Generator Installation in Mercer Island, WA
Generator installation on Mercer Island tends to involve larger, often renovated homes where deciding what to back up matters as much as the generator itself. We install standby generators with automatic transfer switches, pull the Mercer Island permit, and test every system under load before we leave.
County
King County
Permitting
City of Mercer Island Building Division
Utility
Puget Sound Energy (PSE)
Puget Sound windstorms and ice events can knock out power for hours or days, and on Mercer Island the homes riding out those outages are often large and heavily renovated. A house on the South End or around First Hill that has been expanded may have far more connected load than it did originally, from added living space to new kitchens and EV chargers. That makes sizing the real question: a whole-home unit that carries everything, or an essential-circuit setup that covers heat, refrigeration, lighting, and the garage for less money.
Permitting runs through the City of Mercer Island Building Division, and the grid connection is Puget Sound Energy (PSE). We install the automatic transfer switch so the generator never backfeeds the utility grid, set the concrete pad, and make the electrical interconnection to your panel. Fuel piping is done by a licensed plumber or your gas utility, and we coordinate with them so the install comes together cleanly. We pull the permit, schedule the inspection, and test the system under load. Most installs take one to two days.
If a renovation is underway, the transfer switch and generator wiring can be planned into the new panel layout instead of retrofitted later. We start by listing the loads you actually want covered, then size the unit to those loads and your budget, and explain the tradeoffs between whole-home and essential-circuit setups. Call All City Electric at (206) 533-6333, Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 4:30.
Generator Installation in Mercer Island: Your Questions
Do I need a permit for a standby generator on Mercer Island?
Yes. Generator installs require an electrical permit and inspection. We pull the permit through the City of Mercer Island Building Division and test the system under load before the final inspection.
Whole-home or essential-circuit generator for a large Mercer Island house?
It depends on what you want running. Essential-circuit setups back up selected loads such as heat, refrigeration, lights, and the garage, and cost less. Whole-home units carry everything but are larger and pricier. We size based on the loads you want covered and your budget.
How does the generator connect to my panel?
Through an automatic transfer switch wired into your panel. When utility power drops, the switch starts the generator and transfers your loads automatically, and it isolates them from the PSE grid so there is no backfeed.
Do you handle the gas line?
We handle all the electrical: the transfer switch, interconnection, and controls. Fuel piping is done by a licensed plumber or your gas utility, and we coordinate with them so the pieces come together on schedule.
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"I had an incredible experience getting service done from All City Electric. I wanted to have some outlets fixed as well as install a Level 2 Charger. They were easy to schedule a time for an estimate and also for the service. The electrician came right on time for both appointments and was very respectful and sweet. Every team member was very kind and sweet and accommodating. I would highly recommend them for any future service needs you have!"
Darya
Homeowner
"I called All City Electric when my laundry room and living room lights would not turn off. If you tried to turn them off they flicker. Then 5 of my outlets either didn't work or things would fall out of them. I finally got sick of it and reached out explaining my situation. The gal that answered my call was very sweet and kind. Even when I called back the next day saying I forgot to write it down and wanted to confirm my appointment day and time. We had a good laugh. She made my day! Today, Kevin showed up on time and confirmed the problem and got to work right away. He was pleasant and kind during the entire process. He answered all my questions. Thank you to the entire staff and owner of All City Electric!! You will forever have my business. Please call if you have any issues. They are absolutely the best to work with!! Thank you again!!"
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Homeowner
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Homeowner
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