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 long does it take to set up utilities?

• <div><p>Setting up utilities on a vacant property usually takes at least a few months, or between 6 weeks to 16 weeks. This process requires working with the local planning and zoning department, hiring a building contractor or engineer to design the utility layout, securing permits, laying the lines, and connecting the utilities.</p></div>

Q: How much does portable generator installation cost?

• <div><p>Costs range from $500 to $2,500, depending on generator type and installation complexity.</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: 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: 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>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Wailuku, HI

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Wailuku, HI 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 Wailuku, HI 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 30, 2025

Reviewed in February 2025
General cleaning was immaculate and done efficiently. The walls, the ceilings and the baseboards were included. The windows and screens of the entire 2story house were also cleaned. The maintenance visit kept my bathrooms shiny and bright. My adult son took photos after the cleaning to show...
Sparkle and Shine Cleaning Service
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Reviewed in July 2021
STILL IN BUSINESS. NEW NAME: Hartman Pacific Construction. Ho Hawaii.com Did my floors. Top notch quality install. I am retired military and I know attention to detail. Will bend over backwards to make sure job is done right. Has his general contractor license now. Does it all. One stop shopping.
Hartman Pacific Construction
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Reviewed in July 2018
This company charged me $512 to install a kitchen faucet. Steve's Plumbing is so overpriced I can't even believe it.
Steve's Plumbing & A/C Service
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Reviewed in April 2016
Their rep didn't seem as knowledgeable about the particulars of the solar system as the other company. They made their appointment and they kept their appointment. The rep should have a general knowledge of the whole process because you have to deal with the electric company. There's a whole...
Haleakala Solar Inc.
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Reviewed in June 2015
general work
Cruisin Maui
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Reviewed in January 2014
They did not know how to install the faucet so I had to buy a new one and then I got it installed by somebody else. It was leaking after they fixed it so I had to buy another one. It was a father son team; the father was great but the son not so much. They didn’t come out like for a year and...
James A Wheat & Sons Inc
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Reviewed in October 2013
These guys were awesome. Friendly, helpful and right on time. They said they needed about three hours so we dropped off the truck and went hiking around Kahalui. Came back in 3 hours, had to wait for about 15-20 minutes for them to button everything up and the job was done. The installed an...
ACE AUTO GLASS INC
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Reviewed in November 2012
Pete is a no-nonsense, honest, and efficient worker. He picked up my generator on a Saturday and returned it the following day with complete explanation of what he did and what I should do to prevent further problems. Would definitely use him again.
Pete's Small Engine Repair
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Reviewed in November 2012
It was wonderful. The staff was great and communicated very well. The installation is beautiful and the materials were better than we anticipated. A+++ rating to them! We will be back!
Exclusively Yours
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Reviewed in March 2012
I was generally happy with the job. I wish he would have done final inspection a little bit better.
JEFF'S PLUMBING
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Find Generator install pros in Wailuku

MARZAN ELECTRIC

260 Lalo St. Unit D2

No reviews yet

MARZAN ELECTRIC

260 Lalo St. Unit D2

No reviews yet

49 years of experience

FULL SERVICE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING

Island Bounce Maui LLC

PO Box 1661

No reviews yet

Island Bounce Maui LLC

PO Box 1661

No reviews yet

13 years of experience

Friendly and affordable, Island Bounce Maui LLC is a local family owned and operated company bringing inflatable bounce house rentals, face-painters and more to the island of Maui.

Power Generation Industries

98-1038 Moanalua Rd

4.20(

)

Power Generation Industries

98-1038 Moanalua Rd

4.20(

)

Customers say: Terrific value

11 years of experience

We are proud to be Hawaii's interface for our expert services. We offer many services and are linked, networked throughout the islands. We are ready standing by.

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

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

Setting up utilities on a vacant property usually takes at least a few months, or between 6 weeks to 16 weeks. This process requires working with the local planning and zoning department, hiring a building contractor or engineer to design the utility layout, securing permits, laying the lines, and connecting the utilities.

Costs range from $500 to $2,500, depending on generator type and installation complexity.

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.

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.

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

The Wailuku, HI 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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