Having backup power from a Generac generator can provide great peace of mind for your home during outages. With Generac being a leading brand, you may wonder if you can save on labor by doing a DIY install instead of hiring an electrician. There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to tackle generator installation solo.
Assessing Your Skills and Risk Tolerance
The most important question is whether you have the electrical knowledge and construction skills for a safe DIY generator install. Properly wiring and connecting a home generator system is complex. Mistakes can lead to fires, electrocution, or appliance damage if the generator backfeeds power to the grid.
Even handy homeowners with wiring experience should think twice before attempting generator installation alone. Unless you fully understand electrical load calculations, transfer switch wiring, and local codes, a lack of expertise could be dangerous. An experienced electrician is the safest choice.
Consider also liability risks if DIY generator installation causes problems. Without a licensed electrician overseeing the work, your home insurance may not cover any electrical fires or mishaps. The potential safety threats and financial risks are rarely worth trying to save on labor costs.
Following Codes and Securing Permits
Electrical permits are mandatory for home generator installs, whether you DIY or hire an electrician. Your local building department will want to review the Generac generator’s specs and your wiring plan. They will also inspect the installation upon completion before allowing the system to be activated.
Skipping permits is illegal and unwise. If your DIY generator installation violates building codes, you may have to redo the entire project. Any home insurance coverage problems caused by unpermitted electrical work would also fall back on you as the homeowner.
Generator Installation Steps
To properly install a Generac home generator, the following steps are typically involved:
- Choosing an appropriate Generac model based on whole home wattage needs and available fuel sources
- Selecting and installing a transfer switch with enough amperage capacity for the electrical load
- Mounting the generator exterior to the home on a concrete pad per manufacturer’s instructions
- Running electrical wiring from the generator to the transfer switch and house electrical panel
- Connecting the fuel source – natural gas, propane, or diesel
- Integrating the generator with the transfer switch to safely power your home during outages
- Getting all necessary permits and inspections from local building departments
Skipping any steps or failing to account for your home’s total electric load could lead to problems. A professional electrician has the expertise to handle all aspects of generator installation correctly.
Potential Problems from DIY Installs
Without proper electrical know-how, do-it-yourself Generac generator installs often involve hazards or issues like:
- Inadequate transfer switch size leads to overloaded circuits
- The generator incorrectly wired into the house’s electrical system
- Lack of grounding or ground faults in generator connections
- Fuel leaks from improper propane or natural gas hookups
- Carbon monoxide buildup if ventilation is inadequate
- Excess moisture damage to the generator from improper outdoor placement
- Inability to obtain permits or pass inspections after installation is complete
Generators are complex electrical systems that connect directly to your home’s wiring. Experience is required to avoid expensive, dangerous mistakes.
Using Professional Generator Installation
Hiring a licensed electrician trained in Generac generators ensures your system is sized, wired, and installed correctly. While the labor costs are higher than a DIY project, the benefits are substantial:
- Expertise in electrical load calculations and wiring for safety
- Correct generator and transfer switch sizing to power your whole home
- Qualified help with permits and inspections
- Reduced risk of electrical fire or electrocution hazards
- Warranted workmanship in case any issues arise
- Continued maintenance and service support from the electrical company
For most homeowners, the peace of mind and safety assurances of professional generator installation outweigh the labor expense. Leaving complicated electrical projects to qualified experts is wise for both safety and liability.
Conclusion
Installing a Generac home generator on your own may seem like a way to trim costs, but the electrical complexity and safety risks make DIY inadvisable. Unless you have extensive electrical expertise, hire a licensed electrician to ensure your generator is sized, wired, and installed correctly. While pricier than doing it yourself, professional generator installation gives you the best results and protection.
