26 Feb Generator Installation: What Dallas Homeowners Need to Know

If you live in Dallas, you already know how unpredictable the weather can be. Between blazing summer heat, powerful thunderstorms, and the occasional winter freeze, well, some power outages are bound to happen. That’s why more and more Dallas homeowners are having whole home standby generators installed to keep their lights on and their A/C running when the grid goes down.

But installing a standby generator requires more than just plugging it in. There’s an entire electrical system behind it that needs to be ready to handle the load. Whether it’s upgrading your electrical panel, installing a transfer switch, or ensuring your home wiring can handle the backup power, having the right setup installed by an experienced electrician is absolutely mission-critical.

Why a Standby Generator Requires Professional Installation

Those portable generators are one thing—you roll them out, fire them up, and hopefully plug in an appliance or two if they can handle it. But whole-home standby generators are permanently installed, connected directly to your home’s electrical panel, and require a safe and compliant transfer system to prevent backfeeding into the grid. Here’s why professional installation is essential:

• Electrical Load Balancing: Your home’s electrical panel needs to be rated to handle the generator’s output. If your panel is outdated or undersized, you might need an electrical panel upgrade to prevent overloads.
• Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS): A generator needs a properly installed ATS to detect a power outage and safely switch your home over to backup power without human intervention.
• Code Compliance & Permits: Dallas has strict electrical codes, and your generator installation needs to meet local regulations. Licensed Dallas electricians can handle all the necessary permits and inspections to avoid legal or safety issues down the line.
• Surge Protection & Power Quality: Generators can produce power surges if not properly installed. Electricians integrate surge protection to safeguard your electronics and appliances.

Does Your Electrical Panel Need an Upgrade?

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is assuming their existing electrical panel can handle a standby generator. In many cases, especially in older Dallas homes, the panel simply isn’t built for it.

Signs your panel may need an upgrade before installing a generator:

• Your panel is less than 200 amps (many modern homes need at least 200A, and larger homes may require 400A to support backup power systems).
• You still have a fuse box (which isn’t compatible with modern generators).
• Your breakers trip frequently when running multiple appliances.
• You’re planning on adding a high-powered A/C system, EV charger, or smart home automation alongside your generator.

An electrician can evaluate your panel, determine if it’s up to the task, and recommend any necessary upgrades before installing your generator.

What Size Generator Do You Need?

Picking the right size generator depends on what you need to power. Here’s a general breakdown:

In Dallas, A/C is a huge power draw—so if you want to keep your house cool during a power outage, make sure your generator is rated for it.

Transfer Switch Installation: The Key to Safe Backup Power

A generator without a transfer switch is like a car without a steering wheel—you need it to control the power safely. There are two main types:

• Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS): This is the best option for a whole-home generator. It automatically switches power to the generator when an outage occurs and back to the grid when power is restored.
• Manual Transfer Switch: Requires you to manually switch power sources but is a more budget-friendly option for homeowners who don’t mind the extra step.

Installing a transfer switch is important for safety—in fact, it’s a safety requirement. Without it, your generator could accidentally backfeed power into the electrical grid, creating a serious electrocution risk for utility workers.

Surge Protection: Preventing Electrical Damage

Power surges can destroy sensitive electronics, and generators can sometimes cause spikes if they’re not properly installed. That’s why electricians will typically recommend adding a whole-house surge protector when setting up a standby generator. This prevents fluctuations from damaging your:

• HVAC system
• Refrigerators & freezers
• Smart home devices
• Computers & entertainment systems

Surge protection is a small investment that safeguards expensive appliances in your home.

Maintenance: Keeping Your Generator Ready for Action

A generator isn’t something you install and forget about. Like any major home system, it needs regular maintenance to stay reliable. Key upkeep includes:

• Running a test cycle at least once a month.
• Changing the oil & filters as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Checking battery levels to ensure it starts up when needed.
• Keeping the area around the generator clear to prevent overheating.
• Scheduling an annual inspection with an electrician to ensure everything is functioning properly.

The Bottom Line: A Smart Investment for Dallas Homeowners

If you’re considering a whole-home generator in Dallas, proper installation and electrical upgrades are essential. The right setup—whether it’s a new panel, surge protection, or a transfer switch—will make sure you have a safe and reliable backup power system for your house.

A licensed electrician ensures your generator runs safely, efficiently, and in compliance with local codes. With Texas weather being so unpredictable, having a properly installed generator is more than just a convenience—it’s peace of mind.

Need professional advice on generator installation or other home electrical upgrades? Contact BrotherlyLove Electric, your trusted Dallas electrician, to get your home powered up and prepared for anything.