Generator Installation · Charleston, WV
Generator Installation in Charleston, WV
The June 2012 derecho left much of West Virginia without power for a week or more in summer heat, and Charleston's hilly, wooded terrain can slow restoration after storms. A generator inlet with an interlock lets a portable generator run the refrigerator, furnace or window units safely.
- Call now to check electrician availability in your area
- Independent, licensed electricians
- Serving East End, South Hills, Kanawha City and more
What's different about generator installation in Charleston
A standby generator with an automatic transfer switch, usually fueled by natural gas or propane, starts on its own. Hillside lots can complicate placement, since the unit needs a level pad and clearances from windows. Permits come from the City of Charleston or Kanawha County.
Older homes often have small services and wiring from several eras. Steep lots and long overhead service drops through trees mean storm damage to masts and weatherheads is common.
- Permits in Charleston
- Electrical permits in Charleston come from the city's building department; outside city limits, Kanawha County handles permits. West Virginia licenses electricians through the State Fire Marshal's office.
- Where we connect you
- 45 ZIP codes in Charleston, including East End, South Hills, Kanawha City, West Side, North Charleston, Edgewood
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 Charleston
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 Charleston: questions
Do I need a permit for generator installation in Charleston?
In most cases, yes. Electrical permits in Charleston come from the city's building department; outside city limits, Kanawha County handles permits. West Virginia licenses electricians through the State Fire Marshal's office. 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 Charleston homes?
Electricians in Charleston most often see: storm damage to overhead service drops and masts; flood damage to basement and low-lying electrical equipment; older wiring in pre-1950 hillside homes.
More electrical help in Charleston
Generator Installation in other cities
Guides
Need generator installation in Charleston?
Call now, or send a request and a licensed electrician who serves your ZIP code will contact you.