Common Mistakes to Avoid During House Generator Installation

Have you ever been in a situation when you couldn’t perform an important task in your home because of a power outage or blackout? It can be frustrating and you may even feel like your day is going to be unproductive, especially if the loss of power is beyond your control. However, with a house generator installation, specifically a Generac generator, you may never find yourself in this situation, even during brownouts.

But here’s the twist: if your house generator installation process is not done the right way, you may damage the electrical equipment in your home, or your generator may still end up not being of use to you. To help you out, we’ve written this article to show you some mistakes you should avoid when setting up a home generator. This way, you can make smart choices for a safe and effective setup that will give you peace of mind.

Let’s begin!

Key Highlights

 

• • You need to know the right generator size that your house needs before you install one.

• • If you don’t have the right tools or skills to install your house generator, it’s wise to contact an expert electrician.

Understanding the Basics of House Generator Installation

Before we dive into the mistakes you should avoid during your house generator installation, let’s talk about the basic process of home generator installation. A home standby generator or portable generator is an important investment, and installing one means that you’re adding a backup power system to your home’s electrical setup. 

When you want to install a generator in your home, you need to choose the right generator size and decide what fuel it will use. Then, you must connect it to your home’s electrical panel with a transfer switch. Your transfer switch is very important. It’s what stops your generator from sending electricity back to the grid so that the utility workers won’t be at risk of electric shock. It is also important to properly use and handle extension cords when connecting appliances to a portable generator.

Types of Generators: Standby vs. Portable

Here’s something you should know: there are two main types of generators, which are standby and portable generators. Let’s explain them. A standby generator automatically turns on when there is a power failure in your home and you can install it outside your home. Many of them use natural gas or propane to power up your house and this makes it easy for you to have backup generator power for a long time.

On the other hand, portable generators are mobile. This means that you can move them around your house. They are not as powerful as home standby generators, and they can only power the important devices in your home for a short amount of time. One more thing. You need to operate this type of generator manually for it to turn on. So, before you make a choice, you need to know what you need and how you plan to use it.

Key Considerations Before Installation

Here’s a list of guidelines to help you make sure your whole house generator installation is safe and meets all the necessary permits:

1. Assessing your power needs

Homeowners need to understand that every home has a specific full load of power it needs to safely provide electricity to every appliance in their home. With this information, you can find the right size of generator for your home’s electrical work or needs. 

Here’s what you should do: you can make a detailed list of all the appliances and devices you want to use at the same time during a power outage. It’s vital to focus on the most important techs and appliances in your home that require enough power, such as your refrigerators, AC, freezer, lights, electric furnaces, critical medical devices, and your HVAC system. 

Make sure to understand how much power each of these appliances requires. Remember that the startup wattage can be much higher than the wattage they use while they are running. However, if you’re not sure how to find the full load calculation for your home, it’s best to hire a qualified electrician. They can assess your home and help you find the right generator size for your electrical needs.  

2. Local regulations and codes in California

Every municipality in California has its local codes and regulations that guide professional generator installations. As a homeowner in CA, you must understand and follow these local regulations and codes when installing your house generator. These regulations will help you to ensure the safety of your home and the electrical grid.

All the municipalities in California have their own local codes and regulations for professional generator installations. When installing your house generator in CA, you have to know these local regulations and codes to keep your home and electrical grid safe. To know the specific requirements, permits, and inspections concerning generator installations, seek consultations from your local municipality or building department. These codes may differ from one municipality to another in California. 

Here’s a table summarizing key aspects often covered by local codes:

Aspect	Description
Permits	This is crucial for your generator installation and it may include inspections at different levels.
Placement	This involves the restrictions on generator location, typically a certain distance from property lines, windows, and HVAC systems.
Electrical connections	These are the wiring regulations, grounding, and connections to the electrical panel regulations.
Noise levels	This consists of restrictions on your generator noise output, particularly at certain times.

Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid

Here’s the truth: your house generator installation can be tricky. It can also be unsafe if you don’t install it properly. That’s why you need to avoid some common mistakes so that you can have a safe and easy installation. If you avoid these common errors, you can also save some money on repairs and safety issues while making sure your generator works well when you need it the most. Here are some common mistakes you should avoid:

1. Overlooking fuel source compatibility

Here’s something you should know: Many house generators use propane, natural gas, or diesel as the fuel type. That is why, you should select a generator model that is compatible with your fuel of choice. For example: If you wish to select a generator that utilizes natural gas, then you have to ensure that you already have a natural gas line that can provide adequate power to your generator.

If you want a generator that utilizes propane, then it is important to have the right size of tank for storage. Using the wrong fuel in your generator can make it stop working, harm your unit, and pose safety hazards. Therefore, when you are planning to purchase a generator, you have to consider the fuel requirements of the generator and ensure that they are compatible with what you have. 

2. Neglecting proper ventilation

Some homeowners don’t know that proper ventilation is very crucial during a house generator installation. Your generator produces carbon monoxide. This is a gas that you cannot see or smell, and it can be very dangerous if you breathe it in.

However, if you have good ventilation around your generator area, it can help you to move these exhaust gases away from your home. You should also follow your manufacturer’s instructions about how much space you need for ventilation. If you can, try putting carbon monoxide detectors in your home to keep you and your family members safe.

Professional vs. DIY Installation

Installing a generator yourself might seem like a good way to save money, but it can be risky, especially if you understand electrical systems, wiring, and plumbing very well. Your house generator installation involves detailed electrical work and plumbing for fuel lines. You must also follow building codes and regulations and if you install it wrongly, you can create safety risks, lose your warranty, and face expensive repairs. That’s why it’s best to seek help from a reputable generator tech or installer like Frontline Pro Services. They have experts who can effectively handle your generator installation processes, including the installation of the alternator, all while ensuring the total cost stays within your budget.

Here in California, Frontline Pro Services is the right professional generator installation service for your home. We know how important electricity is for homeowners in CA. That’s why we have expert electricians who are certified and follow the local regulations and codes to properly install the right size of generator for your house at affordable rates. We will assess your home to find a flat ground like a concrete pad or pea gravel surface where we can properly install your generator so that it does not sink or become unlevel. Let’s help you with an efficient and successful house generator installation. Reach out to us now!