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>

Can I plug my generator directly into my house?

• <div><p>No, you cannot plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your home. Plugging in a generator without an interlocking kit, extension cord, or wall outlet receptacle is incredibly dangerous and can cause back-feeding—power from the generator back-feeds into utility lines. Also, if the main power comes back on while your generator is on, it could damage the generator and cause a house fire.</p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Elfrida, AZ

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: Where can you install a whole-house generator?

• <div><p>Whole-house generators need to be installed on level ground several feet away from walls and other objects. Because they tap into the electrical system directly, they usually need to be close to your home electrical panel for a transfer switch installation. It also helps with installation if they are near to a gas line or propane tank installation.</p></div>

Q: Can I use a generator to charge a back-up battery?

• <div><p>Yes. You can connect your home back-up battery to a generator with its designated charger. Be sure that the output of the generator matches the input requirements for the battery for best results.</p></div>

Q: Can you use your electric car as a backup battery?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re wondering <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/using-electric-car-as-home-generator.htm">if you can use your electric vehicle as a backup battery</a>, it depends on whether your EV is compatible with bidirectional charging. This technology allows energy to flow both ways, enabling vehicle-to-home (V2H) backup power, vehicle-to-load (V2L) for appliances and camping, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) to support the power grid. Compatible EVs convert stored DC energy into usable AC power, helping reduce energy costs and enhance grid stability while providing emergency backup power.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Elfrida, AZ

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Elfrida, AZ 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 Elfrida, AZ 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 October 27, 2025

Reviewed in June 2025
Mike was here when he said he would be. Found the problem but didn’t have the part. He got the right part over a weekend and installed it had me up and running. Great customer service and is very knowledgeable. I would use him again if needed, highly recommended him!!!!!!!
ETA APPLIANCE
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Reviewed in April 2024
From my first phone call, to final install, they kept an open line of communication. The employees were very courteous and friendly. I am very pleased with my experience with ESC!
Energy Conservation Specialist, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2023
We were very pleased with everything from the install to the final walk through. We liked that Sunny Energy had their own materials and equipment; they didn't have to contact someone else to install the product. Everyone we worked with was professional, courteous and responded quickly. A...
Sunny Energy, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2022
Our tile installer was awesome. Very detailed oriented.
Empire Today - Phoenix
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Reviewed in December 2018
Everything went well. From the customer service representatives on the phone to the installer - all were courteous and professional. The work was performed in a timely manner. I have used this company before and they continue to be easy to work with, thoughtful and helpful. We are very satisfied...
SafePro Auto Glass
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Reviewed in November 2017
We were very pleased with the work that the installers Robby and Robert performed while installing a new sliding glass door and windows. They arrived on time and worked very neatly. They did an excellent job removing the old door and and carefully installed the new door. They finished the job...
Dreamstyle Remodeling of Southern Arizona
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Reviewed in June 2017
Well, A/C is 10 years old, they did an inspection and evaluation. The capacitor was in need of replacement and was probably costing us in higher electric bills. Also they installed a programmable thermostat for us. We were very pleased.
ProSkill Plumbing, Heating & Air
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Reviewed in December 2016
Eric arrived on time and performed all tasks efficiently and was personable as well as professional I had concerns on how to make our inside air even cleaner because of my wife's health conditions, and he had a Reme Halo air purification unit in his truck. I was familiar with the technology and...
Honest Air Care and Home Services
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Reviewed in December 2012
My husband and I live on a hill, and the steep driveway has been eroding for years. Efforts to fix it ourselves had been in vain, as portions of the driveway contain caliche, and the center of the driveway had eroded to the point where water was flowing down the center of the road during rain...
CROSS BROTHERS CONTRACTING INC
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Find Generator install pros in Elfrida

Gruber Power Services has been providing power protection solutions since 1984! Our expertise ranges from small PC based power protection products, to the largest of UPS/Power Conditioning and Distribution Systems, and encompasses all the technologies available from solid-state products, to rotary and engine generator design systems. Our corporate headquarters is located in the "Valley of the Sun" or better known as Phoenix, Arizona. The wonderful weather nearly year-round helps us attract and retain a very talented labor force. We enjoy visitors and welcome you to experience our hospitality.

BRYDEN'S AUTO SVC INC

2730 E McDowell Road

5.00(

)

BRYDEN'S AUTO SVC INC

2730 E McDowell Road

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Bryden's Auto Service has been in business since 1995.We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.We are a Full service repair facility.We have ASE certified Master Technicians.We offer service for foreign and domestic vehicles including diesel vehicles.We are located at 2730 E. McDowell Rd. Suite #1 in Phoenix,Az. Quality workmanship and customer service is our number one priority.We care about getting your car in great shape as quickly as possible so you can get back on the road and on with your life.

"My son needed assistance in getting his Cadillac through emissions. I went to a lot of places. They all wanted at least 3 times the value of the vehicle. I went on the DMV website and searched for mechanics with a 100 percent pass rate. I found Bryden's and found good reviews. Went in. Met a mechanic that was friendly. Explained everything and laid out the options and made it downright affordable. They did the repair and physically took it though emissions. Specifically track down an intake leak on a 2001 Cadillac Seville STS. Not an easy task. Job done. Very pleased with the service. I highly recommend them to not just do emissions but do other repairs."

Keith S on October 2018

"My son needed assistance in getting his Cadillac through emissions. I went to a lot of places. They all wanted at least 3 times the value of the vehicle. I went on the DMV website and searched for mechanics with a 100 percent pass rate. I found Bryden's and found good reviews. Went in. Met a mechanic that was friendly. Explained everything and laid out the options and made it downright affordable. They did the repair and physically took it though emissions. Specifically track down an intake leak on a 2001 Cadillac Seville STS. Not an easy task. Job done. Very pleased with the service. I highly recommend them to not just do emissions but do other repairs."

Keith S on October 2018

My Classic Car Trader LLC

312 Prospect Ave

2.00(

)

My Classic Car Trader LLC

312 Prospect Ave

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

R & R ELECTRIC LLC

4410 N FORT GRANT RD

5.00(

)

R & R ELECTRIC LLC

4410 N FORT GRANT RD

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Residential and Commercial Electrical Contractor

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

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.

Whole-house generators need to be installed on level ground several feet away from walls and other objects. Because they tap into the electrical system directly, they usually need to be close to your home electrical panel for a transfer switch installation. It also helps with installation if they are near to a gas line or propane tank installation.

No, you cannot plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your home. Plugging in a generator without an interlocking kit, extension cord, or wall outlet receptacle is incredibly dangerous and can cause back-feeding—power from the generator back-feeds into utility lines. Also, if the main power comes back on while your generator is on, it could damage the generator and cause a house fire.

Yes. You can connect your home back-up battery to a generator with its designated charger. Be sure that the output of the generator matches the input requirements for the battery for best results.

If you’re wondering if you can use your electric vehicle as a backup battery, it depends on whether your EV is compatible with bidirectional charging. This technology allows energy to flow both ways, enabling vehicle-to-home (V2H) backup power, vehicle-to-load (V2L) for appliances and camping, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) to support the power grid. Compatible EVs convert stored DC energy into usable AC power, helping reduce energy costs and enhance grid stability while providing emergency backup power.

The Elfrida, AZ homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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

See all articles

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Is a whole-house generator worth it? Discover the key factors influencing ROI and whether it's the right choice for your home.