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>

Get matched with top generator install pros in New Hope, TN

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: Do you need a permit to install a whole-house generator?

• <div><p>In many cases, you&rsquo;ll need a permit or basic inspection to install one of these large generators. Since they include significant alterations to your home electrical system and many produce exhaust fumes, local governments often require jumping through a few hoops for general safety purposes. Your installer may be able to help you with these permits.</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: What are the benefits of a portable generator?

• <div><p>Portable generators provide backup power for essential appliances during outages and are easy to relocate.</p></div>

Q: What happens with the generator when the local power goes back on?

• <div><p>If you have a transfer switch properly installed, the generator and main electrical power cannot feed the system at the same time. However, you should still shut off the power at your main circuit breaker panel before activating the generator. If you do that, you&rsquo;ll simply need to shut off the generator and reset your circuit breaker once the local power comes back on.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in New Hope, TN

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in New Hope, TN 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 New Hope, TN 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 26, 2025

Reviewed in June 2024
Very helpful in where we needed hand bars. Gary was the installer.
West Shore Home Chattanooga
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Reviewed in November 2023
Quality product, competent installers
LeafFilter Gutter Protection
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Reviewed in January 2020
The original quote was double the final cost. We took part in the work off and arranged to purchase the materials. A significant amount of the materials requested were not used and more of some had to be purchased. Quite a bit of material was wasted due to poor work organization and use of less...
A+ Custom Renovation
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Reviewed in September 2016
Installation was quoted to take approximately 2-3 weeks to complete....it was finished in 4 months. The delays included poor scheduling, incorrect ordering/shipping of hardware, and general carefree attitude of the company, and it's owner Nancy Card. This process caused me to miss 8-10 hours of...
The Blind Lady LLC
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Reviewed in May 2014
Mike was professional, to the point and got right to work and fixed my leaking washing machine (a general electric) within 30 minutes. He showed up when he said he would and even called to let me know he was on the way. I really appreciate this type of communication from repair people who come...
Scenic City Appliance Service
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Reviewed in November 2013
Carl the installer was in charge and kept the job at a steady speed. Paying xtra attention to installin flashing that was missing prior to installing new siding. When working on older homes a good installer never knows what he's going to find. But Carl and his men were able to work around and...
CRS Exteriors
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Reviewed in April 2012
They charge $35 for just general bugs and also during the summer months they do an additional service for mosquitoes at $45 which is great. They have always done great.
Cook's Pest Control Inc
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Reviewed in November 2011
Her name is Stephanie. She does an excellent job. She is very reasonable. She comes when she says she would. She does general household cleaning. She came out, vacuumed, cleaned all the windows, dusted everything and cleaned the bathrooms as well as all the countertops. Everything was...
HappyFeet
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Reviewed in June 2011
They are a good place to buy materials. The people were friendly and helpful. The service is excellent. They are very knowledgeable and helpful. I've have nothing but a good experience with them. Generally they have excellent prices.
Lowe's Of Chattanooga
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Reviewed in December 2008
He is so much better on service and price. He doesn't charge you an arm and a leg to work on Honda's like most people do. He is quick, usually you can call him and find out about what it is gonna cost, generally you can drop off the car that day and pick it up that evening. He doesn't try to...
DANNY'S SERVICE CENTER
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Find Generator install pros in New Hope

Tri-State Water, Power & Air

808 Airpark Center Dr

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Tri-State Water, Power & Air

808 Airpark Center Dr

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

196 local quotes requested

We are the experts in the field of Whole Home Generator Sales and Installation, with over 20 years of experience in the game. We provide turn-key installation by licensed professionals - 24 hour emergency service - Remote Monitoring - Long term maintenance and service by factory trained technicians.

"They got the job done and I am very pleased. Will use them in the future."

Cathy H on May 2024

"They got the job done and I am very pleased. Will use them in the future."

Cathy H on May 2024

Foster Electric

Foster Electric

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

41 local quotes requested

FREE QUOTES ⚡CALL (423) 892-6759 ⚡ ALL Electrical. TV Mounting. Fast & Reliable. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Service. Insured, Bonded, and Licensed for YOUR protection. Licensed in TN & GA. Solar Panel Installation.

"I booked Foster Electric of Chattanooga on 10/04/24 to install dimmer switches and mount my big-screen TVs on the wall on 10/19/24. I paid a 50% deposit ($500+) a couple of weeks ago for them to come out on 10/19/24, but they were a no-call, no-show."

Richard A on October 2024

"I booked Foster Electric of Chattanooga on 10/04/24 to install dimmer switches and mount my big-screen TVs on the wall on 10/19/24. I paid a 50% deposit ($500+) a couple of weeks ago for them to come out on 10/19/24, but they were a no-call, no-show."

