What to Expect: The Generator Installation Process Step by Step

Free Consultation (Day 1–2)

We begin with a no-cost, no-obligation conversation about your needs. We discuss: what you want to power (whole house or essential circuits), your fuel preference (natural gas or propane), any medical or special power requirements, and your budget. For most customers this takes 30–60 minutes by phone or video. We can also do an on-site consultation if you prefer.

Site Assessment (Day 2–4)

A technician visits your property to assess: the best generator placement location (considering setbacks, clearances, HOA requirements, and gas line routing), the distance from your gas meter to the proposed generator location, your electrical panel's capacity and transfer switch installation point, any site-specific factors (yard obstacles, HOA requirements, underground utilities, slope). Photos and measurements are taken to prepare an accurate proposal.

Proposal & Approval (Day 3–6)

We prepare a detailed written proposal including generator model and specifications, transfer switch type, all site prep work (concrete pad, gas line, electrical), permit costs, and total installed price. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our pricing is dealer cost — the same price we pay the manufacturer. Once you review and approve the proposal, we proceed to permit filing.

Permit Filing (Day 5–26)

We file all required permits on your behalf. Most installations require an electrical permit and a gas or plumbing permit. Permit processing time is the most variable part of the entire process:

• Rural and smaller municipalities: 1–3 business days
• Mid-size cities (Springfield, Overland Park, Broken Arrow): 5–10 business days
• Large urban permit offices (Kansas City, Tulsa, Tampa): 10–21 business days
• HOA approval (if applicable): 14–45 days — we submit HOA applications alongside permit filings

Site Prep: Concrete Pad & Gas Line (Installation Morning)

The installation crew arrives typically between 7:00–8:00 AM. The first tasks are concrete pad installation (for the generator to rest on) and gas line extension from your meter to the generator location. We call 811 (Dig Safe) before any ground penetration. The concrete pad typically cures adequately within the same day for a modern fast-cure mix. All concrete, gas line, and electrical materials are included in our installation price — there are no hidden site prep costs regardless of gas line distance.

Generator & Transfer Switch Installation (Midday)

The generator unit is positioned on the concrete pad and secured. The automatic transfer switch (ATS) is installed at your electrical panel — this is the device that detects a power outage and automatically starts the generator and switches your home's circuits to generator power. The transfer switch installation requires a brief power interruption to your home (typically 15–30 minutes). All factory-required clearances are maintained throughout installation.

Testing & System Verification (Afternoon)

After all connections are made, we run a complete test sequence:

• Initial startup and idle period (10 minutes)
• Simulated outage: cut power to the home and verify automatic generator startup and transfer switch closure within 30 seconds
• Full load test: air conditioning, refrigerators, lighting, and other loads running simultaneously
• Automatic shutoff test when utility power “restores”
• Review of all wiring, connections, and clearances by lead technician

Customer Walkthrough (Late Afternoon)

Before we leave, a technician walks you through: how the generator and transfer switch operate, the weekly self-test schedule and how to change it, manual start/stop procedures, the initial 8-hour break-in run requirement for new generators, the initial oil change schedule (first change at 20–25 hours of operation), what the generator display panel shows, and how to reach us for service. This walkthrough typically takes 20–30 minutes. We also leave written documentation of everything covered.

Utility Coordination (Following Days)

After installation, we directly contact your gas and electric utilities on your behalf to notify them of the new generation equipment on your property — a requirement in all of our service states. This involves scheduling the utility inspection (where required), completing interconnection paperwork, and confirming that the transfer switch meets the utility's requirements. We have established relationships with all utilities in our service areas and handle this entirely without requiring your involvement.