Put in a Home Standby Generator Yourself: Why/ Why Not?


Standby generators come together with an automatic transfer switch to supply electricity within a power outage. Installation isn’t necessarily a complex job, but it does require knowledge past the scope of most do-it-yourself books. Handling the work yourself rather than hiring an experienced and qualified installer can save some money, but it will most likely be more difficult. You will find pros and cons to handling it as a DIY project and hiring an expert.

Installation

The best standby generator installation works on the load center along with an automatic transfer switch in a single unit. The transfer switch connects to a double-pole breaker in the primary service panel. The circuits the generator will power are disconnected in the primary panel and routed in to the new automatic transfer switch where they are attached to new breakers.
Other installations replace the main service panel once you get your one that incorporates the automatic transfer switch, or the ATS is installed between the meter as well as the existing panel.
Plumbing to increase the home’s gas lines for the standby generator is essential along with an assessment of the gas utility meter to make sure it will handle the elevated flow of gas. Otherwise, the utility will need a whole new meter installation.

Electrical Work

Should you be knowledgeable enough to do the work yourself and may convince the local building inspector that one could handle the work, you may well be around the installation. Understanding of the country’s Electric Code as it pertains to the installation plus your service entrance, plus a documented plan for installation may help pave the way for a permit to proceed having a generator installation, but you will still have to you must do everything correctly and pass the inspection.
Failure to incorporate important codes or making dangerous mistakes might prompt the inspector to ask you to hire a mason afterwards, which will probably set you back more income in the long run. Creating a “No Occupancy” tag slapped on your home since you made lots of mistakes can send you away and off to a motel and incur more expense before troubles are corrected and your generator passes installation.

Plumbing Work

Linking to your home’s gas or LP gas supply lines is important. Propane lines for the new standby generator are run with black iron pipe, and LP gas uses copper or plastic tubing. You’ll need the skill to generate leak-free connections and then test for leaks after the installation.
Building inspectors are especially shy of house owners that want to do their own gas line plumbing work, and gas utilities feel similarly. The possibility of explosion or suffocation from leaking gas is very high when mistakes occur and gas lines leak. Explosion danger extends to neighboring homes.

When you should Do-It-Yourself

Should you be confident in your abilities and can receive the building permit, then proceed to install your standby generator and automatic transfer switch. Follow all the manufacturer instructions in addition to all local building codes. The dwelling inspector should be other people you know in the installation and can offer advice and caveats. Should you come across conditions that lead you to deviate plan, call the inspector to ensure the modern plan’s acceptable. Most of all, never proceed with purchasing materials or starting the installation before you have the proper permits.

When you should Hire a Pro

Remember that you’re managing electricity and you will be exposed to dangerous electrical currents. You will have to tap into your home’s gas lines and make up a leak-free pipe run and connection to the standby generator. Failure either in of the trades could potentially cause severe injury or death. If you are not positive about your abilities with proven experience, hire a specialist. It’s really worth the peace of mind and saving a few bucks isn’t worth losing the life of someone you care about or yourself.

For more information go to: www.GeneratorPowerForLess.com

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