Portable Generator Hookup
Quick answer
Power your home safely from a portable generator: inlet box + interlock or manual transfer switch, installed and permitted for $500–$1,500. No more extension cords through windows, and no deadly backfeeding.Typical installed cost: $500–$1,500
A portable generator can run your essentials through an outage, if it connects safely. We install the outdoor inlet, the interlock kit or manual transfer switch, and set up your priority circuits, so storm night is: roll out, plug in, flip, done.
About Portable Generator Hookup
Every major storm produces two tragedies that proper hookups prevent: lineworkers injured by backfed power, and families poisoned by generators run too close to the house. The safe setup is simple and permanent, an outdoor inlet box, an interlock or transfer switch at the panel, and a generator that lives outside at a safe distance.
The interlock approach is elegantly minimal: a sliding plate on your panel that physically prevents the main and the generator breaker from being on together. Grid fails → flip the interlock → your generator feeds the panel and you choose which circuits get power, up to the generator's capacity.
Your storm-night routine after our install
- Roll the generator to its outdoor spot, 20+ feet from openings
- Plug the cord into the inlet box
- Flip the interlock, start the generator
- Switch on priority circuits: fridge, furnace, well, internet
- Grid returns: reverse the steps, no utility hazard at any point
How it works
Free assessment
A licensed electrician evaluates your panel, capacity, and site at no cost.
Transparent quote
You get a clear, written, fixed price, no surprises, no pressure.
Professional install
Tesla-certified electricians complete the work to code, permit pulled.
Inspection & warranty
We schedule inspection and back the work with our workmanship guarantee.
What's included
- Licensed, insured & Tesla-certified electrician
- Free in-home assessment and load calculation
- Permit pulled and inspection scheduled
- All materials and code-compliant wiring
- Clean, professional install with cleanup
- Workmanship guarantee of up to 10 years
Get a free portable generator hookup estimate
Book your free in-home estimate
Pick a time that works for you and we will match you with a licensed, Tesla-certified electrician in your area. No obligation, transparent fixed pricing.
Book Your Free In-Home Consultation →Frequently asked questions
Because it can kill a lineworker and burn your house down: backfeeding energizes the grid side without a disconnect, violates code everywhere, and is the specific hazard interlocks exist to prevent. The safe setup costs a few hundred dollars.
An interlock on your main panel is cheaper and lets you choose any circuits up to the generator's capacity; a transfer switch pre-selects dedicated circuits. Panel model and preference decide, we install both.
7,500–9,500 running watts covers most homes' essentials (fridge, furnace fan, well pump, lights, internet). Use our generator sizing calculator or ask during the visit.
Any generator with a 240V twist-lock outlet (L14-30 is the common one). We match the inlet to your generator's plug, or advise what to buy if you haven't yet.
More electrical services
Electrical Panel Upgrade
An electrical panel upgrade to 200 amps typically costs $1,500–$4,000. It's often required before adding an EV charger, Powerwall, or major appliances. Charge Home Solutions uses licensed electricians and handles permits and inspection.
Learn more →Whole-House Rewiring
Whole-house rewiring replaces aging or unsafe wiring (knob-and-tube, aluminum, cloth) and typically costs $8,000–$20,000+ depending on home size.
Learn more →Circuit Breaker Replacement
Replacing a faulty or tripping circuit breaker restores safe power flow. Most single-breaker replacements are quick, same-day jobs.
Learn more →Generator Installation
Standby generator installation keeps your home powered automatically during outages. Installed cost typically runs $5,000–$15,000 including the transfer switch.
Learn more →