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: Do I need a permit to install a portable generator?

• <div><p>You may need a permit for a portable generator if you&rsquo;ll be installing a transfer switch for your primary residence or similar work. Otherwise, a permit for other uses may not be necessary. Check your local building codes or ask a local generator installer for more information about your local regulations.</p></div>

Q: Can you use your electric car as a backup battery?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re wondering <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/using-electric-car-as-home-generator.htm">if you can use your electric vehicle as a backup battery</a>, it depends on whether your EV is compatible with bidirectional charging. This technology allows energy to flow both ways, enabling vehicle-to-home (V2H) backup power, vehicle-to-load (V2L) for appliances and camping, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) to support the power grid. Compatible EVs convert stored DC energy into usable AC power, helping reduce energy costs and enhance grid stability while providing emergency backup power.</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 is a remote start generator?

• <div><p>These advanced generators use a key fob or a smartphone app to remotely start, which is ideal for getting power back on immediately without venturing outside. This feature is more common on whole home generators, but you may be able to find it on large portable generators, too.</p></div>

Q: What size generator do I need for a 2,500-square-foot house?

• <div><p>A home that is 2,500 square feet will likely need a 20kW to 25kW generator. Consult your local generator installer to confirm the generator size needed to power your home before purchasing a new one. Be sure to consider how much power your necessary devices need to run.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Norway, MI

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Norway, MI 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 Norway, MI 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 March 10, 2025

Reviewed in March 2025
Brew City Builders was a pleasure to have done business with. From scheduling with Amy to our project completion, it was a smooth process. They were very attentive to our design ideas and communicated with us throughout the project. We had 2 porches/decks as well as a custom fabricated fence...
Brew City Builders Decks
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Reviewed in June 2023
I request a job to remove a claw foot tub from bathroom and install a new walk in shower. He completed half the project and then left his money. I paid him because he assured me that my bathroom would be completd by the end of May.
RC Custom Builders, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2022
Very good worker .On time for work. Excellent installation work. Would hire again.
EDI PAINT LLC
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Reviewed in February 2022
Great product, very professional inspection & installation team!! Completed the entire project in about 6 hrs.
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in January 2022
We have had Rick do several projects for us from snow removal, remodeling, landscaping, installing vinal flooring, drywall installation and painting and have found his work to be excellent. He is very meticulous in all phases of his work including cleanup after completion. I have and will...
RL Handyman Service
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Reviewed in April 2021
We are very pleased with the work performed on our gutters and downspouts by Chad and his team from Sodak LLC. Chad was particularly helpful with solving a problem with one section of existing gutter and recommended a larger size that we had his team install. His team was very efficient and...
Sodak, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2019
the sales people are so knowledgeable, the company was very prompt and delivered on all it's promises. The installation guys were friendly, clean and helpful. I love that my house feels warmer and my furnace can be kept lower without me feeling cold.
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in August 2018
Dan showed up precisely on time, quickly determined the problem and told me what was wrong and how it needed to be fixed. He suggested using a smaller expansion tank as he said the one originally installed was bigger than it needed to be. Going with the smaller tank saved me $400. He said...
Suburban Installers, Inc.
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Reviewed in January 2018
From the time we first met with Grant, we felt like we were his only clients. He worked with us to create a plan that was within our budget, and an agreed upon timeline. Grant listened to our ideas, and he gave us new ideas we had not thought of on our own. His crew members were prompt,...
Grant Thompson Construction, Inc.
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Find Generator install pros in Norway

RP Olson Electric, Inc.

5.0(

)

Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+3 more

Serving Norway, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

"He responded quickly, especially with any emergencies."

Response time3 hrs

Recommended by50%of homeowners

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Home Improver

New to Angi

Portable Generator - Repair

Serving Norway, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity and quality work. We are experts in painting and handyman service and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to working with you. Give us a call today!

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Generator Install questions, answered by experts

You may need a permit for a portable generator if you’ll be installing a transfer switch for your primary residence or similar work. Otherwise, a permit for other uses may not be necessary. Check your local building codes or ask a local generator installer for more information about your local regulations.

If you’re wondering if you can use your electric vehicle as a backup battery, it depends on whether your EV is compatible with bidirectional charging. This technology allows energy to flow both ways, enabling vehicle-to-home (V2H) backup power, vehicle-to-load (V2L) for appliances and camping, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) to support the power grid. Compatible EVs convert stored DC energy into usable AC power, helping reduce energy costs and enhance grid stability while providing emergency backup power.

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.

These advanced generators use a key fob or a smartphone app to remotely start, which is ideal for getting power back on immediately without venturing outside. This feature is more common on whole home generators, but you may be able to find it on large portable generators, too.

A home that is 2,500 square feet will likely need a 20kW to 25kW generator. Consult your local generator installer to confirm the generator size needed to power your home before purchasing a new one. Be sure to consider how much power your necessary devices need to run.

The Norway, MI 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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