The decision that sets the price
Which circuits matter most during an outage?
Not every home needs — or wants to pay for — whole-house coverage. This is the question that determines generator size, and therefore most of what the system costs.
- Refrigeration
- A sump pump, if your home has one
- Basic lighting
- Any medical equipment a household member relies on
Where most households start. Covers the things whose failure actually causes damage or harm rather than discomfort.
- Everything above
- Heating or air conditioning
- Additional living-space circuits
Worth it if outages in your area tend to run long, or if going without heating or cooling for an extended period isn't practical for your household.
- Every circuit in the house
- HVAC and major appliances included
Requires a considerably larger capacity unit. The right answer for some households and unnecessary spend for others — which is exactly what the assessment is for.
Working through this priority list is how a generator gets sized properly. Rather than defaulting to the smallest possible system or automatically recommending whole-home coverage, we build the recommendation around what actually matters for your household's situation.
The safety component
Why the transfer switch matters as much as the generator
The transfer switch is arguably as important as the generator itself, since it's what safely isolates your home's electrical system from the utility grid during generator operation.
Without a properly installed transfer switch, there's a real risk of backfeeding power into utility lines — which is dangerous both for utility workers who may be repairing the outage, and for your own generator, which isn't designed to power an entire neighborhood's electrical grid.
Never connect a portable generator directly to your home's outlets. Doing so without a proper transfer switch or dedicated inlet can cause backfeed into utility lines. A safe, code-compliant connection point is what makes a portable generator usable without that risk.
Automatic transfer switches add convenience on top of the safety. They detect an outage and start the generator within seconds, often before you've realized the power went out. That's a meaningful difference from a manual switch, which still requires you to physically start the process — an important consideration for households that travel, or that want backup power to work reliably even when nobody's home to manage it.
System type
Standby or portable — which fits your household?
We help you weigh these honestly based on how you'd actually want to manage an outage — rather than assuming one option is universally better than the other.
Worth considering
Signs it's time to consider a generator
- Frequent power outages in your area
- Relying on medical equipment that needs consistent power
- Wanting to protect food, sump pumps, or home systems during outages
- Working from home and needing reliable backup power
The work itself
What's involved in generator installation
Power needs assessment
We evaluate which circuits and appliances you want powered during an outage, from essential systems like refrigeration and sump pumps to whole-home coverage including HVAC and major appliances.
Generator placement planning
Determining the best location, factoring in ventilation, noise considerations, clearance requirements from windows and doors, and local code setback distances.
Transfer switch installation
A transfer switch safely connects your generator to your home's electrical system, automatically isolating your home from the utility grid during operation to prevent dangerous backfeed.
System testing
We test the full system to confirm it activates and runs properly during an outage, verifying the transfer switch engages correctly and the generator delivers stable power to the intended circuits.
Fuel supply coordination
For gas or propane standby systems, we coordinate the fuel line connection, working alongside your utility provider or propane supplier as needed to ensure a properly sized and connected supply.
Why Canton, NC trusts us
What you get when you call Apex Electric Pros
Experience with standby and portable systems
Our electricians install both whole-home standby generators and portable backup setups, understanding the different wiring and safety requirements each type involves.
Correct sizing for your home
We assess your home's power needs to recommend the right capacity, rather than guessing at a size that either underperforms during an outage or costs more than your household actually needs.
Code-compliant, permitted installation
We handle transfer switch wiring and permitting to ensure a safe, compliant setup, since improperly connecting a generator to your home's electrical system creates serious safety risks.
Guidance on fuel type and placement
We help you weigh natural gas, propane, or diesel options depending on what's available at your property, and plan placement that satisfies both ventilation requirements and practical accessibility for maintenance.
How it works
Our installation process
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Assessment
We evaluate your home's power needs and generator options, discussing which circuits matter most to you during an outage and how that translates into generator capacity.
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Recommendation & pricing
We recommend the right generator size and setup, with clear pricing upfront covering the unit, transfer switch, and any necessary electrical or fuel line work.
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Installation
Our licensed electricians complete the wiring, transfer switch, and generator setup, coordinating any required permits and inspections along the way.
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Testing & walkthrough
We test the system and walk you through operation before we leave, including how automatic standby systems self-test periodically and what to expect during an actual outage.
On the day
What happens during installation
Standby generator installation typically begins with preparing the mounting pad location, followed by placing and securing the generator unit itself. Our electricians then run the necessary wiring to the transfer switch, install it near your main panel, and coordinate the fuel line connection — whether natural gas or propane — with the appropriate supplier or utility.
Once physically installed, we test the complete system, including simulating a power outage to confirm the transfer switch engages correctly and the generator powers the intended circuits without issue.
For portable generator setups, installation focuses on properly wiring a manual transfer switch or dedicated inlet — giving you a safe, code-compliant connection point rather than relying on running extension cords through windows or doors during an outage.
