Generator Installation · Memphis, TN
Generator Installation in Memphis, TN
Memphians remember the July 2003 windstorm called 'Hurricane Elvis,' which left most of the city without power, some homes for weeks, in summer heat. Ice storms have caused long outages too.
- Call now to check electrician availability in your area
- Independent, licensed electricians
- Serving Central Gardens, Cooper-Young, Vollintine-Evergreen and more
What's different about generator installation in Memphis
For many households, backup power starts with a portable generator connected through an outdoor inlet and a panel interlock to keep the refrigerator, fans and a window AC unit running. Standby generators with automatic transfer switches suit homes with natural gas and room for the unit. Generators must run outdoors and away from windows. MLGW owns the service, and permits come from Memphis and Shelby County Code Enforcement.
Midtown homes often have patched or ungrounded wiring and small services, and many post-war homes have 100 amp panels. Large old trees over overhead lines mean storms often damage service drops and masts.
Weather and the utility in Memphis
Memphis summers are hot and humid, and severe windstorms are a major outage risk: in July 2003, a storm locals call 'Hurricane Elvis' left most of the city without power, some for weeks. Ice storms also strike, bringing down limbs and lines. Memphis Light, Gas and Water, a city-owned utility that buys its power from the Tennessee Valley Authority, serves the city and handles meters, service drops and reconnection.
- Permits in Memphis
- Building and electrical permits for Memphis and unincorporated Shelby County come from Memphis and Shelby County Code Enforcement; suburbs such as Germantown and Bartlett have their own. Electricians must hold the license the jurisdiction requires.
- Electric utility
- Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW)
- Where we connect you
- 4 ZIP codes in Memphis, including Central Gardens, Cooper-Young, Vollintine-Evergreen, East Memphis, Whitehaven, Harbor Town
Signs it's time to call
- Frequent outages from storms, ice or heat
- Medical equipment, sump pumps or freezers that cannot lose power
- A portable generator with no safe way to connect
- Planning a whole-home standby unit
How the job usually goes
1. Size the load
Circuits that must stay powered are listed and the generator sized.
2. Choose the connection
Inlet and interlock, manual transfer switch or automatic transfer switch.
3. Install and inspect
Permitted installation, gas connection by a licensed fitter where needed, and inspection.
Full details on generator installation, including what you can safely check yourself.
What moves the price in Memphis
Electricians set their own prices. Local permit fees, utility coordination and the age of the home all play a part, along with:
- Portable inlet versus standby system
- Generator size
- Transfer switch type
- Distance from panel and gas source
- Pad, permits and inspection
Stop and call an electrician if
- ✕ Never backfeed through an outlet
- ✕ Never run a generator in a garage
Generator Installation in Memphis: questions
Do I need a permit for generator installation in Memphis?
In most cases, yes. Building and electrical permits for Memphis and unincorporated Shelby County come from Memphis and Shelby County Code Enforcement; suburbs such as Germantown and Bartlett have their own. Electricians must hold the license the jurisdiction requires. The electrician normally pulls the permit and arranges the inspection.
Is an interlock kit legal?
Listed interlock kits are accepted in many jurisdictions when installed with a permit. Your electrician will know the local rule.
What electrical issues are common in Memphis homes?
Electricians in Memphis most often see: windstorm and ice outages under mature trees; older wiring in Midtown homes; storm damage to service masts and meter bases.
More electrical help in Memphis
Generator Installation in nearby cities
Guides
Need generator installation in Memphis?
Call now and we connect you with a licensed electrician who serves your ZIP code.