Are you ready for a Generator?
May 08, 2023
There are a few requirements needed to complete the install of a generator ready system for your home. These items are things to consider prior to the installation of a new generator.
A permanently installed home backup generator protects your home automatically. It runs on natural gas or liquid propane (LP) fuel, and sits outside just like a central air conditioning unit. A home backup generator delivers power directly to your home’s electrical system, backing up your entire home or just the most essential items. You'll never have to run an extension cord through a window or door again. A home backup generator safely delivers power right to your home's electrical panel. However, with that, your electrical panel needs to meet some basic criteria.
Most main breaker electrical panels (brands Siemens, Eaton, Square D Homeline, Cutler Hammer, GE, and Bryant ) installed within the last 20 -30 years are ready to have the proper breaker and interlock kit installed, which shuts off your connection to the grid while the generator is in use. These kits are not compliant with split bus panels, which were common prior to the 1990’s.
We recommend a minimum of 5,000 - 7,500 KW Generator. A portable generator could supply power to some lights, your refrigerator, and maybe an additional appliance, but a standby generator will power your whole home during an outage.
In order to determine if you are ready for a new generator to be installed, you must consider the following criteria:
- A panel that is 20 years old or newer
- Siemens / Eaton / Square D Homeline / Cutler Hammer / GE / Bryant
- Your panel is not a split bus panel
- Must be main breaker panel
- Ability to install/available space for new two pole breaker at top
If your current panel does not meet these criteria, you may need to complete a panel change, or a service upgrade based on your needs. Bridgetown Electric has flat rate pricing
for those services if needed.
Bridgetown Electric is an authorized Generac dealer, which is the #1 selling brand of backup Generators. Please reach out to us if you have any additional questions.
If you do meet these requirements, we would need some information from you to complete the install, such as Generator size / KW / and Plug configuration. We would also need a picture of your panel to verify what interlock kit would work for your panel. Interlock kits are specific to each brand of panel, and can take some time to source.
Do you meet the criteria to install an electric vehicle charger?
Do you meet the criteria to install a generator?
Share On: