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Backup power in Ann Arbor

Electricians for generators and transfer switches.

15 pros in Ann Arbor

Backup power in Ann Arbor is shaped by what a severe ice storm did here. DTE said Washtenaw County saw ice up to three-quarters of an inch, with the largest accumulation in and around Ann Arbor, and the city's fire department reported major damage to electrical infrastructure. If you are weighing a standby generator, that history is the reason to plan the install carefully rather than quickly. Michigan requires an electrical permit to add to or alter electrical conductors or equipment. The applicant must be a licensed electrical or specialty contractor, or a homeowner doing the work in a single-family home they own and occupy. DTE also says a qualified electrician should install the transfer switch, because it closes the path to DTE's lines and protects neighbours and repair crews from backfeed. Before you hire, ask who will pull the permit, ask for the contractor's licence details, and confirm in writing that the transfer switch is part of the job.

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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 Ann Arbor

Who is allowed to install a standby generator in Michigan?

Michigan requires an electrical permit to add to or alter electrical conductors or equipment. The applicant must be a licensed electrical or specialty contractor, or a homeowner working on a single-family home and outbuildings they own and occupy. Ask any contractor for their licence details before agreeing to the work. Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) (source, opens in a new tab)

Why does a generator need a transfer switch?

DTE says a qualified electrician should install a transfer switch when a generator connects to a home. It opens the path between the generator and the panel and closes the path to DTE's lines, which protects neighbours and repair crews from backfeed. Make sure the quote names the switch. DTE Energy (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a generator quote or contract include?

Ask for the generator and transfer switch model, who pulls the permit, the scope of electrical and fuel connections, the schedule, warranty terms, and what happens if the inspection fails. Get the licence details in writing. Compare quotes line by line so you are weighing the same scope.

Why do Ann Arbor homeowners think about backup power?

A severe ice storm brought up to three-quarters of an inch of ice to Washtenaw County, with the largest accumulation in and around Ann Arbor, according to DTE. The fire department reported major damage to the city's electrical infrastructure. That is why many residents plan for outages ahead of time. WWJ Newsradio 950 (Audacy) (source, opens in a new tab)

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