Whole house or the essentials?
Some customers want everything running, the range and the heat pump included. Others want the fridge, the freezer, the furnace, the well pump, and a few lights. The first takes a much bigger generator. Your list decides the size, including the extra power motors pull for the moment they start, and we size the transfer switch and wiring to match.
Fuel, pad, and the electrical side
The generator needs a level pad, the clearances its manufacturer lists from windows, doors, and the house, and a fuel line from a licensed gas or propane installer. We handle the electrical side: the transfer switch and the wiring between it, your panel, and the generator, inspected when it's done. We set the order of the work with the fuel installer so the generator is ready to test when everything is hooked up.
Standby power for a business
For a shop, an office or a kitchen, standby power keeps coolers cold and doors open through an outage. We installed one for the Creswell Food Pantry:
4 Point Electric installed an in-line natural gas generator at the Creswell Food Pantry, to power our walk-in coolers and freezers as well as 3-door coolers and freezers. The staff was professional and worked efficiently.
Planned into a new home
On a new build, the transfer switch and the wiring can go in with the rest of the house, which is simpler than adding them later. Nick wired one in on a customer's new home:
… He had creative ideas to offer to enhance the lighting and also wired in a home generator system for potential power outages. …
Test runs and the status display
Most standby generators start themselves for a short test run on a schedule, often once a week, and show their status on a panel on the unit. When the install is done, we go over that display with you, what each light means, and how to switch the system to manual if a technician ever asks you to. Brian recorded a step-by-step video for Sophia so she could run hers on her own.
If a portable generator fits your needs and budget better, a generator hookup with an interlock or transfer switch is the smaller job.
I had my generator put in in December and contacted 4 Point because they were referred to me from a previous customer. I couldn't have been happier with the entire process. They were very good at communicating with me, answered all of my questions without hesitation, and since the project have been very responsive with any questions I have had. I would highly recommend them.