How close can a transfer switch be to a generator?

• <div><p>Generally, you’ll want to keep between <b>60 and 70 feet</b> between the generator and the transfer switch. There are a few reasons for this, including:</p><ul><li><p>The distance reduces the noise coming from the generator into your home.</p></li><li><p>It increases efficiency because you won’t have a voltage drop from this short of a distance.</p></li><li><p>Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning: keep at least 15 feet between your generator and an open window. </p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Q: How do generator specifications and installation requirements impact the overall cost?

• <div><p>Costs depend on generator type, labor, and additional wiring or transfer switch requirements.</p></div>

Q: How close can a transfer switch be to a generator?

• <div><p>Generally, you&rsquo;ll want to keep between <b>60 and 70 feet</b> between the generator and the transfer switch. There are a few reasons for this, including:</p><ul><li><p>The distance reduces the noise coming from the generator into your home.</p></li><li><p>It increases efficiency because you won&rsquo;t have a voltage drop from this short of a distance.</p></li><li><p>Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning: keep at least 15 feet between your generator and an open window. </p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: Do I really need a generator transfer switch?

• <div><p>Yes, in some locations, it is required by the National Electric Code (NEC) to have a transfer switch installed for <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-is-an-electrical-emergency.htm">electrical emergencies</a>. In addition to following electrical code, generator transfer switches ensure your home is fully protected during a power outage. By switching the power from the main breaker to the generator breaker, you can seamlessly operate your HVAC, lights, appliances, devices, and more during an emergency. </p></div>

Q: Do I need a permit to install a generator?

• <div><p>In most municipalities, you will need a permit to install a permanent home generator, including emergency backup, partial-home, and whole-home generators. A permit for a generator usually costs between <b>$50 and $250</b>, depending on where you live. Your electrician or certified generator installer will usually pull the permit for you&mdash;and might be required to do so by your building department&mdash;but you&rsquo;ll be on the hook for the cost of the permit. You should ask your installer before agreeing to any work if they will pull the necessary permits for your project.</p></div>

Q: Can you use biofuel in a whole-house generator?

• <div><p>In some situations, yes. Never try to put biofuel into any home generator without checking the specifics first. If a generator has the ability to run on diesel, it can also run pure biofuel (the clear kind made from seed oils, for example). But if you are using biofuel made from animal fats or vegetable oils, the generator will need significant modifications before it can handle a sludgier type of biofuel.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Harrison, AR

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Harrison, AR is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Install needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Generator Install companies in Harrison, AR is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Install needs.

Last update on November 19, 2025

Reviewed in June 2024
Had a toilet replaced, .He was on time and picked up new and installed in just a couple hours. very pleasant to work with.
KMC Plumbing
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Reviewed in March 2024
Matt is very knowledgeable and did a great job installing our transfer switch by our electrical panel for the generator. I would recommend Matt for any type of electrical service.
Barr Electric, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2021
Zane was with us from start to finish. Great guy to work with. Install team quick and efficient!
Do All General Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2019
Justin did an excellent job. The price and time to install was better than could be asked for. Very knowledgeable and friendly will definitely be my go to for all heating and air needs.
Redeemed Heating and Cooling L.L.C
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Reviewed in January 2018
Great very knowledgeable about the product and had it installed in no time.
Royal's Heating & Air
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Reviewed in September 2016
Gene did a great job, as opposed to the window installers. He repaired where they had not done the job correctly, filled, sanded, and painted. We are very happy.
Stapleton Construction
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Reviewed in November 2012
Norman showed up on time and installed all three doors which had to have the door frames modified considerably. Norman and his helper were friendly and professional!
AMS Construction
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Reviewed in June 2012
They are really good. They are excellent. They are hard to get hold of sometimes. They are refrigeration experts and they do excellent work with that. We use another company for just general simple things but when we can get Ozark Refrigeration, we get them. They usually get out here pretty....
Ozark Refrigeration
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Reviewed in March 2012
They had a great attitude and were very responsive. The guy who did the work was very competent and was a third generation master electrician. He was very customer service oriented and I will use them again in the future.
Proserve LLC
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Reviewed in March 2012
Mike was a pleasure to deal with from the beginning to the end of our job. We had so much work performed between the Roof and Windows/Door and it was all performed on time like he promised. Mike was always available if we had any questions and he followed through with anything we needed. ...
Tri-Lakes Exterior Home Improvement
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Find Generator install pros in Harrison

Tri-State Water, Power & Air

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•Approved Pro

Tri-State Water, Power & Air

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

85 local quotes requested

33 years of experience

We are the experts in the field of Whole Home Generator Sales and Installation, with over 20 years of experience in the game. We provide turn-key installation by licensed professionals - 24 hour emergency service - Remote Monitoring - Long term maintenance and service by factory trained technicians.

Accent Tel USA

4.89(

)

•Approved Pro

Accent Tel USA

4.89(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

16 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Our Company provides a one-stop solution for all of your voice, internet, and telecom needs. Leveraging the Cloud we provide your Office state-of-the-art telephones for little or no upfront cost striving to keep your monthly costs the same. Sound too good to be true? Give us a call and we will show you how.

"Telephone System - Install or Upgrade - For Business "

Anthony O on September 2025

"Telephone System - Install or Upgrade - For Business "

Anthony O on September 2025

Tri-State Water, Power & Air

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Tri-State Water, Power & Air

No reviews yet

33 years of experience

Tri-State Water, Power & Air has been provided products designed to improve the comfort and quality of life of our customers since 1992. Our specialties include Automatic Home Standby Generators, Residential Water Treatment Equipment, Plumbing and Water Heater installation and service, Safe Rooms, Solar and Battery Power. We expect customer service excellence and aim to go above and beyond on every call. With 9 locations across 8 states, Tri-State is always ready to serve you.

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

53 years of experience

Sales, Service & Rebuilding of Antique and Classic Car Components such as, Carburetors, Starters, Generators, Fuel Pumps, Double & Single Action Fuel Pump Rebuilding, Water Pumps, Hydraulic Top Pumps, Distributors, and DELCO Knee Action Shocks, We also carry a complete line of NOS and NORS parts. We offer FREE Technical advice for any YEAR Classic Car 609-462-7412

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

Costs depend on generator type, labor, and additional wiring or transfer switch requirements.

Generally, you’ll want to keep between 60 and 70 feet between the generator and the transfer switch. There are a few reasons for this, including:

The distance reduces the noise coming from the generator into your home.
It increases efficiency because you won’t have a voltage drop from this short of a distance.
Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning: keep at least 15 feet between your generator and an open window.

Yes, in some locations, it is required by the National Electric Code (NEC) to have a transfer switch installed for electrical emergencies. In addition to following electrical code, generator transfer switches ensure your home is fully protected during a power outage. By switching the power from the main breaker to the generator breaker, you can seamlessly operate your HVAC, lights, appliances, devices, and more during an emergency.

In most municipalities, you will need a permit to install a permanent home generator, including emergency backup, partial-home, and whole-home generators. A permit for a generator usually costs between $50 and $250, depending on where you live. Your electrician or certified generator installer will usually pull the permit for you—and might be required to do so by your building department—but you’ll be on the hook for the cost of the permit. You should ask your installer before agreeing to any work if they will pull the necessary permits for your project.

In some situations, yes. Never try to put biofuel into any home generator without checking the specifics first. If a generator has the ability to run on diesel, it can also run pure biofuel (the clear kind made from seed oils, for example). But if you are using biofuel made from animal fats or vegetable oils, the generator will need significant modifications before it can handle a sludgier type of biofuel.

The Harrison, AR homeowners’ guide to generator installs

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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