Generator Installation · Metairie, LA
Generator Installation in Metairie, LA
When Hurricane Ida knocked out the transmission lines into the New Orleans area in 2021, Metairie homes were without power for days or weeks in extreme heat, and standby generators became one of the most common electrical projects in Jefferson Parish. A natural-gas unit with an automatic transfer switch, sized for central air, is the usual choice, and Atmos Energy may need to upgrade the gas meter.
- Call now to check electrician availability in your area
- Independent, licensed electricians
- Serving Old Metairie, Bucktown, Fat City and more
What's different about generator installation in Metairie
Units should sit on raised platforms where streets flood. A portable generator through an outdoor inlet and interlock is the lower-cost option. Permits come from Jefferson Parish's inspection and code enforcement department.
Mid-century slab homes often have 100 amp panels or brands insurers question, and many were partly rewired after Katrina flooding. Old Metairie homes may have older wiring. Generators are common after Ida.
Weather and the utility in Metairie
Metairie has long, hot, humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and heavy rain that floods streets, and hurricane season runs June through November. Hurricane Ida in 2021 knocked out power across the region for days or weeks after transmission lines failed, and Katrina in 2005 flooded much of the area. Entergy Louisiana serves Metairie and handles meters, service drops and restoration.
- Permits in Metairie
- Electrical permits come from Jefferson Parish's inspection and code enforcement department. Louisiana licenses electrical contractors through the State Licensing Board for Contractors.
- Electric utility
- Entergy Louisiana
- Where we connect you
- 12 ZIP codes in Metairie, including Old Metairie, Bucktown, Fat City, Lake Vista area, Bonnabel, Severn
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 Metairie
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 Metairie: questions
Do I need a permit for generator installation in Metairie?
In most cases, yes. Electrical permits come from Jefferson Parish's inspection and code enforcement department. Louisiana licenses electrical contractors through the State Licensing Board for Contractors. 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 Metairie homes?
Electricians in Metairie most often see: hurricane outages and flooding; panels insurers question in slab homes; backup power after Ida.
More electrical help in Metairie
Generator Installation in nearby cities
Guides
Need generator installation in Metairie?
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