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Edmore Electric Co., Inc.
5.0(
3
)
Generator - Install - For Business

Serving Elwell, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Edmore Electric Co., Inc., is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade, combined with ability, is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Response time4 days
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Connection Electric LLC
Connection Electric LLC
4.9(
65
)
Portable Generator - Install

Serving Elwell, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Abe was great to work with. Upgraded electrical box, wired a/c, and installed generator. Very thorough in explanation of work process and efficient in getting the job done. Excellent communication, as the work was done in my absence at my cottage. Overall outstanding customer service experience. Will work with Abe again in the future."
Living room lighting
Finished project
Response time11 hrs
Recommended by94%of homeowners
Generator Install questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

You can expect a diesel generator to last for up to 30,000 hours of use, which works out to 20 to 25 years with the proper maintenance, of course. That depends on how much you use it, so a diesel generator used for emergencies a couple of times a year will last a lot longer than a generator that takes over for a faulty electrical grid every month for a day or two. 

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. 

It’s usually better to repair your generator if it isn’t working properly, as it will typically be much more affordable and should yield similar results. Generator repairs cost around $300 on average, while installing a new whole-house generator costs around $5,000 on average. The only exception is if you know your generator is reaching the end of its useful life, usually between 30 and 40 years. If you have an older generator, you could face multiple repairs in the coming years, which might mean that a full replacement will be more cost-effective over time.

The Elwell, MI homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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