Top-rated generator install pros.

Get matched with top generator install pros in Dekalb, IL

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your generator install project in Dekalb, IL?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Generator install pros in Dekalb

Avatar for Tri-State Water, Power & Air
Tri-State Water, Power & Air
5.0(
5
)
Fixed Generator - InstallGenerator - InstallGenerator - Install - For Business

Serving Dekalb, IL and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 1992

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

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

Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+3

20 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Enable Electric
Enable Electric
4.8(
3
)
Fixed Generator - Install

Serving Dekalb, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Warranties offered

We are a locally owned and operated company. We value honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. We offer a variety of electrical services that are customized to each individual project. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work, as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

Response time5 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Scardino Electric, Inc.
5.0(
3
)
Generator - Install - For BusinessGenerator - Repair - For Business

Serving Dekalb, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1970

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

With over 50 years of business serving the Chicago metro area, Scardino Electric, Inc., is the way to go for all your wiring and panel upgrade needs. We take great pride in our extreme professionalism, timeliness, and superior customer service on every job. We make sure to do excellent work on every visit, answer all questions, and develop lasting relationships with all our clients so, that the next time service is needed, there will be no question on who to call. Contact us today for a free estimate. Satisfaction Guaranteed!

Response time11 hrs
Response rate100%
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Showing 1-10 of 33
Generator Install questions, answered by experts

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.

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. 

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. 

As a safety measure, you should always turn off the main breaker while operating your generator’s backup breaker. In addition, you should also switch off all appliance breakers so you don't have a power surge when the main breaker turns back on. And finally, turning off the main breaker prevents back-feeding, which endangers utility workers with the risk of electrocution. Back-feeding could also destroy the electrical circuits of your neighbors if they use the same power network.

Carbon monoxide emissions aren’t only dangerous to human life, but they also harm our planet. While natural gas generators emit lower levels of CO than other fuel sources, there are still ways to reduce emission levels. For example, shop around for an eco-friendly generator that complies with current emission standards. Also, make sure your generator is serviced regularly to avoid CO buildup. 

The Dekalb, IL homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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