How does a generator transfer switch save me money?

• <div><p>It might seem counterintuitive, but installing a generator transfer switch will save you money in the long run. While you’ll have to pay between <b>$400 and $2,500</b> to have the transfer switch installed, you’ll recoup that amount later on when you don’t have to pay for expensive repairs to your appliances, devices, and electrical system that may have burned out, overloaded, or stopped working due to a sudden loss of power or an incorrect <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-hook-up-generator-to-house.htm">hook up of a generator to your home</a>. </p></div>

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 Carlsborg, WA

Q: How long does it take to set up utilities?

• <div><p>Setting up utilities on a vacant property usually takes at least a few months, or between 6 weeks to 16 weeks. This process requires working with the local planning and zoning department, hiring a building contractor or engineer to design the utility layout, securing permits, laying the lines, and connecting the utilities.</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’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 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>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Carlsborg, WA

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Carlsborg, WA 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 Carlsborg, WA 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 November 15, 2025

Reviewed in April 2023
Had Brock install two exterior doors. Installed them in a timely manner but quality of work was less than par. The front door didn?t have adequate caulking on the brick molding on the corners so I had to go back through and throw some on there. He missed putting on the decretive lock piece on...
Dogwood Home Improvements
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Reviewed in July 2022
They helped me move when I needed a lot of assistance. Ranging from cabinets to yard waste removal, painting, roofing, and general advisements. Very helpful and positive experience.
Olympic Coast Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2021
Josh was very communicative & professional on installing our flooring.
Kingdom Flooring, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2020
Having misunderstood the work order, and having a tizzy fit, Next Generation Painting, showed the utmost professionalism. Of courseI was wrong. I do want to apologize to the company and crew. I would also HIGHLY RECOMMEND NEXT GENERATION PAINTING for any home improvement project.
Next Generation Painting LLC
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Reviewed in November 2017
IN the heat of working on sale and inspection items for my home sale I am required to sign off on inspection and can't without getting some prices. Estimates take time. I tried to inquire about generalized estimates or "broad" range of pricing. The girl on the phone was so stuck to not being...
A1 Roofing
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Reviewed in October 2016
Custom made, delivered, and installed. Very pleased with our purchase.
Cutting Edge Closets
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Reviewed in February 2015
Tony (Tim's Cabinets) is a general contractor who help us design a total interior remodel. We live in a manufactured home that had horrible press board cabinets, laminate counter tops and no personality. The home was a box with low grade finishes. Tony turned my home into a "WOW"! He custom...
Tim' Custom Cabinets, Inc.
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Reviewed in July 2014
Entire HVAC system including heat pump was installed. I feel that the Sears reputation and equipment quality was worth the extra cost. Top notch installers were respectful of my property and very knowledgable.
Sears Roofing
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Reviewed in May 2013
Technician was timely, polite, seemed to work efficiently, knew what he was doing, and explained things. Completely pleasant experience. I used the two-hour introductory special coupon for the project. In getting some general information about the company's billing rates, I got the sense that...
Central Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning
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Reviewed in April 2006
Don and all his staff were extremely courteous and friendly. They did the little extras that I might not have seen and hadn't asked to be done. The price was very reasonable. Timeliness was generally good.
Punch Out Plus LLC
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Find Generator install pros in Carlsborg

Synergy Electrical Contracting LLC

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•Approved Pro

Synergy Electrical Contracting LLC

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•Approved Pro

10 local quotes requested

5 years of experience

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

Ocean Shores Windmills

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Ocean Shores Windmills

No reviews yet

13 years of experience

We are the Washington State Certified Distributer for the award winning Neoulis 3-D Wind Generator. We also manufacture wind mill towers. All of our associates from site selection, soil analysis, engineering, electrical, construction and legal are all licenses professionals.

Frederickson Electric Inc

5.00(

)

Frederickson Electric Inc

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Family owned electrical contractor based in Port Townsend since 1974. Offering a wide range of electrical services including new construction, remodels, small projects, electric vehicle charging, solar electric, battery systems, generators, heating and cooling systems, and more.

"Straightforward, honest and dependable. A+"

Jennifer S on March 2020

"Straightforward, honest and dependable. A+"

Jennifer S on March 2020

JBC Group Solutions Inc

4.00(

)

JBC Group Solutions Inc

4.00(

)

Customers say: Quality work

18 years of experience

1-888-JBC-ON-TIME (888-522-6684). 26 employees in Portland area. No subs used. Payment may be made via PayPal.

Northwest Power Services INC

5.00(

)

Northwest Power Services INC

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Northwest Power Services Inc. We are one of the few Generac's GO-TO dealers for Industrial, Commercial and Residential generator installations. Generac refers us for help with all customer needs regarding issues related to generator Sales, Installations and Maintenance. Due to the high demand of our Electrical Service we are not currently accepting new electrical work at this time unless it is Generator Related... We are accepting ALL Generator work... We are an active dealer for the following Brand Name Generators: GENERAC, Balder, Magnum, Briggs & Stratton, Cummins/Onan, Kohler, Champion, Honda, MQ-Power, Northern Lights, MTU, Detroit Diesel, Volvo-Penta, SDMO, Marelli, Mecc Alte, Taylor, Winco and others...

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

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

Setting up utilities on a vacant property usually takes at least a few months, or between 6 weeks to 16 weeks. This process requires working with the local planning and zoning department, hiring a building contractor or engineer to design the utility layout, securing permits, laying the lines, and connecting the utilities.

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

It might seem counterintuitive, but installing a generator transfer switch will save you money in the long run. While you’ll have to pay between $400 and $2,500 to have the transfer switch installed, you’ll recoup that amount later on when you don’t have to pay for expensive repairs to your appliances, devices, and electrical system that may have burned out, overloaded, or stopped working due to a sudden loss of power or an incorrect hook up of a generator to your home.

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.

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.

The Carlsborg, WA homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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