Planning ahead
Sizing around future needs
Similar to sizing an electrical panel, it's worth thinking beyond your immediate needs when choosing generator capacity. If you're currently focused on essential circuits but anticipate adding an EV charger, a home office setup requiring reliable power, or an addition to the home in the coming years, sizing with some additional headroom now often costs less than upgrading to a larger unit later.
We discuss your near-term plans during the assessment specifically to help you avoid choosing a system that meets today's needs perfectly but falls short within just a few years of household changes.
Pricing
What affects the cost of installation
Costs depend heavily on whether you're installing a portable setup or a permanent standby system, with standby systems generally costing more due to the automatic transfer switch, fuel line connection, and dedicated concrete pad typically required.
Generator capacity also plays a significant role. A system sized to cover a few essential circuits costs considerably less than one designed to power your entire home, including HVAC.
Site conditions matter too. Distance from the generator location to the electrical panel and fuel source affects wiring and piping costs, and homes requiring a longer run between these points will see that reflected in the estimate.
We walk through your specific site and priorities during the assessment to provide accurate, itemized pricing before any work begins.
Worth asking anyone
How to choose the right installation company
Generator installation touches both electrical and, for standby systems, fuel line work, so it's worth confirming the company you choose is experienced with both rather than just the electrical portion.
Ask whether permitting and inspection coordination is included, since standby installations almost always require it — and skipping it can create real problems if you ever need to make an insurance claim or sell your home.
Ask how the company determines generator sizing. A company that recommends the same size regardless of your home's actual circuit needs isn't giving you a tailored recommendation, and either leaves you underpowered during an outage or paying for capacity you'll never use.
Service area
Serving Canton, NC and surrounding areas
Apex Electric Pros installs generators for homes and businesses throughout Canton, NC and the surrounding area, handling both standby and portable systems for a range of household needs and budgets.
Reviews
What our Canton, NC customers say
Do not publish invented or sample testimonials.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to connect a portable generator directly to my home's outlets?
No. Connecting a portable generator without a proper transfer switch or dedicated inlet is dangerous and can cause backfeed into utility lines. We install a safe, code-compliant connection point instead.
What's the difference between a standby and portable generator?
A standby generator is permanently installed and activates automatically, while a portable generator needs to be manually set up and connected during an outage.
What size generator do I need for my home?
It depends on which circuits and appliances you want powered. We assess this during the consultation rather than defaulting to a standard size regardless of your actual needs.
How do I decide which circuits to prioritize?
Most households start with refrigeration, sump pumps, basic lighting, and any medical equipment as essentials, then decide whether to add HVAC or other comfort circuits based on budget and how long outages typically last in the area.
How long does generator installation take?
Most installations can be completed within one to two days, depending on the system and setup needed, including any required fuel line or transfer switch work.
Do I need a permit for generator installation?
Yes, most jurisdictions require a permit, especially for standby systems — we handle this as part of the process so the installation is properly inspected and compliant.
How much does generator installation typically cost?
Cost depends on the generator type and size, plus any electrical work needed. We provide a clear estimate upfront covering the complete installation.
Can a standby generator power my entire home, including HVAC?
Yes, with proper sizing, though this requires a larger capacity unit than one designed to cover only essential circuits.
How often does a standby generator need maintenance?
Most standby systems benefit from annual professional maintenance, along with periodic self-tests the unit runs automatically to confirm it's ready to activate when needed.
What fuel types are available for standby generators?
Standby generators typically run on natural gas or propane, depending on what's available at your property. We help you weigh the options during the assessment.
What happens if a standby generator runs out of fuel during a long outage?
For propane systems, this depends on tank size and generator runtime, and we can discuss appropriately sized tanks during installation for your expected outage duration. Natural gas systems draw from the utility supply and generally aren't subject to running out.
Can I install the transfer switch now and add the generator later?
Yes, in some cases we can install the transfer switch and supporting infrastructure first, with the generator unit added when you're ready — though this depends on your specific setup and goals.
Is a noisy generator going to be a problem with my neighbors?
Modern standby generators are designed with sound-dampening enclosures and are generally much quieter than older portable models, though placement planning during installation also considers noise direction relative to neighboring properties.
Does installation affect the manufacturer's warranty?
Most generator manufacturers require professional installation to keep the warranty valid, and we ensure the installation meets manufacturer specifications so your coverage stays intact from day one.
Can I add a generator to a home that already has solar panels?
Yes, though it requires careful coordination between the generator's transfer switch and your solar system's inverter setup. We assess this during the consultation if your home has solar installed.
Stay powered through the next outage
A generator means you're never left in the dark. Apex Electric Pros is ready to install one in Canton, NC — call now and get prepared.