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>

What can I run on different generator sizes?

• <div><p>Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:</p><p>Portable generator:</p><ul><li><p>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </p></li><li><p>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</p></li><li><p>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</p></li></ul><p>Partial to whole-house generator:</p><ul><li><p>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Wenden, AZ

Q: Can a portable generator power an entire home?

• <div><p>A portable generator can supply power to selected appliances and circuits in a home, but it's generally not designed to handle the entire household's electrical needs simultaneously. Portable generators have limited wattage capacity, so they are only designed to power essential devices and electronics temporarily until local power is restored. If your power needs outweigh the capabilities of a portable generator, consider installing a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/installing-whole-house-generator.htm">whole-home generator</a> instead. </p></div>

Q: Can a 10,000-watt generator run a central AC unit?

• <div><p>A 10,000-watt generator can run a small to mid-sized central AC unit (typically up to 3 tons or 36,000 BTU) along with a few other appliances. However, larger AC units or additional loads will require a bigger generator. Consult a local generator installer to ensure you add the correct size generator to your home.</p></div>

Q: What size of diesel generator do you need to run a house?

• <div><p>Sizing a generator is a careful process that requires calculating the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/electrical-load-calculation.htm">electrical load</a> of your entire house. You have to take into account every device you want to use and their wattage requirements, plus the wattage needed to start them, and look for a generator that can safely run all that at around 80% capacity.</p><p>In more practical terms, a small home can run on a 10,000-watt generator (and if you only want to power a few key appliances, much less than that). A mid-sized home may need something between 15,000 and 22,000 watts. Larger homes require 25,000 watts or more. </p></div>

Q: What can I run on different generator sizes?

• <div><p>Here&rsquo;s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:</p><p>Portable generator:</p><ul><li><p>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </p></li><li><p>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</p></li><li><p>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</p></li></ul><p>Partial to whole-house generator:</p><ul><li><p>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home&rsquo;s power is still on.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Wenden, AZ

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Wenden, 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 Wenden, 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 November 21, 2025

Reviewed in April 2025
There staff was awesome, on time and respectful. They made the trip to Globe twice to help me address issues. They weren't pushy or demanding and generally wanted to help out in my time of need.
WESMOR INC
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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 April 2023
Gene and his team were very professional and personable. We had very bad weather and they worked with us to get the job done. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a job well done. I would hire them again!
Canyon Edge Excavating
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Reviewed in January 2023
I also had a new water heater installed. I'm very happy with the new sink and faucet. They brought the water heater up to code and it all looks great. Very friendly and professional.
Temperature Control Plumbing, 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 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 July 2014
They did a terrible job replacing my linoleum! Then, the installer said he didn't reinstall the toilet which later proved to be untrue. "Satisfaction guaranteed?" Don't you believe it!
FERNANDO'S HOME FURNISHINGS
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Find Generator install pros in Wenden

Yuma Electric Service

4.96(

)

•Approved Pro

Yuma Electric Service

4.96(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 98% of Angi customers

28 local quotes requested

Looking for reliable electrical services in Yuma? Look no further! Yuma Electric Service is your go-to choice. As an owner-operated business with a team of skilled professionals, we guarantee top-notch service. Plus, Angie's List members enjoy a 5% discount. Contact us today!

"Yuma Electric Service helped us fixing our light."

Ellie M on October 2020

"Yuma Electric Service helped us fixing our light."

Ellie M on October 2020

BRYDEN'S AUTO SVC INC

5.00(

)

BRYDEN'S AUTO SVC INC

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

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

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.

A portable generator can supply power to selected appliances and circuits in a home, but it's generally not designed to handle the entire household's electrical needs simultaneously. Portable generators have limited wattage capacity, so they are only designed to power essential devices and electronics temporarily until local power is restored. If your power needs outweigh the capabilities of a portable generator, consider installing a whole-home generator instead.

A 10,000-watt generator can run a small to mid-sized central AC unit (typically up to 3 tons or 36,000 BTU) along with a few other appliances. However, larger AC units or additional loads will require a bigger generator. Consult a local generator installer to ensure you add the correct size generator to your home.

Sizing a generator is a careful process that requires calculating the electrical load of your entire house. You have to take into account every device you want to use and their wattage requirements, plus the wattage needed to start them, and look for a generator that can safely run all that at around 80% capacity.

In more practical terms, a small home can run on a 10,000-watt generator (and if you only want to power a few key appliances, much less than that). A mid-sized home may need something between 15,000 and 22,000 watts. Larger homes require 25,000 watts or more.

Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:

Portable generator:

2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers.
4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.
8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.

Partial to whole-house generator:

20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.

The Wenden, AZ homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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