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Backup power in Lincoln

Electricians for generators and transfer switches.

11 pros in Lincoln

Lincoln has seen both kinds of outage that make people look at standby power. A windstorm LES nicknamed "The Howler" brought 83 mph winds and left more than 33,000 LES customers without power, and during a deep cold snap about 44,000 customers lost power at some point during rolling blackouts. That history shapes how you hire here. The city requires an electrical contractor for generators and transfer switches, and the homeowner permit route covers only small branch-circuit work, not this. Lincoln Electric System says the only safe and legal connection is a properly installed double throw switch, and you must notify LES so it can approve the final wiring before the generator is used. Before you hire, ask whether the contractor is a licensed electrical contractor, who will pull the permit, whether the unit carries a recognized testing laboratory mark, and who will arrange the building department inspection and the LES notice. Get those steps written into the quote.

Sources: KOLN/1011 Now (source, opens in a new tab), Lincoln Journal Star (source, opens in a new tab)

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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 Lincoln

Can I install a standby generator myself in Lincoln?

Generally no. Lincoln requires an electrical contractor for generators and transfer switches. The homeowner permit option covers only small projects like switches, receptacles and lights on branch circuits, and only in a single-family house you own and live in. A rental or a house being prepared for sale does not qualify. City of Lincoln Planning & Development Services, Building and Safety (source, opens in a new tab)

Do I have to tell Lincoln Electric System about my generator?

Yes. LES says customers must notify it of a generator installation so it can approve the final wiring before the generator goes into service. It also says the only safe and legal way to connect a generator is through a properly installed double throw switch. Lincoln Electric System (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a generator quote include?

Ask for the equipment model and its testing laboratory mark, the transfer switch type, the scope of electrical work, who pulls the permit, and who arranges inspection. Also ask for a start date, warranty terms and what happens if the inspection finds problems. Compare quotes on the same scope.

Does a permanently installed generator need an inspection in Lincoln?

Yes. LES says the city or county building department must inspect any permanently installed generator. It also advises using a qualified electrician and a unit marked by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL, Intertek or CSA. Ask your contractor to confirm who schedules the inspection. Lincoln Electric System (source, opens in a new tab)

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