How Much Does a Transfer Switch Cost to Install
If you are planning to purchase a generator, there is a middle agent that connects your circuit breaker in the electrical panel to the generator, called the transfer switch. The question that follows is to know how much the generator transfer switch installation cost is.
You will read in this article about generator transfer switch installation cost, as well as an overview of other factors that correspond to the final cost of installing a generator. You can also go to our platform to browse through different options for generators and parts.
Average Generator Transfer Switch Installation Cost
For residential applications, an electrician will spend three to four hours to install the transfer switch for which they would charge from about $200 to $500. However, the overall generator transfer switch installation cost includes both materials and labor. The average of these costs for generator switches are between $400 and $2,000.
There are two different types of transfer switches: manual and automatic. For portable generators, the ideal choice is to use manual transfer switches, which means in case of power outages, the switch must be manually flipped. Automatic transfer switches, on the other hand, turn on the generator automatically during a power outage, making them the best choice for standby generators.
The average generator transfer switch installation cost for manual transfer switches ranges from about $400 to $1,300. This includes all the costs of materials and labor. For automatic transfer switches, the average generator transfer switch installation cost is something between $600 and $2,000.
Cost of Generator Transfer Switches
Now, let us break down the costs further based on the type of transfer switches, excluding the installation labor costs. On average, a manual transfer switch costs between $200 and $800, and an automatic switch costs between $400 and $2,000.
Note that transfer switch amps must either match the main breaker in the electrical panel, or an electrician should size the power switches based on the power requirements.
| Generator Transfer Switch Cost | ||
| Amps | Manual | Automatic |
| 30 Amp | $150 – $500 | — |
| 100 Amp | $200 – $700 | $350 – $1,000 |
| 200 Amp | $450 – $1,000 | $700 – $1,450 |
| 400 Amp | — | $1,650 – $2,700 |
Generator Installation Costs
Now let us take a look at other cost factors for installing generators in order to get a sense of significance of generator transfer switch installation cost compared to other cost factors.
Standby Generator Installation Costs
The cost to install a standup generator depends on various factors such as size, fuel source, distance from the electrical panel and gas meter, and amount of wiring and gas plumbing.
For residential standby generators that do not require complex installs, the average cost of generator installation without the generator itself ranges from $3k to $5k. However, for longer distances or powers above 20 kW which require complex installs, the cost would start at about $5k to more than $12k on average.
There are costs that you may not necessarily pay for such as liquid propane tanks when you use a natural gas generator, but a breakdown of standby generator installation cost factors is listed below for a better understanding of possible costs:
- Permits : $80 – $450
- Electrician labor charges (per hour) : $40 – $100
- Generator transfer switch installation : $400 – $2,000
- Electrical wiring (per foot) : $6 – $8
- Gas line (per foot) : $12 – $25
- Concrete pad : $150 – $400
- Propane tank : $400 – $1,800
Note that complex generator installations may require higher labor and material costs.
Read More on Linquip
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- Types of Generators: Learn the Basics, Get the Most Out f it!
- Parts of Generator: a Simple, Yet Useful Guide
- What is Generator Efficiency? Calculation & Formu
Portable Generator Installation Costs
The average cost to install a portable generator is $400 to $1,300 without the generator itself. However, if you wanted to directly plug appliance into the generator and needed heavy-duty extension cords for it, some extra costs might occur. The cost factors are listed as follows:
- Transfer switch : $200 to $800
- Electrical work : $200 to $500
- Heavy-duty extensions cords: $30 – $200
- Wheel kit : $30 – $300
- Generator cover : $20 – $165
Click here to see a video on installing generator transfer switches.
How Much Does a Transfer Switch Cost to Install
Source: https://www.linquip.com/blog/generator-transfer-switch-installation-cost/