A Hare Above Electric Inc.
This Glenville electrical firm installs generators and upgrades panels. It offers a one-year warranty and serves Pennsylvania and Maryland.
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Backup power in York
Electricians for generators and transfer switches.
9 pros in York
When a storm in southern York County hit with winds of up to 100 miles an hour and a brief tornado, more than 30,000 homes lost power, and some residents ran generators for three days while Met-Ed worked on three large substations. That is the case for backup power here, and it shapes how you hire. In the City of York, the Bureau of Permits and Inspections says its Uniform Construction Code application covers electrical and mechanical permits, so ask who will pull the permit for a standby generator and transfer switch. Utility rules matter too: FirstEnergy requires a break-before-make switch or equivalent for open-transition setups, plus a labeled, accessible disconnect that its personnel can lock. Before you sign, ask the installer to confirm the transfer switch rating, the disconnect arrangement, the permit and the inspection, and ask for all of it in writing in the quote.
Grace Electric & Services
Kohler generators are installed by this Shrewsbury electrical company, which also upgrades panels and adds sub panels. Emergency service is offered.
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Hagens Electric, Inc.
Generac generators are installed by this York electrician, which also upgrades panels. Operating since 1978, it is family-owned and takes emergency calls.
Also serves Harrisburg
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RK Improvements
Automatic transfer generator installs are offered by this Felton handyman business, which also handles panel upgrades and plumbing repairs.
Also serves Lancaster
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York Electrical Services
This York electrician works with Tesla Powerwall for backup power and also handles generator installs. Open seven days a week, it offers emergency service.
Also serves Harrisburg
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Arnie’s Electric
Panel service and upgrades sit alongside generator installs at this electrician, which serves Red Lion, Dover, Columbia and Glenville.
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Ascom Electric Inc
Working with Kohler, this Dover electrician installs emergency standby generators. It has operated since 1988 and covers York and Dover.
Also serves Harrisburg
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Electric Medic
Solar and energy storage work sits beside generator installs at this York company, which offers emergency service. It covers Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey.
Also serves Harrisburg
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Slaymaker Electric Motor & Supply
Family-owned since 2006, this motor shop also sells and services generators next to its motor repair. It handles emergency calls and serves Lancaster, Washington Boro and York.
Also serves Lancaster
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What to know in York
In July 2022 Met-Ed announced work in York County to add a remote-controlled switch and a tie between two power lines in Chanceford Township. It would let operators move nearly 900 customers in the New Bridgeville and Brogue areas to another line during repairs.
Before you hire
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.
Get written quotes from at least three contractors for the same work, and check references from recent clients.
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.
Questions about hiring in York
Who should install a whole-house generator in York?
Pennsylvania's emergency-readiness page says to consult an electrician or engineer before buying and installing a home generator. It also warns never to connect a generator to the home's electrical system by yourself. A proper transfer switch, installed by a qualified person, is how the connection is made safely. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (PA Ready) (source, opens in a new tab)
Do I need a permit for a standby generator in the City of York?
The city's Bureau of Permits and Inspections says its Uniform Construction Code application covers building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition and fire protection permits. Ask your installer which permits your job needs, who applies for them, and whether the inspection is included in the quote. City of York, Pennsylvania (source, opens in a new tab)
What does the utility require for a transfer switch?
FirstEnergy says open-transition systems must use a break-before-make switch or other means that prevents parallel operation with its system. The disconnect must be labeled, accessible and lockable by its staff. The transfer switch must be rated for voltage, ampacity and fault current. Ask your installer to confirm each point. FirstEnergy (source, opens in a new tab)
Where can I safely run a portable generator during an outage?
Pennsylvania's guidance says never to run a generator inside a home or garage. Use it outdoors at least 20 feet from windows, doors and an attached garage. Do not plug it into the home's wiring. If you want to power the house, ask an electrician about a transfer switch. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (PA Ready) (source, opens in a new tab)