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 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: How do I reduce AC startup power for a generator?

• <div><p>To reduce AC startup power for a whole-house generator, install a soft start kit or hard start capacitor, which lowers the initial surge by gradually ramping up the compressor. Using a smart load manager can also help by staggering startup loads, preventing a system overload and future costly repairs.</p></div>

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: Can a 10,000-watt generator run a central AC unit?

• <div><p>A 10,000-watt generator can run a small to mid-sized central AC unit (typically up to 3 tons or 36,000 BTU) along with a few other appliances. However, larger AC units or additional loads will require a bigger generator. Consult a local generator installer to ensure you add the correct size generator to your home.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Scottsbluff, NE

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Scottsbluff, NE 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 Scottsbluff, NE 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 November 27, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
Walkout garage door was replaced and painted. Broken handle on glass storm door was replaced. New tv was installed on retractable mount and new soundbar was installed. Very satisfied with all repairs and installations. Workers were very professional and left the areas clean and tidy.
House Doctors Northwest Omaha
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Reviewed in January 2024
The installers were courteous and great to work with. We had over 30 windows installed, which obviously took some time. It was obvious towards the end that they were getting pressure from the top to get done. There were some issues with our new patio door that did not get completed correctly....
J-Tech Construction
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Reviewed in March 2023
Well, so far, I am very happy installation was fast. It was done well that it appears to me and the price I thought was reasonable and the information that I was given by the installer was very helpful. He was very knowledgeable and covered all of my concernsâ ¦ I would highly recommend them!
Dog Guard
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Reviewed in January 2018
did not bring electric heaters while waiting, took longer than expected, duct work not completed correctly, did not reimburse as heating/cooling bills were very high, motor went out in first 9 months of $7,500 unit. Were responsive, on time generally after initial install, made things right...
Gering Valley One Hour Heating and A/C
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Reviewed in November 2013
First, the guys that came over to our place were professional and courteous. Dean was the main salesman. The first thing they did was to ask me what I wanted to change in my home in regards to comfort. I appreciated that as they actually cared about the things that I saw as problematic. They...
Thermal Services Inc
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Reviewed in October 2013
I started searching for carpet for my house at home depot, got ignored so I tried the carpet barn. They were very helpful and seemed very knowledgeable. They came the next day and measured, 15 minutes late, but price was below what I expected and the measurer named marc had some good ideas. The...
CARPET BARN MILL OUTLET
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Reviewed in September 2013
I had the misfortune of having my wiper blades stolen while my care was parked in a parking lot. I went to a local automobile part store and replaced the blades with generic blades that were fairly expensive, but I was told they would be heavy enough to keep contact with the windshield when it...
TEAM AUTOMOTIVE
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Reviewed in August 2013
Mike installed the system on time and it works great. Cost was right on with the estimate. We will use Big Mack again!
Big Mack HVAC
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Reviewed in January 2013
The installation was fine. However, the follow up service was terrible. It was hard to get anyone on the phone, and messages left were not always answered. When they finally did come out to service the system, they had a bad attitude. I felt like I was really putting them out. I am now...
ROANCO SPRINKLERS
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Reviewed in January 2013
The installation was fine, but getting someone out to service it has been terrible. We are now looking for someone else to replace it.
ABC NURSERY
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Find Generator install pros in Scottsbluff

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

53 years of experience

Sales, Service & Rebuilding of Antique and Classic Car Components such as, Carburetors, Starters, Generators, Fuel Pumps, Double & Single Action Fuel Pump Rebuilding, Water Pumps, Hydraulic Top Pumps, Distributors, and DELCO Knee Action Shocks, We also carry a complete line of NOS and NORS parts. We offer FREE Technical advice for any YEAR Classic Car 609-462-7412

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

LIGHTHOUSE ELECTRICAL CONTR

4.25(

)

LIGHTHOUSE ELECTRICAL CONTR

4.25(

)

Customers say: Terrific value

20 years of experience

Electrical Contracting company based out of Scottsbluff, Nebraska. We serve the Wyobraska area. We accept credit cards, check, and cash payments.

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

To reduce AC startup power for a whole-house generator, install a soft start kit or hard start capacitor, which lowers the initial surge by gradually ramping up the compressor. Using a smart load manager can also help by staggering startup loads, preventing a system overload and future costly repairs.

As long as your generator is used as recommended by the manufacturer, it’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’s placement and set-up meets safety standards when installing or repairing your back-up power source.

A 10,000-watt generator can run a small to mid-sized central AC unit (typically up to 3 tons or 36,000 BTU) along with a few other appliances. However, larger AC units or additional loads will require a bigger generator. Consult a local generator installer to ensure you add the correct size generator to your home.

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.

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.

The Scottsbluff, NE homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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

See all articles

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