Standby Generator Installation Checklist

Before You Buy

• Define essential vs whole-home loads
• Perform load calculation
• Confirm fuel type
• Check natural-gas meter or propane capacity
• Choose generator size
• Choose transfer-switch strategy
• Decide whether load management is needed

Site Selection

• Confirm manufacturer clearances
• Check distance from windows
• Check distance from doors
• Check fresh-air intakes
• Check AC equipment clearances
• Confirm service access
• Confirm drainage
• Check flood risk
• Check property-line/HOA restrictions

Pad / Base

• Confirm approved base type
• Level site
• Confirm drainage
• Confirm anchoring requirements
• Confirm wind/flood requirements

Read generator pad requirements →

Electrical

• Confirm service amperage
• Confirm panel/service condition
• Select correct ATS
• Size generator conductors
• Confirm disconnect/breaker
• Confirm grounding/bonding
• Install control wiring
• Confirm utility sensing
• Confirm battery-charger circuit

Read generator electrical requirements →

Fuel

Natural Gas

• Confirm generator full-load demand
• Confirm meter capacity
• Confirm regulator capacity
• Size gas pipe
• Confirm shutoff
• Pressure-test as required

Propane

• Confirm tank size
• Confirm vaporization capacity
• Confirm regulator
• Confirm line sizing
• Confirm initial fill

Read generator gas-line requirements →

Permits

• Electrical permit
• Gas/plumbing permit if required
• Mechanical/building permit if required
• HOA approval if required
• Utility approval if required

Read generator permits →

Installation Day

• Generator placed level
• ATS installed
• Electrical connected
• Fuel connected
• Battery installed
• Controller configured
• Generator in AUTO
• Exercise schedule configured

Commissioning

• Generator starts
• No active alarms
• Simulated outage performed
• ATS transfers to generator
• House receives power
• Major loads tested
• Load management verified
• Utility restoration tested
• ATS transfers back
• Generator cools down and stops

Inspection / Handover

• Final inspections passed
• Permits closed
• Model/serial documented
• Warranty registered if applicable
• Maintenance schedule explained
• Dealer/service contact saved
• Owner understands AUTO/OFF
• Owner knows generator breaker location

Quote Checklist

Before signing, confirm the quote includes:

• Generator
• Transfer switch
• Pad
• Electrical work
• Fuel work
• Trenching
• Permits
• Load management
• Startup/testing
• Cleanup
• Warranty/registration