Generac Generator Installation Case Study

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.

Outdoor Electrical Panels for Generac Generator Installation

Electrical Layout for Generac Generator Installation

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.

Need a Generator Installed in Novato or the Bay Area?

Get a fast, free estimate from Bellows Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, proudly serving Novato and the Bay Area for over 30 years.

Request a Free Estimate

Staffan Lofgren

Cody was very professional and friendly. Bellows is the best HVAC installer we have encountered.

Cas Ellena

Bellows was great, thank you for coming so fast and fixing the problem!

Bacchus Ridge

Zach did a fantastic and determined job of conquering our leak from under our crawlspace. Bellows sent someone an hour after I called with a leak report, although it was the end of the day. He diagnosed the issue, got cold water working, and was back the next day with the parts for the hot. Great attitude and fabulous service. Thanks, team bellows!

Jason Barraca

I received great service for my water heater. Nate was very professional and thorough.

Tom Larter

Bellows is outstanding. Best communication and the techs are amazing. Polite and always stay until the Job is done. Scottie is our hero. He is so helpful, polite and fixes every thing we need. We have used Bellows for out home for the last 14 years and never had anything other than 6 star service.

Mark Scofield

I give high praise to Bellows for performing three different jobs in succession. First, after being called to have a look, a Bellows troubleshooter recommended we replace our 40-year-old central furnace. We opted to respect his professional judgement. A two-man crew came and got the job done efficiently and with little disturbance. We asked for someone to have a look at our equally old shower valve. A man came to estimate the job then returned to replace it another day. Perfect! We love that we no longer wrestle with the old valve. Last, we asked that someone come to look at our home lighting. A man came to help us formulate a plan. Another two-man crew came and began work. We discussed our needs and minor changes were made to improve our environment further. In every case, we were treated courteously. When they requested permission to make changes, they were forthright and benefitted our environment. A sticking point to me, a retired craftsman, is cleanliness. Every person entering our home was professionally neat and left not the slightest dust for us after they left. I am impressed. Overall, my wife and I spoke with many people from Bellows both in person and on the phone. We would like to stress our perception that in every case, we felt we were working with a family business. That is, we were addressed courteously, and as friends, not simply clients. A few weeks on and we still marvel that we waited so long to do this work. As you see, we're glad we chose Bellows. Thanks!