Backup Generator Installation in Portland Metro
Keep your home powered during outages with professional Generac, Kohler, and Cummins generator installation. Automatic, reliable, code-compliant.
- Automatic Transfer Switches
- Whole-Home or Essential Circuits
- 25+ Years Experience
Serving Beaverton & Portland Metro
Why Portland Homeowners Choose Backup Generators
When the grid goes down during storms, ice events, or heat waves, a backup generator keeps your family safe, comfortable, and connected.
Automatic Power Restoration
Your generator starts within 10-30 seconds of an outage — no manual setup, no waiting in the dark.
Whole-Home or Essential Circuits
Power everything you need: from just the essentials to your entire home, including HVAC and appliances.
Code-Compliant Installation
Proper permits, grounding, bonding, and transfer switches that protect your family and utility workers.
Continuous Fuel Supply
Connect to natural gas or propane for unlimited runtime — no refueling during extended outages.
Medical & Work Protection
Keep medical equipment, home offices, and critical systems running when you need them most.
Service & Maintenance
We service existing generators too — inspections, repairs, and tune-ups to keep your system ready.
Whole-Home vs. Portable Generators
Portable generators work in a pinch, but standby generators provide seamless, automatic protection for your entire home.
| Feature | Portable Generator | Standby Generator |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | Manual | Automatic (10-30 sec) |
| Capacity | 3-8 kW typical | 10-48 kW typical |
| Fuel | Gasoline (refilling required) | Natural gas or propane (continuous) |
| Safety | CO risk if misused | Safe, outdoor installation |
| Convenience | Requires setup each outage | Set it and forget it |
| Typical Cost | $500-$2,000 | $5,000-$15,000 installed |
Bottom line: Portable generators are affordable but require manual setup and constant attention. Standby generators provide peace of mind with automatic operation, higher capacity, and seamless integration with your home's electrical system.
What to Expect from Your Generator Install
A good generator install is about planning and integration, not just equipment. Here's how we approach it:
Load & Site Evaluation
We identify what you want powered, confirm panel capacity, and plan cable runs and placement. No guesswork — just practical planning.
Clear Recommendations
We size the solution based on real loads and explain options that match your budget and outage risk. You'll know exactly what you're getting.
Code-Compliant Installation
Proper wiring, grounding, bonding, and labeling — installed cleanly and tested. We handle all permits from Washington County or your local jurisdiction.
Testing & Walkthrough
You'll know how it operates, what to check, and how to keep it ready year-round. We don't leave until you're confident with your system.
Installation timeline: Most residential installs are completed in 1-2 days, depending on wiring complexity and any needed electrical upgrades.
Automatic Transfer Switches: The Brain of Your System
The automatic transfer switch (ATS) is what makes backup power seamless. It monitors your utility power 24/7 and takes over when the grid fails — automatically.
Detects Outages Instantly
When utility power drops, the ATS signals your generator to start and waits for stabilization.
Prevents Dangerous Backfeed
The ATS safely isolates your home from the utility grid, protecting utility workers from dangerous backfeed current. This is why DIY generator hookups are illegal.
Restores Utility Power Automatically
When grid power returns, the ATS switches you back seamlessly. You don't need to be home for your backup power to work.
Safety First: Why Professional Installation Matters
Improper generator connections can electrocute utility workers, damage your electrical panel, or cause fires. Our electricians handle grounding, bonding, proper conductor sizing, and code-compliant transfer switch installation — protecting everyone involved.
Why Choose Nexus Electrical Group?
Backup power is infrastructure. You want it installed by electricians who treat it that way — not a sales team that subcontracts the work.
IBEW Local 48
Licensed, trained union electricians with decades of combined experience
CCB #226988
Oregon licensed electrical contractor — fully bonded and insured
COBID Certified
DBE/MBE/ESB #12161 — Certified diverse business
25+ Years Experience
Real electricians who design, quote, and install your system — not a sales company
We're not a generator sales company that subcontracts the electrical work. We're electricians first — the people who design and quote your system are the same people who install it.
We work with Generac, Kohler, and Cummins — the most trusted names in residential backup power. Whether you need a 10kW solution for essential circuits or a 48kW whole-home system, we'll size it correctly and install it safely.
If your install requires electrical panel upgrades, service capacity increases, or utility coordination, we handle it in-house. One electrician, one project, done right.
Frequently Asked Questions About Backup Generators
It varies by size and brand. A typical 20-24kW home standby generator with installation runs $8,000-$15,000. Smaller systems for essential circuits start around $5,000. We provide free estimates based on your specific needs, panel capacity, and what you want to power.
Most residential installs are completed in 1-2 days, depending on wiring complexity, transfer switch requirements, and any needed electrical upgrades. We'll give you a clear timeline during the estimate.
It depends on what you want to power. A 10-12kW generator covers essentials like your fridge, lights, sump pump, and a few outlets. A 20-24kW generator can power most of your home including HVAC. We calculate your actual load during the site assessment so you don't overpay or under-buy.
Often, yes. Requirements vary by scope and location (city vs. county). We handle all permitting and keep the installation aligned with local code, including Washington County and City of Beaverton requirements.
Absolutely. We inspect existing systems, troubleshoot issues, and help you get a maintenance routine in place so it's ready when the next outage hits. We work on Generac, Kohler, Cummins, and most major brands.
If you have natural gas service, that's usually the most convenient option (unlimited fuel supply). Propane works well for homes without gas service. We can advise based on your situation and what fuel sources are available on your property.
It depends on the size you choose. Whole-home generators (typically 20kW and up) can power most or all of your home, including HVAC, kitchen appliances, and outlets. Smaller generators prioritize essential circuits. We'll design a system that matches your priorities and budget.
We primarily install Generac, Kohler, and Cummins — the three most reliable and well-supported brands in the residential backup power market. We'll recommend the best fit based on your capacity needs and budget.