PORTABLE GENERATORS
Keep your essentials running during an outage with a safe, professionally installed generator inlet and manual transfer switch, wired to your panel and done to code.
No obligation, we usually reply the same day.
HOW IT WORKS
From your first call to the final inspection, you always know exactly what happens next.
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WHY IT MATTERS
A portable generator is a budget-friendly way to keep the essentials on during a storm or outage, but only if it is connected safely. Running cords through a window, or worse, back-feeding a dryer outlet, is dangerous and illegal, risking your equipment, your home, and the utility crews working to restore power.
We install a proper solution: a manual transfer switch or generator inlet box wired into your panel, so you can power the circuits that matter, furnace, refrigerator, well pump, and sump pump, with a single, safe connection. Plug in, flip the switch, and you are running.
WHAT WE INSTALL
A proper portable generator connection usually includes:
A weatherproof exterior inlet lets you connect your portable generator with one heavy-duty cord, no running cords through windows or doors.
A transfer switch safely isolates your generator from the utility line and lets you choose exactly which circuits to power, protecting your home and the crews restoring power.
We help you decide which essentials to back up, furnace, refrigerator, well and sump pumps, lights and outlets, and size everything to your generator.
WHY CHOOSE FLAT RIVER
REVIEWS
Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 396 Google reviews ★★★★★
“From the beginning to the end this is by far the best service I have ever received from any company. Always on time, knowledgeable, and great communication. Highly recommend them. Mike, Grant and Connor were great.”
“I really like Flat River Electric's work, from scheduling to the end results. Awesome work, well done. I've owned an old house for 37 years and used numerous other electric companies over the years. Flat River is the best!”
“Highly recommend. The team was on time, courteous, and answered all my questions before starting on our outdoor lights. They worked half the day in the rain to make sure the job was done on time.”
FAQ
Extension cords limit you to a few plug-in devices and cannot safely power hardwired essentials like your furnace, well pump, or sump pump. A proper inlet and transfer switch let you power those circuits safely with a single connection.
A manual transfer switch is installed next to your panel and safely disconnects your home from the utility line while your generator is running. It lets you choose which circuits to power and prevents dangerous back-feeding onto the grid.
Yes. Back-feeding energizes your homes wiring and can send power back onto the utility line, which can injure or kill line workers and damage your equipment. It is illegal and unsafe. A transfer switch or inlet is the correct, legal solution.
It depends on which essentials you want to run. During your visit we help you total up the loads, furnace, refrigerator, pumps, and lights, and recommend a generator size and the right inlet and switch to match.
Yes. If you would prefer automatic, hands-off backup power, we also install whole-home standby generators that start on their own when the power goes out. Ask us and we will help you compare the two options.
Yes. Adding a transfer switch or inlet requires a permit and inspection, and we handle both so your installation is documented and to code.
Yes. We serve Lowell, Ada, Cascade, Forest Hills, Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids, Rockford, Grandville, Wyoming, and the surrounding communities.
RELATED SERVICES
Prefer automatic backup? We install standby generators that start on their own.
A modern panel makes adding a transfer switch clean and straightforward.
Protect your electronics from surges when power switches on and off.
Get a free, no-obligation quote from a licensed West Michigan electrician.
