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Backup power in Boston

Electricians for generators and transfer switches.

100 pros in Boston

Boston sits low and close to the water, so backup power here is tied to flooding as much as to outages. The Boston Water and Sewer Commission recommends putting heating and hot water systems on a masonry base at least 12 inches above flood level, and moving electrical panels and utilities above that level, or to an upper floor or attic. A generator or transfer switch placed in a low basement works against that advice. Before you hire, ask where the installer plans to put the equipment and the panel connection, and whether that spot sits above flood level. Massachusetts fire safety guidance also says a licensed electrician should install the transfer switch, because a generator wired in without one puts utility workers at risk of electrocution. Ask to see the electrician's licence, ask who handles any permits, and ask for the generator's placement, at least 10 feet from the house, to be written into the quote.

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Before you hire

  1. A generator wired into your home needs an approved transfer switch, fitted under a permit, so it can’t feed power back into the lines. Plan it before you buy.

    Source: bchydro.com (source, opens in a new tab)

  2. Get written quotes from at least three contractors for the same work, and check references from recent clients.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  3. Put it in a written contract: the work, price, deposit, start and finish dates, warranty, permits and clean-up. Paying cash to skip it leaves you no recourse.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

Questions about hiring in Boston

Who is allowed to install a transfer switch in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts fire safety guidance says to have a licensed electrician install a transfer switch. Connecting a generator straight into a home's electrical system without a properly installed switch can electrocute utility workers. Ask to see the licence before work starts, and confirm who will arrange any permits. Mass.gov (Massachusetts Department of Fire Services) (source, opens in a new tab)

Where should a standby or portable generator be placed?

Massachusetts guidance says to place a generator outdoors, facing away from doors, windows and vents, at least 10 feet from the house. It should never run inside a house, basement or crawl space, or in a garage with the door open. Ask the installer to confirm the planned location in the quote. Mass.gov (Massachusetts Department of Fire Services) (source, opens in a new tab)

Does flooding in Boston affect where my generator and panel go?

It can. The Boston Water and Sewer Commission recommends moving electrical panels and utilities above flood level, or to an upper floor or attic if the space is too low. Ask any installer how the equipment and its connections will sit relative to flood level in your home. Boston Water and Sewer Commission (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a generator quote include?

A good quote names the generator model, the transfer switch, who does the electrical work and holds the licence, and who handles permits. It should state where the unit will be placed, what is covered by warranty, and the schedule. Comparing quotes is easier when each lists the same items.

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