What to Expect During a Generator Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Generators are becoming more popular - there's good reason too.

In Oregon, where the beauty of nature often comes with the unpredictability of severe weather—from winter ice storms and heavy snowfalls to summer wildfires and high winds—power outages are a reality. 

Just in case you wondered if you were imagining things, you are not – power outages have become more common and more severe in Oregon over time, largely due to increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events driven by climate change, such as ice storms and wildfires, which strain the power grid and damage infrastructure.

Oregon experienced its largest power outage ever during a Valentine’s Day ice storm in 2021, and the state has seen a significant increase in outage hours in recent years compared to previous decades. These disruptions can range from minor inconveniences lasting a few hours to prolonged blackouts stretching for days, impacting everything from food preservation and heating/cooling to communication and medical equipment.

 
For homeowners, having a reliable backup power source is no longer a luxury; it’s an important component of home resilience and safety.
 
A whole-home standby generator offers unparalleled peace of mind, ensuring your family stays safe and comfortable, and your essential systems remain operational, regardless of what the grid is doing. If you’re considering the significant investment in a backup generator, understanding the installation process is key. The project will involve electrical, plumbing (for fuel lines), and sometimes even minor construction work, all of which must adhere to strict local and national codes.
 
This guide will walk you through what you can expect during a professional generator installation with Wilson River Electric, highlighting our commitment to a seamless, safe, and code-compliant process.

Understanding Your Options: Standby vs. Portable Generators

Before diving into the installation steps, it’s important to distinguish between the primary types of generators:
  • Portable Generators: These are smaller, movable units that typically run on gasoline or propane. They require manual setup, starting, and connection to specific appliances via extension cords or a manual transfer switch. While less expensive upfront, they offer limited power, require constant refueling, and are not designed for whole-home backup. They also pose carbon monoxide risks if not operated outdoors and away from windows.
  • Whole-Home Standby Generators: These are permanently installed units, similar to an outdoor air conditioning unit, that automatically turn on when grid power is lost. They are connected directly to your home’s electrical system via an automatic transfer switch (ATS) and typically run on natural gas or propane, eliminating the need for manual refueling. Standby generators can power your entire home or selected critical circuits, providing continuous, hands-free operation. This guide focuses on the installation of these robust, reliable standby systems.

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Understanding Your Backup Power Solution:

Securing reliable backup power for your home begins with a thorough in-home consultation. This crucial first step ensures your generator system is perfectly tailored to your needs. Our expert electricians will visit your property to:

  • Assess Your Power Requirements: We’ll discuss your priorities during a power outage. Do you need to power your entire home, including high-demand appliances like central air conditioning or electric ranges? Or is your focus on essential circuits such as refrigeration, heating, lighting, and medical equipment? Understanding these needs is vital for proper generator sizing.
  • Evaluate Your Home’s Electrical System: We will inspect your existing electrical panel, service entrance, and overall wiring. This helps us confirm compatibility and identify any necessary upgrades to seamlessly integrate the generator.
  • Determine the Optimal Fuel Source: We’ll assess the availability of natural gas lines at your property. If natural gas isn’t an option or preferred, we’ll discuss propane solutions, including tank sizing and ideal placement.
  • Conduct a Site Assessment for Placement: The generator’s location is critical for safety, performance, and compliance. We’ll identify the best placement, considering factors such as:
    • Proximity to your electrical panel and fuel source.
    • Local noise regulations and required setbacks from property lines, windows, and doors.
    • Accessibility for routine maintenance.
    • Adequate ventilation and clearance from combustible materials.
    • A level, stable surface for operation.

Receive a Detailed Proposal:

Following this comprehensive assessment, we will provide a clear, detailed proposal. This will outline our recommendation for the appropriate generator size (measured in kilowatts, kW) and model, along with the full scope of work, estimated costs, and project timeline.

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