Generator Installation · Columbus, OH
Generator Installation in Columbus, OH
The June 2012 derecho left a large share of central Ohio without power for days in the heat, and winter ice storms also cause outages, so generators are a common Columbus project. A generator inlet with an interlock lets a portable generator safely run the furnace, sump pump and refrigerator.
- Call now to check electrician availability in your area
- Independent, licensed electricians
- Serving German Village, Clintonville, Short North and more
What's different about generator installation in Columbus
A standby generator with an automatic transfer switch is the hands-off option where natural gas is available. Placement must keep exhaust away from windows and doors. Permits come from the Department of Building and Zoning Services or your suburb's building department.
Older homes often have small services, ungrounded outlets and leftover knob-and-tube, and renovations commonly uncover them. Basements hold panels, sump pumps and laundry, so moisture and flooding affect electrical planning.
- Permits in Columbus
- Electrical permits in Columbus come from the Department of Building and Zoning Services; suburbs such as Dublin, Westerville and Upper Arlington run their own building departments.
- Where we connect you
- 45 ZIP codes in Columbus, including German Village, Clintonville, Short North, Victorian Village, Hilltop, Linden
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 Columbus
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 Columbus: questions
Do I need a permit for generator installation in Columbus?
In most cases, yes. Electrical permits in Columbus come from the Department of Building and Zoning Services; suburbs such as Dublin, Westerville and Upper Arlington run their own building departments. 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 Columbus homes?
Electricians in Columbus most often see: knob-and-tube and ungrounded circuits in pre-1940 homes; storm outages and generator inlets; basement circuits, sump pumps and moisture.
More electrical help in Columbus
Generator Installation in other cities
Guides
Need generator installation in Columbus?
Call now, or send a request and a licensed electrician who serves your ZIP code will contact you.