Portable Generator Guide & Pricing Insights

What Is a Portable Generator Installation?

A portable generator installation allows you to safely power your home or essential appliances during an outage using a mobile backup generator. While the generator itself is portable, professional installation ensures it's connected securely and legally — especially when using transfer switches or interlock kits.

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What's Included in a Typical Installation?

Most portable generator installations include:

• Site assessment & planning

• Manual transfer switch or interlock kit/GFCI breaker installation

• Wiring and electrical integration

• Outdoor inlet box mounting

• Testing & compliance check

• Customer education on generator operation and safety

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What Affects the Cost of Installation?

Portable generator installations can vary significantly in price. Here's a breakdown of the most common factors:

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1. Type of Connection

• Manual Transfer Switch: Easier to install and operate.

• Interlock Kit: More budget-friendly, but only works with specific panel configurations.

💡 Transfer switch installations are typically more expensive than interlock kits because they require additional wiring and hardware. They also restrict power to about 10 predetermined circuits, while an interlock kit allows you to choose freely from all the circuits in your electrical panel.

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2. Panel & Generator Location

• The farther your generator is from your electrical panel, the more conduit and wiring may be required.

• Longer distances may also require upgraded wire sizes and trenching (if buried conduit is used), increasing both material cost and installation time.

💡Longer generator power cords can be used to reach a more distant inlet, which may help avoid running long conduit — but these cords are typically heavier and harder to store, carry, and unravel.

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3. Electrical Panel Capacity

• If your panel lacks space for new breakers, your electrician may need to:

  • Install a sub-panel, or

  • Replace your main panel entirely.

• Panel upgrades often involve:

  • Coordination with your power utility for disconnection/reconnection,

  • Permits and inspections, and

  • Installation of a whole-home surge protector, required by many codes today.

⚠️Older panels may be outdated or unsafe and require replacement (e.g., Zinsco/Sylvania, Federal Pacific/Stab-Lok, Bryant).

💡 Limited panel capacity is one of the most common reasons for added installation cost. This kind of upgrade is sometimes unavoidable but is also a good long-term investment in your home's safety and electrical capacity.

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4. Obstacles

• If wiring must be run through an attic, it can increase labor time due to safety, tight spaces, insulation, distance, or heat.

• When installing an inlet box far from the home or across a yard, trenching may be needed — and any obstacles like underground utitilies, concrete, landscaping, tree roots, or irrigation systems can raise the cost significantly.​​

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5. Permits and Local Codes

• Some areas require electrical permits and inspections, which add to total cost.

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6. Generator Size & Brand

• Larger portable generators may require 240V connections, dual-pole breakers, or more robust components.

• Some brands also have proprietary inlet box sizes or non-standard connectors, slightly increasing complexity.

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7. Running Central A/C or Heat Pumps

If you want to power your central air conditioner, mini split, or heat pump during an outage, it may require a soft-start device or other modifications. Here's why:

• A/C compressors draw a high inrush current when starting, often too much for a portable generator to handle on its own.

• A soft-start device reduces that initial power surge, allowing your generator to start and run the system safely.

• Not all generators are compatible with large HVAC loads, so proper sizing and wiring are essential.

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Typical Pricing Ranges

Interlock Kit Install $1,200 - $2,500+

Manual Transfer Switch Install $1,500 - $3,500+

Permit Fees & Inspection Coordination $200 - $300

Utility Provider Coordination $200

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Safety First

Never backfeed a generator through a dryer or other appliance outlet. It’s extremely dangerous and illegal in most places. A properly installed transfer switch protects utility workers and your home.

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Why Hire a Professional?

While some homeowners are comfortable doing minor electrical work, portable generator installations are best handled by licensed electricians due to:

• Code compliance

• Safety assurance

• Warranty protection

• Correct sizing and circuit matching

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Benefits

✅ Lower cost than whole-home
✅ Customizable to your needs
✅ Fast turnaround

✅ Transportable

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Ready for a Quote?

Get an instant estimate below or schedule an on-site consultation and get a custom quote tailored to your home's layout and needs.

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Shelley C.
“Exceptional service. I had the installs completed to run a NG inverter generator. Jonathan took the time to show me how to connect, start, stop, and disconnect everything. I appreciated his patience! 😀 I definitely recommend JES!”

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Allen P.
“Jackman wired my Generac ATS and installed an A/C soft-start kit. Great service and prices! Jonathan and Jason did a great job, were very safety-conscious, friendly, and let me tag along while they worked.”

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Tyler B.
“Jonathan was exceptional. His pricing was fair and his work was outstanding. He relocated my panel, upgraded service to 200 A with a new meter, and installed a 30-amp generator inlet for power outages. I highly recommend Jackman Electrical Services.”

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Barbara J.
“Johnathan did a fantastic job with the modification of my electrical panel and setting up my generator. I definitely will use him again.”