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>

What can I run on different generator sizes?

• <div><p>Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:</p><p>Portable generator:</p><ul><li><p>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </p></li><li><p>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</p></li><li><p>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</p></li></ul><p>Partial to whole-house generator:</p><ul><li><p>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Q: What can I run on different generator sizes?

• <div><p>Here&rsquo;s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:</p><p>Portable generator:</p><ul><li><p>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </p></li><li><p>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</p></li><li><p>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</p></li></ul><p>Partial to whole-house generator:</p><ul><li><p>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home&rsquo;s power is still on.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: How do generator specifications and installation requirements impact the overall cost?

• <div><p>Costs depend on generator type, labor, and additional wiring or transfer switch requirements.</p></div>

Q: What is the life expectancy of a whole house generator?

• <div><p>Whole-house generators can last<b> 20 to 40 years</b> with normal operation and proper maintenance. If you look up the specifications for your generator, you may be able to find a lifespan rated in hours of operation. Life expectancy will vary depending on how often and for how long you use the generator each year. Choosing a fuel with low impact like natural gas or diesel can help generators last as long as possible.</p></div>

Q: What are the disadvantages of a standby generator?

• <div><p>While standby generators provide essential backup power, they can fail when you need them most due to lack of maintenance, fuel supply issues, dead batteries, electrical problems, or improper installation. To avoid costly failures, professional installation and regular maintenance are crucial. Licensed technicians ensure safety, uphold warranty requirements, comply with regulations, and provide expert servicing.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Troy, VT

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Troy, VT 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 Troy, VT 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 06, 2025

Reviewed in February 2024
They did a great job installing our new roof and reclaiming of woods into a nice open meadow.
Stevens Roofing and Siding
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Reviewed in December 2022
This is the most thorough, professional, kind, generous, thoughtful, trustworthy, reliable, capable service I have ever hired in fifty years of business and home outsources services.
Northshire Cleaning
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Reviewed in November 2019
Domenic was extremely quick and responsive. We are looking for a permanently installed generator, Dom only sells/services portable ones. He was however, very helpful and understands his business. I certainly plan to use him for other electrical work in the future. I think anyone will be...
Mack and son electric
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Reviewed in April 2017
They do a fine job. I have them for annual maintenance. They're good. I think they're a little pricey but I use them because they're the one's that installed it themselves.
Stanley Gelber & Sons Inc
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Reviewed in April 2015
Anthony was thorough in his explanation of the product, process, and timeline. The work crew was outstanding, very professional and kept the site clean. Would highly recommend. Grade A+ installation
Energy Aide, Div. of Coastal Windows/Doors/Exteriors
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Reviewed in May 2013
We contracted Pro-Builders to remodel a bathroom, add a stairway to our basement and to be the general contractor to add air conditioning. The bathroom and stairway job was estimated to cost $33,575 (the AC was a separate contract with the installers). The final bill brought the total for the...
PRO-BUILDERS CONSTRUCTION CO
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Reviewed in April 2013
Very professional job. Two teams came out - one worked on the basement unit, while another worked on installing the attic unit. The basement unit was a straightforward install, and was done in a few hours with hardly any mess. The attic unit install was a little more complicated, involving...
Indoor Comfort Team
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Reviewed in July 2012
Installation was excellent. Dan Nardi, owner of Hectic Electric and his team executed the installation over a 2 day period after the propane line was installed by Holton Propane Service. Overall excellent experience and will use again in future if need arises.
Hectic Electric Inc
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Reviewed in November 2011
Tom is incredible. I rarely spend time writing evaluations but in this instance where Tom Elias and Elias Electrical Service is concerned, I cannot say enough positive things about them. Although they are TWO hours away from me, they responded, communicated, provided exemplary top quality...
Elias Electrical Service
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Reviewed in July 2008
I was very pleased with their work. They were very professional, their product was high quality and the installment went very well.
Pella Windows and Doors
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Find Generator install pros in Troy

M.L. & Sons Electric

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

M.L. & Sons Electric

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

44 local quotes requested

7 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!

"Milton was amazing. He quickly discovered the causes and solutions to our electrical problems. He is extremely knowledgable, professional, personable and kind. He is enthusiastic about his work and has great energy. He is also affordable- which is a rare thing these days. We are looking forward to seeing him soon to do further work for us."

Wendy C on June 2025

"Milton was amazing. He quickly discovered the causes and solutions to our electrical problems. He is extremely knowledgable, professional, personable and kind. He is enthusiastic about his work and has great energy. He is also affordable- which is a rare thing these days. We are looking forward to seeing him soon to do further work for us."

Wendy C on June 2025

Northstar Electric LLC

4.94(

)

Northstar Electric LLC

4.94(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Northstar Electric is a responsive and reliable provider of electrical services for both residential and commercial clients. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing the highest quality of electrical services, ensuring that each job is completed to the highest standard. We are proud to be your trusted and dependable source for all your electrical needs. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction is unmatched in the industry. We are confident that you will be pleased with the quality of services and results that we deliver. Have you worked with us before? We'd love your feedback. Consider leaving a review on the Testimonials page or on Google.

"Excellent work and on time in an extremely difficult location."

Doug T on April 2021

"Excellent work and on time in an extremely difficult location."

Doug T on April 2021

Sugar Hollow Electric

No reviews yet

Sugar Hollow Electric

No reviews yet

22 years of experience

Additional email - [email protected].

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

Powers Generator Service

4.25(

)

Powers Generator Service

4.25(

)

Customers say: Super punctual

31 years of experience

Additional address - PO Box 10005, Swanzey, NH 03446. Additional contact name - Sheena Royce. Number of Employees: 45. We offer Financing.

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

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.

Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:

Portable generator:

2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers.
4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.
8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.

Partial to whole-house generator:

20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.

Costs depend on generator type, labor, and additional wiring or transfer switch requirements.

Whole-house generators can last 20 to 40 years with normal operation and proper maintenance. If you look up the specifications for your generator, you may be able to find a lifespan rated in hours of operation. Life expectancy will vary depending on how often and for how long you use the generator each year. Choosing a fuel with low impact like natural gas or diesel can help generators last as long as possible.

While standby generators provide essential backup power, they can fail when you need them most due to lack of maintenance, fuel supply issues, dead batteries, electrical problems, or improper installation. To avoid costly failures, professional installation and regular maintenance are crucial. Licensed technicians ensure safety, uphold warranty requirements, comply with regulations, and provide expert servicing.

The Troy, VT 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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