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>

What size generator do I need to run a fridge?

• <div><p>While the rating will tell you how many watts the refrigerator needs at the peak of its cycle, it requires additional wattage to start. At the bare minimum, you’ll need a 1,500-watt generator to get the fridge up and running after a blackout. A 2,000-watt generator should be sufficient for most home refrigerators.</p></div>

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*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Demarest, NJ 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 Demarest, NJ 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 December 08, 2025

Reviewed in December 2025
Next-Level Quality and Integrity: A Highly Recommended Solar Install I'm an engineer with seriously high standards for quality, and I can't recommend Public Service Solar enough for our roof replacement and solar install. Seriously, they were professional, totally competent, and completely...
Public Service Solar
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Reviewed in January 2025
Contracted Lowe’s home improvement for generator purchase and installation. Installation was contracted to Aquatech inc. who did a great job with installation and arranging for permits.
Aquatech Mechanical, Plumbing & Electrical LLC
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Reviewed in March 2024
Alex made sure everything was done right from the start to finish. He explained the process of generator installation and saw it through making long trips to my house waiting around hours for the inspections that came at the very end of the window of time. He is a trustworthy electrician I...
City Dog Electric
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Reviewed in June 2023
A year ago we sat down with Arvin Kumar the energy consultant from sunpower to discuss the process of adding roof solar panels to our home in New Jersey. Arvin explained the costs associated and the net generation of power the system will produce. Once doing a cost analysis be believed it was...
Get Smarter Solar
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Reviewed in January 2023
My project was fairly difficult since the transfer switch was far from the generator on the opposite end of the house. But my installer, Ivan, was up to the task, even though it took longer than usual. The final project turned out great, and I can hardly wait for the power to go out so I can...
Hurricane Home Solutions, Inc.
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Reviewed in November 2021
We were very impressed with Rob and his crew. We had electrical upgrade and generator installed. Rob explained everything that was going to be done, Rob and his employees did a wonderful job. they were on time and very professional . Even with the problem of covid and getting parts . Rob...
Vaccarella Electrical Services
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Reviewed in April 2021
Pleasant, available,affordable. Workers were skilled, considerate, professional. Work was completed as soon as generator arrived. Owner was available during all the inspections. We would highly recommend Vaccarella Electric and the owner Roberto Vaccarella.
Vaccarella Electrical Services, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2021
When we bought a three-bedroom house, we were told the previous owners had considered central air conditioning but didn't want to spend $35K. We did get a proposal from another company, specifying one unit in the basement and one in the attic to cool the first and second floors respectively. ...
GRC Mechanical Services
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Generator Install questions, answered by experts

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.

If you’re deciding between a solar battery versus a generator for the best backup power solution, you can take a few factors into consideration. Solar batteries are quiet while generators can be quite loud. Generators have a lower up-front cost, but they require fuel and ongoing maintenance while solar batteries are more expensive but don’t have many ongoing costs.

Whole-house generators need to be installed on level ground several feet away from walls and other objects. Because they tap into the electrical system directly, they usually need to be close to your home electrical panel for a transfer switch installation. It also helps with installation if they are near to a gas line or propane tank installation.

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.

While the rating will tell you how many watts the refrigerator needs at the peak of its cycle, it requires additional wattage to start. At the bare minimum, you’ll need a 1,500-watt generator to get the fridge up and running after a blackout. A 2,000-watt generator should be sufficient for most home refrigerators.

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