecting. We typically finish installations in one day. The work requires shutting off your home's power temporarily during panel connections, which we schedule at your convenience.
What Size Generator Do I Need For My Home?
Generator sizing determines what you can actually power during outages. Understanding your electrical loads helps select adequate generator capacity without overspending on unnecessary power.
- Calculate Essential Load Requirements: Add up wattage for all devices and circuits you want powered simultaneously - this total determines the minimum generator capacity needed.
- Starting Watts Exceed Running Watts: Motors in refrigerators, AC units, and pumps require 2-3 times their running wattage during startup - generators must handle these surge loads without overloading.
- Typical Home Needs Vary Widely: Powering just essentials (refrigerator, lights, outlets) requires 3,000-5,000 watts, while including well pumps or partial HVAC needs 7,000-10,000+ watts.
- Larger Isn't Always Better: Oversized generators waste fuel running below optimal loads and cost more initially - right-sizing provides adequate power economically without excess capacity.
- We Help Determine Requirements: During consultations, we calculate your actual electrical loads for circuits you want powered, recommending appropriate generator sizes matching your specific needs.
- Transfer Switch Capacity Matters: Your transfer switch must handle your generator's output - we install switches rated appropriately for generator sizes you're using or planning to use.
Power Essential Circuits Safely During Outages
Hurricane season comes every year, and power outages are pretty much guaranteed at some point. Having a portable generator is smart - having it wired into your home safely through proper transfer switches and inlet boxes is essential. We'll set up your system so you can power what matters most without dangerous improvisation when storms knock out electricity.
Stop dealing with extension cords and dangerous generator connections. Call us at 941-216-7000 or reach out online today - let's get your portable generator wired properly.