Can I plug my generator directly into my house?

• <div><p>No, you cannot plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your home. Plugging in a generator without an interlocking kit, extension cord, or wall outlet receptacle is incredibly dangerous and can cause back-feeding—power from the generator back-feeds into utility lines. Also, if the main power comes back on while your generator is on, it could damage the generator and cause a house fire.</p></div>

How do I know what size generator I need?

• <div><p>When <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-generator-do-i-need.htm">choosing the right size generator</a> for your needs, consider a few items to help calculate the wattage you’ll need. Start by determining which household items and appliances you want to power, and then add the wattages together. Check out the wattage of these essential appliances:</p><ul><li><p>Refrigerator: 600 watts</p></li><li><p>Large dehumidifier: 700 watts</p></li><li><p>Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts</p></li><li><p>Water heater: 3,000 watts</p></li></ul><p>Running home appliances like these requires a partial or whole-house generator. A portable generator may be enough to power your home if you only plan to keep a refrigerator and freezer running. </p></div>

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Q: Are natural gas generators worth it?

• <div><p>While natural gas generators are costly, they&rsquo;re a great option for standby power due to the reliability of natural gas as a fuel source. Unlike other fuels, natural gas is delivered through underground pipes, making outages extremely rare and less likely to be affected by the elements. As long as the area isn&rsquo;t prone to earthquakes, they offer an unlimited supply of natural gas that doesn&rsquo;t degrade over time or require storage in tanks.</p></div>

Q: Is a natural gas generator less expensive than using electricity?

• <div><p>Natural gas and electricity rates vary significantly based on location, and pricing can change over time, too. It&rsquo;s possible that in locations where natural gas is particularly inexpensive, it will cost less than grid-based electricity will. However, you should also factor in the generator&rsquo;s initial costs and maintenance needs, as well as its noise level and if it can comfortably power all your home appliances.</p></div>

Q: Can I use a generator to charge a back-up battery?

• <div><p>Yes. You can connect your home back-up battery to a generator with its designated charger. Be sure that the output of the generator matches the input requirements for the battery for best results.</p></div>

There are 4 highly-rated local generator install pros.

Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Marvin, NC

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Marvin, NC 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 Marvin, NC 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 October 06, 2025

Reviewed in April 2024
They did an amazing job. Were polite and came on time and communicated well. They will be doing all electrical jobs we have moving forward! Will always use them!
Elite Power Solutions
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Reviewed in October 2014
He came in and I wanted to put a second electrical box put in and run a wire to plug a generator in so if we lost power I could go to the one box that had the essential things I wanted to run. That was basically the service and we talked it over and at that time I was not ready to invest in...
Roby Services
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Reviewed in May 2023
The project went very smoothly. Greg and his team were on top of their game. They did what they said they were going to do it, when they were going to do it...at a fair price. By far my most favorite electrical contractor to deal with. Look forward to using them again in the future. I have...
GB Electrical Services LLC
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Reviewed in February 2014
Great service! We moved into a new house just before Christmas. We called Mike for advice and help setting up a generator. I placed the call on New Year's Day, expecting to have to leave a message. Mike answered and came by our house within the hour for our initial consultation! He was really...
Mike's Electrical Services
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Reviewed in May 2022
The team from the office to the tech all the way to the head of the company was great. They came out and knocked out the projects I had lined up. They were very professional and cleaned up once they were done. I would definitely hire again!
Gowdy Electric
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Reviewed in May 2013
They came right out and they were ready to do the job as soon as I was ready to do it. They were a little knowledgeable. They even calculated the whole house generator system and heat pump & stuff. They were really professional. They were more expensive than other places. They were really...
MI Electric
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Reviewed in February 2013
. Mr. Sparky's come out and start up the equipment and change the oil and the filters when they need to. They test everything and periodically they flush the radiator and put in new air freeze so that in the case that I have a power outage then it can work. I like the people, they are very...
Mister Sparky By Wise Electric Control Inc
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