A standby generator installation keeps your whole home running when the grid goes down. It starts on its own within seconds of an outage. You do not have to drag out a cord or pour gas. We install these all over Central NJ.
When you call Harrelson Electric, you get Bruce. He is a Master Electrician with NJ License 15918. He has been in the trade since 1988. He sizes the unit, wires it, and stands behind the work.
How a standby generator works
A standby generator sits outside your house, like a central AC unit. It runs on natural gas or propane. When the power fails, a transfer switch flips the load to the generator. When the grid comes back, it flips you back and the generator shuts off. It all happens by itself.
This is different from a portable generator. A portable unit needs you to start it, fuel it, and run cords. A standby unit just works while you sleep.
Free load calculation and sizing
Sizing is the most important step. Too small and the generator strains. Too big and you waste money. Bruce does a free load calculation for every job.
He looks at what you want to keep running. Maybe the whole house. Maybe just the heat, the fridge, the well pump, and some lights. He adds it all up. Then he adds about 20 percent headroom on top. That cushion keeps the unit from running flat out. It lasts longer that way.
Generac, Kohler, and Briggs
We install Generac, Kohler, and Briggs and Stratton units. Here is an honest take on each.
| Brand | What stands out |
|---|---|
| Generac | Most common, wide parts supply, many sizes |
| Kohler | Strong build, quieter on many models |
| Briggs and Stratton | Solid value, fewer dealers around |
The automatic transfer switch
The transfer switch is the brain of the system. It watches the grid. The moment power drops, it disconnects you from the utility and connects the generator. This part is critical for safety.
It keeps generator power from flowing back into the utility lines. That backfeed can hurt a lineman working to fix the outage. A proper transfer switch makes that impossible. We coordinate with PSE&G or JCP&L so everything is set up right and to code.
Gas line, pad, and permits
A standby generator needs fuel. A licensed plumber runs the gas line. We work with one so the gas side is done right and legal. Gas line work needs its own permit.
The unit sits on a level base. Most installs use a concrete pad or a composite pad. We set that before the unit goes down.
Two permits are usually needed. One for the electrical work. One for the gas line. Both fall under the NJ Uniform Construction Code. The township inspector signs off on each. We pull the permits and meet the inspectors for you.
What a generator install costs
Most whole-home standby generators in Central NJ run between 7,000 and 20,000 dollars. That is a wide range because the jobs vary a lot.
- The size of the unit, in kilowatts
- How far the gas line and wire have to run
- The transfer switch and panel work needed
- The pad and any site prep
Self-test and yearly maintenance
A standby generator runs a short self-test every week. It starts up, checks itself, and shuts down. You may hear it for a few minutes. That test makes sure it will fire when you really need it.
These units also need yearly maintenance. Oil, filters, and a full check. We can service the unit we install so it stays ready year after year.
Natural gas or propane
Standby units run on natural gas or propane. Most Central NJ homes already have a gas line, so natural gas is the common pick. It never runs out and there is no tank to fill.
If you do not have gas, propane is the answer. That means a tank on your property. Both fuels work well. Bruce helps you weigh which one fits your home and your yard.
A simpler option
Not everyone wants a full standby system. If you own a portable generator, we can install a manual transfer switch. You roll the generator out, plug it in, and flip a few switches. It powers your key circuits safely. It costs far less than a standby unit. It is a good middle ground.
A manual switch also keeps you safe. It stops backfeed the same way an automatic switch does. Never plug a portable generator into a wall outlet. That is how backfeed happens. A proper switch is the only safe way to feed your panel from a portable unit.
Why Bruce
Bruce founded Harrelson Electric in 2009. He is fully bonded and insured. He has done work for U-Haul, AT&T, the Township of Old Bridge, and the City of Newark. He brings that same care to your generator.
Call Bruce at (800) 732-0585 for a free load calculation and a flat generator quote.
