Interlock or transfer switch?
Both start with an inlet box on the outside wall where the generator cord plugs in. An interlock is a sliding plate on the breaker box that lets only one of two breakers be on at a time, the main breaker or the generator breaker. It's the simpler option, and in an outage you can turn on any circuits in the panel the generator can handle. A transfer switch is a separate box wired to a handful of circuits you pick ahead of time, like the fridge, the furnace, and the well pump. Older panels sometimes have no interlock made for them, and a transfer switch or a new panel solves that.
Matching it to your generator
The generator's running watts decide how much you can run at once. A fridge, a freezer, the furnace fan, some lights, and the phone chargers fit most portable generators. A well pump or an electric water heater takes much more, especially for the moment it starts. We match the inlet and breaker to your generator and talk through what can run together. Jesse priced this one and Ben installed it:
Needed to hook up a switch for my homes generator. Jesse was quick to respond and gave me a reasonable estimate. Ben came and did the work and a fantastic job. Very pleased with the work done.
Learning to run it
On the last visit we practice it with you: starting the generator outside, away from windows and doors, switching the house over, and switching back when utility power returns. Ben taught Alan G. how to work his new generator panel:
4 Point Electrical is amazing. We met Ben who is very knowledgeable and skilled. He did a great job installing our new generator panel. Ben was very oatient answering questions and teaching me how to use the new panel. Thank you Ben. Looking forward to the next electrical project we have.
Backup that starts on its own
If you'd rather skip the cords on a dark night, a standby generator starts by itself when the power drops. If EWEB supplies your power, it lists a zero-interest backup power loan of up to $5,000 for a permitted installation with transfer equipment; the EWEB guide has the details.