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Avatar for Trapper Electric
Trapper Electric
4.3(
12
)
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+3 more

Serving Staples, MN and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"The 2 gentlemen that came to my home were personable, professional and patient with my questions. I will hire them again as well as recommend Mr. Curtis' co. to anyone. Mr. Curtis was also polite and professional when he met with me to provide a bid."
New 200 amp
23 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Clearbrook Electric, Inc.
2.5(
12
)
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+1 more

Serving Staples, MN and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1937

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"The quality of the work was awesome. Very qualified and did a very neat job. Would hire them again. The only problem was them getting back to you when you called for service. The installers were very friendly and did a great job!!! Had to call a couple times to remind to come out and start/complete the project. Otherwise, great customer service."
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Greater Minnesota Contracting Electric
New to Angi
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+3 more

Serving Staples, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1974

Free estimates

Our mission at Greater Minnesota Contracting Electric is to continue the growth of our business by doing right by all of our clients. We love seeing that one of a kind smile on a home owners face at the end of a project! Greater Minnesota Contracting Electric stacks up with the competition and surpasses it with competitive prices, second to none workmanship and a prompt/responsive team! We give you quality that you can measure, and a finished product that will enhance your home forever. Call us today!\n

Response time7 hrs
Naniks Electric, LLC
New to Angi
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+2 more

Serving Staples, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1982

Free estimates

Nanik's Electric has been servicing the Central Minnesota area since 1982. Our goal is to provide professional, friendly and quality service in any job that we do. No job is too big or too small! Please feel free to contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week. \nServices Provided By US\n\n�Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and Agricultural \n�Sign Lighting\n�Lighting Retro Fit\n�New Services \n�Underground\n�Repair and Troubleshooting\n�Service/Panel Upgrades\n�Irrigation\n�Bin Sites\n�Commercial Barns\n�Parlor Wiring\n�Wire Location\n�Boom Truck Work\n�Home or Building Remodel\n�Data and Communication Wiring\n�Plus Many More Services!\n\n- Fast or immediate response for service calls!\n\n- All work meets electrical code requirements!\n\n- 24 hour emergency service available!\n

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

In many cases, yes. There are models called dual-fuel generators and fuel switches, but only between certain types of fuel. For example, with the right setup you can convert a generator from natural gas to propane. Some allow switching between diesel and gasoline. There are even tri-fuel generators available in some cases, which adds a large layer of security if you are worried about fuel availability in times of crisis. Always check your generator capabilities and manual instructions before trying to switch fuels. Some generators can use another fuel but may need a fuel conversion kit to prep them first.

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.

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.

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. 

The average cost to install a home generator is $5,200, but total costs can range from $500 to $18,000 or more. The final price depends on several factors, including the generator's size, type, brand, fuel source, and the cost of labor and assembly. The generator's size is the most significant cost factor, as units that can power larger homes with higher energy demands cost more.

Cost breakdowns by generator type are typically as follows:

  • Portable or Emergency Backup Generators (1kW–7.5kW): $500–$2,000

  • Partial-Home Generators (9kW–20kW): $2,000–$6,500

  • Whole-House Generators (22kW–48kW): $5,000–$18,000

To ensure you get the right size unit for your needs without overpaying, consider hiring an electrician to calculate the electrical load of your essential appliances. It is also recommended to get at least three quotes from qualified installers to find the best fit for your budget.

The Staples, MN homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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