What can I run on different generator sizes?

• <div><p>Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:</p><p>Portable generator:</p><ul><li><p>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </p></li><li><p>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</p></li><li><p>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</p></li></ul><p>Partial to whole-house generator:</p><ul><li><p>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

What size generator do I need for my house?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-generator-do-i-need.htm">Generator size requirements</a> vary wildly among properties, but typical generator sizes are listed below based on home square footage:</p><ul><li><p>1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW</p></li><li><p>1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW</p></li><li><p>2,000 sq ft: 10–14kW</p></li><li><p>2,500 sq ft: 12–16kW</p></li><li><p>3,000 sq ft: 16–20kW+</p></li></ul><p>Unfortunately, home square footage isn’t always a good indicator of generator size requirements. Instead, you should call in a professional to discuss which items in your home you’d like to run via your generator. They can calculate peak and average consumption for those items and then size your generator appropriately for optimal performance.</p></div>

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Q: Is using a generator safe?

• <div><p>As long as your generator is used as recommended by the manufacturer, it&rsquo;s safe to use for auxiliary power. Make sure that fuel powered generators are used outdoors and that the fumes dissipate away from your home. A professional generator installer will ensure your generator&rsquo;s placement and set-up meets safety standards when installing or repairing your back-up power source.</p></div>

Q: Do you have to turn off the main breaker when using a generator?

• <div><p>As a safety measure, you should always turn off the main breaker while operating your generator&rsquo;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.</p></div>

Q: How long does it take to set up utilities?

• <div><p>Setting up utilities on a vacant property usually takes at least a few months, or between 6 weeks to 16 weeks. This process requires working with the local planning and zoning department, hiring a building contractor or engineer to design the utility layout, securing permits, laying the lines, and connecting the utilities.</p></div>

Q: What can I run on different generator sizes?

• <div><p>Here&rsquo;s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:</p><p>Portable generator:</p><ul><li><p>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </p></li><li><p>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</p></li><li><p>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</p></li></ul><p>Partial to whole-house generator:</p><ul><li><p>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home&rsquo;s power is still on.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

There are 5 highly-rated local generator install pros.

Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in McAdenville, NC

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in McAdenville, 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 McAdenville, 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 05, 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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