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>

Is it better to repair or replace a malfunctioning generator?

• <div><p>It’s usually better to repair your generator if it isn’t working properly, as it will typically be much more affordable and should yield similar results. Generator repairs cost around <b>$300</b> on average, while <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-generator.htm">installing a new whole-house generator costs</a> around <b>$5,000 </b>on average. The only exception is if you know your generator is reaching the end of its useful life, usually between 30 and 40 years. If you have an older generator, you could face multiple repairs in the coming years, which might mean that a full replacement will be more cost-effective over time.</p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Ardmore, OK

Q: What’s the normal lifespan of a diesel generator?

• <div><p>You can expect a diesel generator to last for up to <b>30,000 hours of use</b>, 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. </p></div>

Q: How big of a generator do I need for a transfer switch?

• <div><p>You can determine what size generator you need for a transfer switch by matching the switch to the largest outlet on your generator. Larger generators can power up to 10 circuits, while most 5,000-watt generators can provide power to six circuits. So, if your generator&rsquo;s largest outlet is 30 amps, you&rsquo;ll need a 30-amp transfer switch.</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>

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: Is it better to repair or replace a malfunctioning generator?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s usually better to repair your generator if it isn&rsquo;t working properly, as it will typically be much more affordable and should yield similar results. Generator repairs cost around <b>$300</b> on average, while <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-generator.htm">installing a new whole-house generator costs</a> around <b>$5,000 </b>on average. The only exception is if you know your generator is reaching the end of its useful life, usually between 30 and 40 years. If you have an older generator, you could face multiple repairs in the coming years, which might mean that a full replacement will be more cost-effective over time.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Ardmore, OK

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Ardmore, OK 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 Ardmore, OK 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 31, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
Professional service and quality installation at a fair price.
Post Oak Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2025
Pete has done and supervised a lot of work done at 2 different houses. He recently installed two beautiful skylights and put in the greatest doggie door in town! He is very knowledgeable and great to work with.
Pete's Repair and Construction
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Reviewed in April 2024
I couldn’t recommend this company enough! They repaired my existing irrigation system and designed/installed new zones. Their work is top quality and their prices are very fair.
Arbuckle Irrigation
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Reviewed in August 2023
The beautiful shower we had installed only cost us about 10k and was actually completed in one day about eight hours of work for them. Truly amazed at the craftsmanship and quality overall.
Justus Bath
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Reviewed in June 2023
Installed 4 zone sprinkler system in my large back yard. Beautifully done. Price was very reasonable. Coverage is excellent.
Arbuckle Irrigation
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Reviewed in March 2021
James is an excellent and reliable floor installer. I have worked with him for at least 10 years.
James Whitfield, Jr. Flooring
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Reviewed in January 2021
TL;DR Don't worry, G3 REALLY IS as good as all the reviews say. We are a little older and more worn out than typical first-time home owners and we bought an old house that needed a lot of work and we needed help. Our experiences with other contactors has been poor to say the least. (Does...
G3 Insulation, Siding & Seamless Gutters
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Reviewed in November 2019
He was over four hours late to the job. He did not complete the job. He promised to come back and did not. He incorectly installed christmas lights which are unusable. He said he washed my windows but left them filthier than when he got here and he did not take responsibility for his work.
Edgar Sanchez
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Reviewed in March 2017
They came all the way from Texas to install my liner which was difficult due to waterfall on one end of pool. The measurements and fit were awesome, very experienced in pool liner installations. A local pool company had come out and agreed on doing liner, asked to cut it and I said sure youre...
Sonora Desert Pools, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2015
It's only a week since the change out. Everything is working find. Sears customer rep was very knowledgable. The project was installed as sold. Installers were also very professional. Clean up job site and left no trash.
Sears Roofing
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Find Generator install pros in Ardmore

Smith Electric

New to Angi

Serving Ardmore, OK and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

Hi, my name is Blake Smith. I’ve been doing electrical work for the last 5 years doing service or new construction so I’m very well versed in all aspects of my field

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American All Phases Electric

New to Angi

Serving Ardmore, OK and surrounding areas

Approved

over 40 years in the trade. not always available. reputation has its perks.

