Project Summary
Project Type
Generac Generator Install
Location
Novato, California
Duration
3 day install completed by 2 plumbing installers and 2 electricians.
Services Provided
- Standby Generator System with Transfer Switch Installation
The Challenge
A Novato homeowner sought reliable backup power protection for their entire home during the increasingly frequent power outages affecting the Bay Area. The installation required careful planning to meet strict permitting requirements, including site mapping, gas diagrams, and sound level calculations. Additionally, the system needed to integrate seamlessly with existing electrical infrastructure while accommodating special considerations for high-draw appliances like the dryer and heat pump.
The Solution
We installed a comprehensive 26KW Generac Guardian Series standby generator system with automatic transfer switch capability. This whole-home backup power solution provides seamless protection during outages, automatically detecting power loss and restoring electricity within seconds. The system was designed to handle the home’s full electrical load, including critical circuits and high-demand appliances.
Project Scope & Key Components
Equipement Installed:
- 26KW Generac Guardian Series Generator (Model 7291)
- Automatic Transfer Switch
- Two Smart Management Modules (SMMs) for load management
- Gas connection with sediment trap and shut-off valve
Installation Process
Our comprehensive installation included:
Permitting & Planning
- Secured all required generator installation permits
- Provided line-drawn site map for permitting approval
- Submitted gas connection diagram to building department
- Calculated and documented sound levels for code compliance
Electrical Infrastructure
- Tied into existing main power feed at main electrical panel
- Installed new automatic transfer switch station
- Connected transfer switch to main panel per code requirements
- Ran dedicated electrical feed from generator location to transfer switch
- Reconnected all existing circuits through transfer switch for whole-home coverage
Gas Connection & Generator Setup
- Installed natural gas line with sediment trap for system protection
- Installed shut-off valve with pressure test port for safety and maintenance
- Positioned generator on proper pad with required clearances
Load Management
- Installed two Smart Management Modules (SMMs) to manage high-draw appliances
- Configured SMMs for dryer and heat pump to prevent overload during generator operation
- Ensured balanced load distribution across all circuits
System Commissioning
- Completed full installation and commissioning of generator and transfer switch systems
- Started system and ran comprehensive performance tests
- Verified automatic switchover functionality and timing
- Tested all circuits under generator power
- Cleaned up and removed all job debris
The Results
The homeowners now enjoy complete peace of mind with whole-home backup power that activates automatically during outages. The 26KW Generac system provides ample power for all essential circuits and appliances, while the Smart Management Modules intelligently manage high-draw loads to maximize efficiency. Within seconds of a power loss, the system seamlessly transitions to generator power, keeping lights on, refrigerators running, HVAC systems operating, and all critical systems functioning. This professional installation ensures the home remains comfortable and protected regardless of grid reliability, adding significant value and security to the property.
Photo Highlights
Our team completed this three-day whole-home generator installation with comprehensive permitting, planning, and integration work to ensure code compliance and optimal performance. We began by securing all required permits with detailed site maps, gas diagrams, and sound level calculations, then positioned the 26KW Generac Guardian Series unit and connected it to the natural gas supply with proper sediment trap and shut-off valve for safety and longevity. Our electricians tied into the existing main power feed, installed the automatic transfer switch station, and ran dedicated electrical feeds while reconnecting all existing circuits to provide whole-home backup coverage. Two Smart Management Modules were strategically installed to intelligently manage high-draw appliances like the dryer and heat pump, preventing overload situations and ensuring balanced power distribution during generator operation. The installation concluded with comprehensive system commissioning, including startup procedures, automatic switchover testing, and full performance verification to guarantee seamless power transition during outages.
System Benefits & performance Impact
This whole-home backup power system delivers complete peace of mind by automatically restoring electricity within seconds of any outage, keeping your family safe, comfortable, and connected without any manual intervention required. The 26KW capacity provides ample power for all essential systems including lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, medical equipment, and home security, ensuring your household continues functioning normally during grid failures. Smart Management Modules intelligently coordinate high-draw appliances like the dryer and heat pump, preventing overload while maximizing the generator’s capabilities and eliminating the need to manually manage loads during outages. Natural gas fuel sourcing means you’ll never need to refuel or monitor fuel levels like portable generators, providing unlimited runtime during extended power failures that are increasingly common in the Bay Area. This professional installation not only protects your family’s safety and comfort but also adds significant value to your property while preventing food spoilage, frozen pipe damage, and the countless inconveniences of losing power.
