Generators and interlocks
We do residential electrical work only. Generator connections at houses and the outbuildings that belong to a home.
Outages hit hard here, especially on the islands and in rural Skagit, Whatcom and Snohomish. A generator connection lets you power the circuits you choose, safely, without extension cords through a window.
- Licensed residential electrical contractorWASHIC*743DE
- WA registered contractorWASHIC*795O4
- Skagit · Snohomish · Island · WhatcomHomes in the counties we serve
- Bonded and insured
What this covers
An inlet and an interlock for a portable generator
An outdoor inlet the generator's cord plugs into, and a mechanical interlock on your main panel, so the main breaker and the generator can never be on at the same time. You then switch on the circuits you want.
Transfer equipment
A transfer switch or panel that moves selected circuits, or the whole house, between the utility and the generator.
Standby generator wiring
The electrical for a permanently installed standby unit: the connection, the transfer equipment and the panel side. You buy the unit from a dealer or supplier, and we wire it.
Choosing what to keep running
At the visit we go through what matters to you in an outage: the well pump, the fridge and freezer, the furnace or heat pump, lights, internet and medical equipment. That list, and your generator's size, decide the setup.
Never backfeed through an outlet
Plugging a generator into a household receptacle with a double-ended cord can send power back up the utility's lines and put line workers and neighbors in danger. An inlet with an interlock or transfer equipment is the safe way to connect.
Questions people ask
Do you sell generators?
No. You choose the generator, or buy a standby unit from a dealer, and we do the electrical connection.
My generator is small. Is it still worth connecting?
Often, yes. A small generator can run a few important circuits. We help you choose them so you don't overload it.
Can you add an inlet when you're already doing other work?
Yes. An inlet and interlock fit well with a panel replacement, since the panel is open anyway. See panel and service upgrades.
Do you do generator maintenance?
No. We do the electrical connection. For the generator itself, go to its dealer.
Related services
Ask about a generator connection
Thanks, we have your request
A person reads every request and gets back to you to set up a site visit.
Want to add something? Call (360) 858-8580, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email info@waelectrical.contractors.
What happens next
- A person reads your request.
- We contact you by phone or email, whichever you prefer.
- We visit, look at the panel and the work, and talk through what goes into a written scope.
Already working with us?
Current clients, trades and suppliers: please use your usual contact.