Whether you're installing a whole-home Generac (automatic transfer switch) or want to safely connect a portable generator (manual interlock kit), the transfer switch is the single piece of hardware that keeps you legal, safe, and protecting Dominion linemen during an outage. We install both — permitted, inspected, insurance-ready.
A generator without a transfer switch is dangerous. Back-feeding — running an extension cord from a portable generator to a dryer outlet, or worse — pushes power BACK into your panel and through your meter into the grid. That can electrocute a Dominion Energy or Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative lineman working on the downed line that caused your outage. It's illegal in South Carolina. It also fails to isolate the generator from the utility, which can damage your appliances when power comes back unexpectedly.
The transfer switch is the legal, safe, code-compliant way to connect generator power to your home. It isolates your home's circuits from the utility while the generator runs, then transfers them back when utility power returns. For whole-home standby generators (Generac, Kohler, Cummins) the transfer is automatic; for portable generators, a manual interlock kit on your main panel lets you flip a single breaker to switch from utility to generator power and run a subset of circuits.
We install both. The permit is pulled with Richland County, Lexington County, or the City of Columbia depending on where you live. The inspection happens within 1-3 days of completion. The whole job — for either ATS or interlock — is typically a single day on-site.
100A or 200A ATS paired with a whole-home Generac, Kohler, or Cummins standby generator. Self-tests weekly, transfers in 10-20 seconds when utility drops, transfers back when power returns. Unattended operation.
Panel-specific interlock plate that lets you back-feed a circuit safely from a portable generator via a 30A or 50A inlet. ~$450-$750 installed. Compatible with Eaton, Siemens, Square D, and most modern panels.
Weatherproof exterior inlet (NEMA L14-30 or L14-50) where you connect the portable generator cord. Mounted on a side wall or near the panel. Paired with the interlock for full circuit access.
For new installs, an SER-rated ATS replaces your existing meter base. Cleaner install, fewer components, but requires Dominion coordination for meter pull. Adds $400-$700 to a basic ATS install.
For partial-home backup (essentials only — HVAC, fridge, well pump, lights), we install a sub-panel fed via the ATS or interlock. Lets you size a smaller generator while protecting critical circuits.
We pull the permit, schedule the inspection, coordinate with Dominion or Mid-Carolina, and meet the inspector. Permit fees included in the quote. Inspection certificate sent to your insurance carrier if requested.
We install transfer switches across the Midlands. Most jobs concentrate in storm-prone areas — Lake Murray homes, mature-tree neighborhoods, and any homeowner who's lost power for 2+ days in the last decade.
An automatic transfer switch (ATS) senses utility power loss and starts the generator within 10-20 seconds, then transfers your home's load to generator power. When utility power returns, it reverses the process automatically. ATS is used with whole-home standby generators (Generac, Kohler, Cummins) and runs unattended. A manual transfer switch — typically a generator interlock kit on the main panel — requires you to physically move the generator outside, plug it in, flip the interlock, and switch on the circuits you want powered. Manual is cheaper but requires you to be home and aware.
A generator interlock kit on an existing panel (for a portable generator) installs in 2-3 hours for $450-$750 including the interlock plate, a 30 or 50-amp inlet, and the breaker. An automatic transfer switch installed alongside a whole-home Generac install runs $1,800-$3,200 depending on the ATS size (100A vs 200A), the panel configuration, and whether we're doing a service-entrance-rated ATS that replaces your existing meter base. We quote on-site after looking at your specific setup.
Yes. Richland County, Lexington County, and the City of Columbia all require an electrical permit for transfer switch installations and a Dominion Energy or Mid-Carolina coordination if the service entrance is touched. We pull the permit, schedule the inspection, and meet the inspector. Skipping the permit is a real problem if there's ever a fire or homeowners insurance claim involving the generator.
Most modern panels (Eaton CH, Siemens, Square D HOM and QO) have an interlock kit available — they're brand-specific and listed for that panel model. Older Federal Pacific, Zinsco, and some Bryant panels do not have legitimate interlock kits available, which is one reason we recommend pairing an interlock with a panel upgrade if you have one of those brands. Check our Federal Pacific replacement page for the related issue.
Most Midlands homes need 14-22kW for whole-home backup, depending on HVAC capacity and electric water heating. Smaller systems (7-10kW) can carry essentials only — HVAC, refrigerator, well pump, lights, a few outlets. We do a load calculation as part of the quote — covered in detail on our whole-home generators page.
Technically yes, but it's significantly more expensive than installing the transfer switch correctly the first time — typically $500-$900 more in labor and materials. Also, running a generator without a transfer switch ("back-feeding" through a dryer outlet or extension cord) is dangerous, illegal in SC, and can electrocute a Dominion lineman working on the downed line. Don't do it. We'll install the right hardware the first time.
Let's wire the transfer switch right the first time.