A guide for Chattanooga homeowners
Planning a home standby generator.
What to decide before you pick a Generac or Kohler unit: what stays on, how the transfer switch works, fuel, placement, and permits.
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The short version
Start with what must stay on, not the size of the unit.
A standby generator is permanently installed outside the home, runs on natural gas or propane, and starts on its own when the power goes out. The right size comes from the loads you want covered, so the list comes first and the model comes second.
River City Electric installs both Generac and Kohler standby generators, and we do the panel, transfer switch, and wiring as a licensed electrical contractor in Tennessee and Georgia.
- 01
Essential circuits
A chosen group: refrigeration, heat, well or sump pump, some lights and outlets, the network.
- 02
Whole-home backup
The house runs close to normal, with the generator and transfer equipment sized for it.
- 03
Load management
Large loads like HVAC or an EV charger can be managed so a right-sized unit is not overloaded.
Decisions, in order
Five things to settle before install day.
- 01
Your load list
We walk the house and write down what has to run during an outage.
- 02
Panel & transfer switch
We check the panel and choose the transfer equipment, and upgrade the panel if it needs it.
- 03
Fuel
Natural gas where it is available, propane where it is not, sized with your gas provider or propane supplier.
- 04
Placement
A level pad with the clearances from windows, doors, and vents that the manufacturer and code require.
- 05
Permit & start-up
Permits and inspection where required, then a walkthrough so you know how it runs and tests itself.
Building or remodeling?
Plan backup power with the electrical plan.
It is easier and cleaner to set the pad, run the conduit, and choose the panel layout before drywall and landscaping. Builders and designers can see our pre-wire checklist.
Panel layout
Group essential circuits, or plan for a whole-home transfer switch from day one.
Pad & conduit
Set the location and pathways before hardscape and landscaping go in.
EV charging & smart home
Plan how a Tesla charger and other big loads behave on generator power.
Questions
Home generators, in plain English.
Do you install Generac or Kohler?
Both. River City Electric installs Generac and Kohler standby generators, and we can talk through which fits your home, fuel, and budget.
Should I back up the whole house or just essential circuits?
It depends on what you need during an outage and what you want to spend. Whole-home backup sizes the generator and transfer equipment for the house; an essential-circuit setup covers a chosen group of loads such as refrigeration, heat, well pump, lights, and outlets. We walk the house with you and list what must stay on before recommending either.
What is an automatic transfer switch?
It is the equipment that senses a utility outage, starts the generator, moves your circuits to generator power, and moves them back when utility power returns, without you flipping anything.
Can a portable generator be connected to my panel?
Only through a properly installed transfer switch or interlock. Never backfeed a dryer or other outlet; it is dangerous for you and for utility line crews. We can install a safe inlet and interlock or transfer switch.
Does a standby generator need a permit?
Generator and transfer equipment installs generally need a licensed contractor and, where required, a permit and inspection. We handle that as part of the electrical scope.
Who do I call after it is installed?
Service after the sale: call 423-718-7085, Mon–Fri, 8 AM–4 PM, and you reach the team that installed it.
See how we install them on our generator installation page.
Start your project
Get a generator estimate.
Call River City Electric or send a few details online. Planned work includes a free estimate across Chattanooga and North Georgia.