Generator install costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
The cost to install a generator transfer switch is between $55 and $115 per hour, on average.
The switch type and its required size are the primary cost factors.
Additional costs can include permits, accommodating the existing electrical system, and adding multiple circuits, depending on the project's specifics.
Hiring a Denver, CO-based generator installation pro ensures code compliance and safety and maximizes ROI.
The average cost to install a generator transfer switch in Denver, CO, is between $1,270 and $1,693, with most homeowners paying around $1,534. The total price will depend on the switch size you need, the type you choose, and the number of circuits involved. Factors such as accommodating your home's existing electrical system can also affect the final dollar amount.
Denver, CO, winter and summer storms, plus unpredictable, wild temperature swings any time of year, can cause both minor and major electrical blackouts in and around the city. To help stay safe during these emergencies, many area homeowners install whole-house generators with transfer switches. Many also install these switches to accommodate their portable generator units for the same reason.
Denver, CO, residents know all about unpredictable weather and the potential effects of large storm systems. During power-outage emergencies, knowing how to use a generator and having the right transfer switch for your needs and budget can help create a sense of safety, self-reliance, and security.
The size and type of the switch you need are the primary cost factors. Additional considerations, such as your home's electrical configuration, can also affect pricing.
Depending on the size of your generator, you’ll need a transfer switch of the same capacity and ampacity to keep your Denver, CO, home running during an emergency. Here’s how the cost is impacted by generator size in watts:
| Generator Size in Watts | Number of Circuits to Power | Average Cost Range | Type of Generator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (up to 5,000 watts) | 6–10 | $210–$530 | Small portable generators |
| Medium (5,000–10,000 watts) | 10–16 | $530–$1,060 | Mid-sized generators |
| Large (10,000+ watts) | 16–24 | $1,060–$2,650 | Whole-house generators |
An automatic generator switch is more expensive than a manual switch. Here’s how the two compare:
| Automatic Generator Transfer Switch | Manual Generator Transfer Switch |
|---|---|
| Average cost: $635–$4,230 | Average cost: $425–$2,650 |
| Detects power loss and switches over instantly. | Requires you to physically flip a lever or dial. |
| Fast response time—within 10 to 30 seconds. | Slower response time—dependent on finding the switch. |
| Best for: whole-house generators | Best for: portable generators |
As the amp requirement increases, the cost of the generator transfer switch will also rise. That’s because higher-amperage switches use stronger parts and better materials to safely handle the extra electricity, which makes them more expensive to manufacture.
Multi-circuit transfer switches get more expensive as the number of circuits increases. That’s because more circuits mean more hardware and wiring inside the box, and they can also make installation more labor-intensive. For example, a six-circuit switch might start around $210, while a 16-circuit unit often costs $1,060 or more.
To ensure your electrical panel is up to code, your electrician may need to upgrade your electrical panel or subpanel, or install new circuit breakers, before installing a generator transfer switch. Here’s what you might pay for each task:
| Electrical Upgrades | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Electrical panel replacement | $550–$2,220 |
| Subpanel installation | $425–$1,850 |
| Circuit breaker switch installation | $105–$210 per switch |
The average cost for a generator transfer switch permit is between $55 and $370. While obtaining a permit for a portable generator isn’t usually necessary, installing a whole-home generator requires a permit for electrical upgrades.
Hiring a Denver, CO, generator installer costs $55 to $105 per hour, regardless of the type of generator. While installing a generator transfer switch yourself is possible, most homeowners don't take the DIY route, as the job requires specialized training and working directly with the home's electrical system. Costly property damage, personal injury, and other serious problems can result from DIY errors.
Most Denver, CO, homeowners protect themselves and their families by hiring a local generator installer to handle the job from start to finish. Beyond safety, hiring a pro ensures the transfer switch's reliability when it's needed most and ensures the work is legal and up to code.
If you're installing a generator transfer switch as part of a whole-house generator installation project, you may also want to hire a couple of other professionals:
Denver, CO, concrete slab installation costs: $4 to $9 per square foot
Landscaping costs: $1,210–$5,080
Installing a whole-house generator is often worth it in Denver, CO, if only for the protection it provides during power outages. However, many customers also discover that after installing one, the home's property value can increase.
Resident homeowners who install one often see a 3% to 5% increase in their home's value, which is significantly higher than the national average for this kind of work. Additionally, many often recover between 50% and 150% of the project's cost when they sell the house, provided the installation is of professional quality and properly permitted.
To help homeowners plan their next project, Angi provides readers with carefully researched cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We start with national average project costs, which we collect by analyzing competitor information, retailer material costs, and input from professional contractors. We then apply local price index data to calculate location-specific estimates that reflect what homeowners typically pay in their local area. To do that, we use data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), including its Regional Price Parities (RPPs), which measure price differences across cities. This helps us account for differences in labor, materials, and overall cost of living, so estimates in higher- or lower-cost areas better reflect real-world local pricing.
Every estimate undergoes a thorough editorial review to verify accuracy, consistency, and alignment with observed market conditions.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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