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Avatar for SON LIGHT ELECTRIC LLC
SON LIGHT ELECTRIC LLC
5.0(
6
)
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - Repair

Serving Salem, WV and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Very professional and kind, answered all questions. Jamey did a fabulous job, and was very quick. We would recommend him to anyone. Very impressed and such a nice person. We were having a whole kitchen remodel and are contractors were very impressed with Son Light Electrics work."
photos of my work
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+4

Response time6 hrs
Response rate94%
50 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Worry Free Electric, LLC
Worry Free Electric, LLC
4.9(
18
)
Fixed Generator - InstallGenerator - Install - For Business

Serving Salem, WV and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I had used Worry Free Electric in the past and had very good service. I called James Costello again for some outlet relocations, new outlets, and new light fixtures installation/replacement. I was supplying these new light fixtures. I told James what I wanted to achieve, and where I wanted the new outlets and ceiling lighting fixtures located. He made some recommendations and suggestions, did exactly what I wanted and beyond with the addition of some three way switches for the lighting circuits. The whole experience was above my expectations. James Costello will be my first call for any future licensed Electrician project!"
200 amp service entrance
Response time2 days
Response rate96%
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Generator Install questions, answered by experts

No, you should never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your house. This practice is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and can cause "back-feeding," where power from the generator flows back into utility lines, creating a life-threatening hazard for utility workers. It can also damage your home's electrical system, including appliances like pumps and HVAC fans. If the main power is restored while the generator is connected, it can destroy the generator and cause an electrical fire. To safely connect a generator, you must use a professionally installed transfer switch or an interlocking kit, which prevents back-feeding by disconnecting your home from the utility grid before the generator provides power.

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.

As a safety measure, you should always turn off the main breaker while operating your generator’s backup breaker. In addition, you should also switch off all appliance breakers so you don't have a power surge when the main breaker turns back on. And finally, turning off the main breaker prevents back-feeding, which endangers utility workers with the risk of electrocution. Back-feeding could also destroy the electrical circuits of your neighbors if they use the same power network.

To reduce AC startup power for a whole-house generator, install a soft start kit or hard start capacitor, which lowers the initial surge by gradually ramping up the compressor. Using a smart load manager can also help by staggering startup loads, preventing a system overload and future costly repairs.

Whole-house generators need to be installed on level ground several feet away from walls and other objects. Because they tap into the electrical system directly, they usually need to be close to your home electrical panel for a transfer switch installation. It also helps with installation if they are near to a gas line or propane tank installation.

The Salem, WV homeowners’ guide to generator installs

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.