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First class Handyman service

New to Angi

Serving Ardmore, OK and surrounding areas

Approved

I'm a third generation window treatment specialist I have 7 years experience installing All of the top brand window coverings. I'm very thorough and I take pride in all that I work on. I always make sure that the customer's happy before I leave and leave the place like I found it or better.

Serving Ardmore, OK and surrounding areas

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We had a generator and home surge protector installed. They were prompt, polite, and efficient. They showed us how to program/use the generator, cleaned up, etc. I definitely recommend OKCPowerCare."

Response time7 hrs

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GENERATOR SUPERCENTER

4.2(

)

Serving Ardmore, OK and surrounding areas

In business since 1980

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"The tech (Christian?) was very professional and amiable. He had the unit running again fairly quickly and tested it. He took the time to talk to me about operating the generator and a friendly conversation. I hope he comes back next on the next service date."

Response time3 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Current Electric Of Southern Oklahoma, LLC

4.8(

)

Serving Ardmore, OK and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I had one new install and 2 older generators for service. They were reasonably priced and prompt. Good quality work and cleaned up everything when finished."

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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The Home Depot - Generators

2.5(

)

Serving Ardmore, OK and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Today, we're proud to be the world's largest home improvement retailer. In 2,300 stores across North America, we aspire to excel in service to our customers, associates, communities and shareholders. That's what leadership means to us. That's The Home Depot difference.

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Ugle Ann Electric

New to Angi

Serving Ardmore, OK and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

I’m Trevor, a 3rd generation electrician with 25+ years of hands-on experience across residential, commercial, and industrial work. After decades of troubleshooting everything from quirky outlets to large-scale installations, I launched Ugle Ann Electric to put honesty, precision, and a little local flavor back into the trade.

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Alpha Electrical Services LLC - Facebook

New to Angi

Serving Ardmore, OK and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Alpha Electrical Services LLC takes pride in their work and is very attentive to detail. They have been in business since 2005.

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Cobra Electric Service Incorporated

New to Angi

Serving Ardmore, OK and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Cobra Electric Service is a small owner operated native family owned electrical contractor. We specialize in residential and commercial electrical jobs. We have over 30 years combined in the industry. No job too big or small.

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Showing 1-10 of 18

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

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.

You can determine what size generator you need for a transfer switch by matching the switch to the largest outlet on your generator. Larger generators can power up to 10 circuits, while most 5,000-watt generators can provide power to six circuits. So, if your generator’s largest outlet is 30 amps, you’ll need a 30-amp transfer switch.

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.

Natural gas and electricity rates vary significantly based on location, and pricing can change over time, too. It’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’s initial costs and maintenance needs, as well as its noise level and if it can comfortably power all your home appliances.

It’s usually better to repair your generator if it isn’t working properly, as it will typically be much more affordable and should yield similar results. Generator repairs cost around $300 on average, while installing a new whole-house generator costs around $5,000 on average. The only exception is if you know your generator is reaching the end of its useful life, usually between 30 and 40 years. If you have an older generator, you could face multiple repairs in the coming years, which might mean that a full replacement will be more cost-effective over time.

The Ardmore, OK 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

Alison Kasch
•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Generator Transfer Switch? [2026 Data]
The cost to install a generator transfer switch depends on several factors. Our guide will help you understand all of the costs.
Taylor Freitas
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost? [2026 Data]
The average cost of a whole-house generator falls between $5,000 and $25,000. Keep reading to learn how much you can expect to spend.
Alison Kasch
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
How Much Does a Natural Gas Generator Cost? [2026 Data]
Natural gas generators are whole-home standby generators that are connected to your home’s natural gas line. The average cost for a natural gas generator is $12,000.
Dan Simms
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
How to Hire a Generator Installer
Generators should give you peace of mind, but you’ll only get that if your installer knows what they’re doing. Learn how to hire a pro and what red flags to look for.
Heather Ayer
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
Whole-House Generator Installation: A Complete Guide
Whole home generator installations require a professional hand. Read this guide to help you decide which generator is best for your home.
Becca Lewis
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Who Installs Generators? A Complete Guide
Wondering who to hire to install a generator? Consult this guide to learn who to hire to install a generator or a transfer switch.