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 for a 1500-square-foot house?

• <div><p>A 1,500 square foot home will likely need a 15kW to 20kW generator. When deciding on whole-house generator size, add up the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-many-watts-house.htm">total wattage</a> of the devices that you’d like to continue running during a power outage. That way, you can ensure you purchase a generator that can power your necessary appliances or medical equipment during an electrical emergency.</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>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Lyons, SD

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: What size generator do I need for a 2,500-square-foot house?

• <div><p>A home that is 2,500 square feet will likely need a 20kW to 25kW generator. Consult your local generator installer to confirm the generator size needed to power your home before purchasing a new one. Be sure to consider how much power your necessary devices need to run.</p></div>

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>

Enter your ZIP and get matched with up to 5 pros

Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Lyons, SD

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Lyons, SD 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 Lyons, SD 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 11, 2025

Reviewed in April 2025
We recently had all the windows in our house replaced through Mad City. We were so impressed with the entire experience, from sales to completion! The windows are amazing quality, and we could tell a difference in our house within an hour of getting home. And in an old, slightly off kilter...
Mad City Windows & Baths
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2022
The Koala team was a great overall experience. Sales associate was great with asking questions, & reciprocating with solutions. He was responsive through the process & wasn't pushy as I figured other details out. The installation team took pictures of space prior to installation...
Koala Insulation of Sioux Falls
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2020
You guys!!!! Have you seen the amazing mantels and beams that Josh makes?!?!?!?!!!! His work is breathtakingly beautiful! I found Josh through Home Advisor where I had searched for someone to make and install a fire place mantel in our new home. So honestly, I kind of found Josh by chance. I...
3 Generations, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2018
Project went as planned and was completed on time. Happy with siding installation and removal and cleanup after work was done.
Hedge Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2018
The windows they sold arent living up to their demonstrations. I took an infrared thermometer reading of new windows vs old and there wasnt much difference in how much cold was being let in. The installation crew tracked everywhere in the house, and left a nail and screw on the floor which I...
Your Home Improvement Company
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2016
Requested appointment for Digital Antenna and TV wall mounts. Very smooth install and clear that Mark knows what he is doing. Overall great customer service and satisfaction. Highly recommend Americom.
Americom
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2014
WE called SolarX and they came the same day to give us the estimate. They scheduled the work for the following week. The estimator was prompt ,courteous and professional ,knowledgeable a and helpful in selecting the most appropriate film for our windows. The installer arrived at the scheduled...
Solar X Window Film Systems
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2012
We originally called to request assistance with cutting our countertop to fit a new kitchen sink. We ended up getting that part of the project done before they were available to come to our house, but we were still in need of help with a leaking pipe. The man who came to our house was very...
Dells Plumbing
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2011
It started with a dishwasher install and ended up as a beautiful remodel. Mr Albers moto, " whatever you want" He is as down to earth as they get, and affordable
PRO MAINTENANCE
Request a quote

Find Generator install pros in Lyons

Eie Electric

4.93(

)

•Approved Pro

Eie Electric

4.93(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 93% of Angi customers

4 years of experience

I pride myself on my professionalism, as well as my ability to complete every job to the homeowner's total satisfaction. I never leave a job unfinished, or a homeowner not 100% satisfied with my level of service - Call today!

"Did an excellent job. I'm very happy."

Scott C on May 2022

"Did an excellent job. I'm very happy."

Scott C on May 2022

Regal Electric

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Regal Electric

Customers say: Quick response

37 local quotes requested

1 years of experience

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

"Excellent experience. Use them for a hot tub install. Would definitely use again. they even came back out when I had an unrelated issue, without any question."

Aaron T on December 2025

"Excellent experience. Use them for a hot tub install. Would definitely use again. they even came back out when I had an unrelated issue, without any question."

Aaron T on December 2025

TT Electric, LLC

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

TT Electric, LLC

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

12 local quotes requested

TT Electric, LLC is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

"He was easy to work with, good at listening what we wanted and open to changes."

Savanna W on March 2023

"He was easy to work with, good at listening what we wanted and open to changes."

Savanna W on March 2023

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

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.

A home that is 2,500 square feet will likely need a 20kW to 25kW generator. Consult your local generator installer to confirm the generator size needed to power your home before purchasing a new one. Be sure to consider how much power your necessary devices need to run.

A 1,500 square foot home will likely need a 15kW to 20kW generator. When deciding on whole-house generator size, add up the total wattage of the devices that you’d like to continue running during a power outage. That way, you can ensure you purchase a generator that can power your necessary appliances or medical equipment during an electrical emergency.

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.

When choosing the right size generator 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:

Refrigerator: 600 watts
Large dehumidifier: 700 watts
Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts
Water heater: 3,000 watts

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.

The Lyons, SD 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

Taylor Freitas
•
Nov 25, 2025Nov 25, 2025
How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost? [2025 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
•
Oct 29, 2025Oct 29, 2025
How Much Does It Cost To Install a Generator Transfer Switch? [2025 Data]
The cost to install a generator transfer switch depends on several factors. Our guide will help you understand all of the costs.
Breyden Kellam
•
Oct 30, 2025Oct 30, 2025
How Much Does Whole-House Generator Maintenance Cost? [2025 Data]
Keeping on top of generator maintenance and repairs gives you extra peace of mind as a homeowner. Find out how much regular generator maintenance costs.
Alison Kasch
•
Mar 7, 2025Mar 7, 2025
Choosing a Generator for Hurricane Season: A Complete Guide
Backup generators are a necessity to keep your home powered during a hurricane. Find out how to choose the best generator for hurricane season.
Tyler Lacoma
•
Mar 25, 2025Mar 25, 2025
How Do Natural Gas Generators Work?
Natural gas generators can tap into existing gas lines so they never run out of fuel. Here’s how they work and how they’re used.
Alison Kasch
•
Jul 23, 2024Jul 23, 2024
Can a Generator Get Wet? What You Need to Know
Can a generator get wet? Protective covers are necessary for using a portable generator in the rain, and they shouldn’t be used in extreme weather.