"Everything about Able Electrical Services service was superb! I was in a jam, and Able Electrical Services came to the rescue. Both of the mechanics that assisted were excellent. Russell Ridgway was the primary mechanic and he was amazing! His work is superior and he exceeded my expectations every step of the way. For example, I needed electrical outlets to connect install a wet bar. He measured the wet bar and installed the outlets exactly where they were needed and ensured sufficient power was added to accommodate a kegerator and mini-frigs. I highly recommend Able Electrical Services and hope I never need to use any other electrician."
"I’m back again to write another stellar review for GAC. Last year they replaced our HVAC system; this year we circled back and had them install a home generator. This was a long and drawn out process due to the various approvals needed from Montgomery County as well as coordination with Washington Gas (which ended up not just being a simple sign off but necessitating an additional, expensive upgrade to the gas line from the street to our home). Nevertheless, GAC did a fantastic job shepherding this process over the 6+ months of waiting on stakeholders, and they were also maximally accommodating to our family’s significant constraints on time and availability (due to health concerns related to a medically fragile family member). A special kudos to Sandy M, GAC’s master electrician, who took it on personally to ensure we were taken care of all throughout this process, going above and beyond with phone calls, text messages, personal visits, etc. on behalf of my family, I want to thank GAC and am giving top marks across the board for this effort which was complex , lengthy, and ultimately successful."
"The RaLo electrician did a great job running new wire to install my outdoor camlight. He also informed me of a number of other issues he noticed and gave me good price to address those issues as well. I definitely recommend their services."
"The work went great. A representative looked over the situation ( a 3 story townhouse), decided it could be done and gave us a solid price. The two person crew who did the work were punctual, efficient and neat in their work. The detectors and wiring was installed with no damage to the paint. The job took them about 3 hours. My wife and I were very pleased."
"We hired Alex to install a manual transfer switch for a generator. Alex is very skilled, knowledgeable and professional. We had nothing short of a great experience beginning with the initial estimate to the install. Install was quick, efficient and CLEAN. We 100% will be hiring Alex again for future jobs! If you're looking for a reliable, trustworthy electrician, Alex is your guy!"
"Installer did a good job on installing ceiling fan with light kit. He was friendly and cleaned up after installation. Still working well 2 months later. The only things disappointing is that my initial phone quote was about $100 less than I was originally charged. I'm not sure if the difference was the labor I was charged to assemble the ceiling fan.
Recently, I was contacted by the Frederick Manager, Lou and he took care of my concerns. We discussed future job opportunities in my home. I would recommend this company for their good work and customer service."
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Excellent Service – Highly Recommend!
I had an EcoFlow panel installed in my home, and I am extremely pleased with the electrician’s work. From start to finish, the process was smooth, professional, and well organized.
He was knowledgeable about the EcoFlow system, took the time to explain how everything works, and made sure the installation was done safely and neatly. The wiring was clean, the panel was properly labeled, and everything was tested thoroughly before he left.
What I appreciated most was his patience and willingness to answer my questions. He made sure I felt confident using the system before completing the job. His professionalism and attention to detail truly stood out.
If you are looking for a reliable and skilled electrician for EcoFlow or backup power installation, I highly recommend his services. I will definitely use him again in the future"
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.
The cost to install a whole-house generator averages $5,200, with a typical price range of $1,500 to $8,900. However, total costs can vary from $400 for a small portable unit to over $18,000 for a large-capacity system. The most significant cost factor is the generator's size and capacity, but other variables include the brand, fuel type, and labor for assembly and installation.
Generator costs can be broken down by type:
Portable or Emergency Backup Generators (1kW–7.5kW): $500 to $2,000
Partial-Home Generators (9kW–20kW): $2,000 to $6,500
Whole-House Generators (22kW–48kW): $5,000 to $18,000
To avoid paying for more power than you need, consider hiring an electrician to calculate the electrical load for your essential appliances. It is also recommended to get at least three quotes to find the best deal for your specific needs and budget.
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.
No, you should never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your house. This practice is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and can cause "back-feeding," where power from the generator flows back into utility lines, creating a life-threatening hazard for utility workers. It can also damage your home's electrical system, including appliances like pumps and HVAC fans. If the main power is restored while the generator is connected, it can destroy the generator and cause an electrical fire. To safely connect a generator, you must use a professionally installed transfer switch or an interlocking kit, which prevents back-feeding by disconnecting your home from the utility grid before the generator provides power.
Portable generators provide backup power for essential appliances during outages and are easy to relocate.
The Lothian, MD homeowners’ guide to generator installs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost to install a whole-house generator in Baltimore, MD varies based on factors like generator size, fuel type, and installation complexity. Learn the typical price range and what influences your total cost.
The cost to install a whole-house generator in Washington, DC varies based on factors like generator size, fuel type, and installation complexity. Learn the typical price range and what influences your total cost.
Generators should give you peace of mind, but you’ll only get that if your installer knows what they’re doing. Learn how to hire a pro and what red flags to look for.
