Having a Generac generator provides reliable backup power to keep your home running smoothly during outages. But before investing in a home generator system, it’s helpful to understand how long installation takes so you can plan accordingly.
The time required to fully install a Generac generator system ranges from 1-3 days in most cases. However, several factors like the complexity of your electrical system, generator location, and permitting can shorten or lengthen the installation timeframe.
Key Steps in the Generac Generator Installation Process
A typical Generac home generator installation involves the following key stages:
- Initial consultation – The electrician assesses your electrical system and outage needs to recommend the right Generac model and transfer switch. This takes 2-4 hours at your site.
- Permitting – The electrician draws up plans and applies for local building permits. Allow 2 days to 2 weeks for permit approval depending on your area.
- Generator delivery – Due to supply chain issues, shipping lead times are currently 4-8 weeks for Generac models. Temporary rental generators can fill gaps if needed.
- Installation – With permits approved, the electrician tackles the actual generator installation. This takes 1-2 full days with additional time for inspections.
- Inspections – Your jurisdiction will send an inspector to check the installation before final approval. Schedule 1 day for corrections if needed.
- Activation – Once passed, the system can be activated. The electrician tests the operation and sets the automatic transfer switch.
From start to finish, a typical Generac install takes about 1-3 weeks. Complex installs may run longer when factoring in permitting, delivery delays, and inspections.
What Impacts Generator Installation Time?
Several variables influence the overall timeframe to get your Generac generator up and running:
- Electrical complexity – Homes with elaborate electrical systems take longer to install and require extra wiring and connections.
- Generator location – Mounting the generator right by your home’s electrical panel minimizes wiring needs for faster installs. Farther distances involve much more wiring time and labor.
- Fuel source – Natural gas hookups are quicker than installing large exterior propane tanks.
- Permitting process – Some jurisdictions approve permits faster than others. Simple installs can be permitted in days, while large projects may need 2 weeks or more.
- Inspection challenges – Failures requiring rework add days. Smooth one-time inspections speed the process.
- Generator availability – Shipping times for Generac units average 4-8 weeks right now, but can be faster for smaller models.
- Electrician workload – Their existing schedule affects when they can slot your project in and for how many consecutive days.
While every home installation is unique, 1-3 weeks is typical for a complete Generac generator install when accounting for all steps.
Installation Timeline Examples
To give you a better idea of real-world generator installation timeframes, here are a few examples for different home scenarios:
- A small 7kW air-cooled Generac unit at a single-story ranch house with simple electrical needs, natural gas, and quick permitting may be fully installed in just 1 week.
- A larger 22kW liquid-cooled Generac for a two-story home with more complex electrical, and propane fuel requiring a tank, and some inspection corrections could take 3-4 weeks total.
- An elaborately wired custom home needing creative generator mounting, 500-gallon propane tank install, long electrical run, and rebidding permits may require 6-8 weeks for a complete pro-level Generac generator installation.
Your specific situation depends on the combination of factors impacting your particular installation. Discuss the expected timeframe with potential electricians before hiring.
Scheduling Your Generator Installation
When timing your Generac generator installation, aim to avoid major holidays like Christmas or summer vacation season when electrician workloads are highest. Spring or fall typically have more flexible schedules.
Also, build some buffer into your schedule if possible. For instance, if you want backup protection by hurricane season, start the installation process 1-2 months earlier to allow for potential delivery or permitting delays.
Ideally, initiate the installation during fair weather in case the process runs long. You don’t want to be mid-project when winter or storm season hits.
Conclusion
With typical professional installs taking 1-3 weeks, factor this Generac generator project timeframe into your home improvement plans. The more complex your electrical system, the farther the generator sits from your main panel, and the more challenging your permitting process – the longer your particular installation is likely to require. Discuss the expected duration with electricians to find the right pro for your generator installation needs.