Richard A on October 2024

Mister Sparky

710 South Thornton Ave Suite E

Mister Sparky

710 South Thornton Ave Suite E

Customers say: Quality work

3 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

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!

"Murphy was are technician and he did a Great job! Fast worker and willing to help!"

Deena B on January 2024

"Murphy was are technician and he did a Great job! Fast worker and willing to help!"

Deena B on January 2024

Brentons Electrical Service

Brentons Electrical Service

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

10 years of experience

"Showed up on time, completed the complicated job with quality and was very friendly. Will be using again in the future!"

Christina L on October 2021

"Showed up on time, completed the complicated job with quality and was very friendly. Will be using again in the future!"

Christina L on October 2021

W B Lightning Rods

560 Peoples Plaza Unit 234

W B Lightning Rods

560 Peoples Plaza Unit 234

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 98% of Angi customers

252 local quotes requested

WB Lightning Rods is a third-generation lightning protection contractor. Family Owned and operated for over 60 years. installing U.L. Listed Lightning protection systems, All Over the East coast, Midwest south east and south west regions of the U.S. Installations on Residential Homes, Estate Properties, Agricultural and Equestrian Properties. Lightning Protection for trees is also available. No job to big or small References upon Request. Contact us today for a no cost or obligation estimate. We look forward to working with you on your Lightning Protection Project. Thank you. **WE ARE NOT ELECTRICIANS** **WE ONLY INSTALL LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEMS **

"Great company, they were fast, friendly, & accommodating. I would definitely use them again."

Jennifer B on October 2024

"Great company, they were fast, friendly, & accommodating. I would definitely use them again."

Jennifer B on October 2024

MT Electrical services

1398 Old Chattanooga Pike Southwest

No reviews yet

MT Electrical services

1398 Old Chattanooga Pike Southwest

No reviews yet

12 years of experience

Residential Electrical work, we offer a 24-hour emergency electrical service and we also have an electrical Preventative Maintenace plan we offer. We repair broken electrical systems we troubleshoot and repair issues

JTE SOLAR INC

220 Great Circle

No reviews yet

JTE SOLAR INC

220 Great Circle

No reviews yet

5 years of experience

We are one of few full in house Solar Sales, Instillation, and Solar Service company. We work diligently to provide a consumer friendly approach with streamlined processes. Locally owned and operated from Nashville, TN. We have built a strong reputation with inspectors and utility companies to make Going Solar as simple as possible for our customers. Because we are certified in many systems and styles we are able to custom tailor to each individual and unique need.

Ion Electric, LLC

123 North Valley Dr Nw

No reviews yet

Ion Electric, LLC

123 North Valley Dr Nw

No reviews yet

8 years of experience

The business is small but seeking to grow. Currently there's only one employee.We often offer promotions on electrical home safety components. Such as smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, gfci receptacle installation, and arc fault protection for electrical panels. We accept credit cards.

SB Electrical Contracting

Po Box 4133

No reviews yet

SB Electrical Contracting

Po Box 4133

No reviews yet

24 years of experience

Electrical Contracting

Newton Electric

180 County Rd 504

No reviews yet

Newton Electric

180 County Rd 504

No reviews yet

17 years of experience

I'm new to Angies list but i've been doing electrical work since 1998 . Its just me and my tools , no fancy buildings or trucks so prices are low. Also new customers will not be charged a service call fee.[ First time customers only, thats a savings of 40$] . Call for more info, evening work and emergency calls are welcome.

Showing 1-10 of 14

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.

In many cases, you’ll need a permit or basic inspection to install one of these large generators. Since they include significant alterations to your home electrical system and many produce exhaust fumes, local governments often require jumping through a few hoops for general safety purposes. Your installer may be able to help you with these permits.

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.

Portable generators provide backup power for essential appliances during outages and are easy to relocate.

If you have a transfer switch properly installed, the generator and main electrical power cannot feed the system at the same time. However, you should still shut off the power at your main circuit breaker panel before activating the generator. If you do that, you’ll simply need to shut off the generator and reset your circuit breaker once the local power comes back on.

The New Hope, TN 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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Feb 10, 2025Feb 10, 2025
How Much Does It Cost To Install a Generator Transfer Switch? [2025 Data]
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•
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How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost? [2025 Data]
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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.
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Mar 26, 2025Mar 26, 2025
Pros and Cons of a Whole-House Generator
Whole house generators can power homes when electric problems hit, but they aren’t for everyone. Here’s what you should know when you’re thinking about buying.