Backup Generator Installation in Glendale
When Glendale's summer heat pushes the grid and hillside homes face longer restoration times, a professionally installed residential backup generator keeps your lights, A/C, refrigeration, and networking reliable. From Adams Hill and Rossmoyne to the Verdugo Woodlands and Emerald Isle, Shaffer Construction, Inc. designs and installs systems that fit your property, lifestyle, and budget. We handle the complete process—load calculations, generator sizing, placement on engineered pads, fuel connections, automatic transfer switch installation, and City of Glendale permits—so your project moves smoothly from idea to inspection. Whether you live near the Americana at Brand or along Chevy Chase Canyon, we make standby power straightforward, code-compliant, and ready when you need it most.
Our Work
Benefits
Modern, Reliable Backup Solutions
We engineer generator systems that scale with your lifestyle: Wi‑Fi-enabled monitoring for alerts, load-shedding modules to prioritize A/C and EV charging, and service-entrance-rated transfer switches designed for future panel or solar upgrades. We model real-world loads, incorporate soft-starts for large compressors, and specify CARB-compliant standby units with sound-attenuated enclosures. Our plans anticipate EV adoption, home office growth, and smart home integrations, so your generator investment stays effective for years.
Full Compliance and Permitting
Shaffer Construction manages Glendale permitting end-to-end—drawings, load calcs, site plans, and submissions to the Building and Safety Division. We build to the California Electrical Code (NEC/CEC), California Residential Code, Glendale Municipal Code, and manufacturer clearances. Transfer switches meet UL 1008, generators meet UL 2200, grounding follows CEC Article 250, and gas piping is sized per code. We coordinate with Glendale Fire where required and notify Glendale Water & Power as appropriate for service-entrance work.
Trusted Workmanship Every Time
We install with premium materials and precise methods: copper THHN/THWN conductors in EMT or RMC where exposed, schedule-rated PVC for underground, stainless or galvanized hardware, and 3,000 PSI reinforced concrete pads with seismic anchoring. We label circuits clearly, bond and ground per CEC 250, and route conduits cleanly to protect your home’s aesthetics. Every installation undergoes rigorous testing—voltage, frequency, and transfer performance—so your system is reliable from day one.
Tailored Installation Planning
No two Glendale properties are alike. We evaluate site slope, noise pathways, prevailing winds, neighbor proximity, and equipment access. Our design includes exact generator placement with setback diagrams, gas line sizing and routing, ATS selection (critical-load subpanel vs whole-home), and mitigation strategies for hillside constraints. You’ll receive a clear plan, cost breakdown, and timeline, so you know exactly what will happen and when.
What We Offer
Frequently Asked Questions
What size generator do Glendale homes typically need?+
Most Glendale residences fall in the 10–18 kW range, depending on A/C tonnage, EV charging, and appliance mix. Hillside homes with larger HVAC systems or pools may require 20–22 kW. We perform a detailed load calculation and can add soft-start or load-shedding to keep sizes efficient without sacrificing comfort.
How long does permitting take with the City of Glendale?+
Plan review typically takes 2–3 weeks once we submit to the City of Glendale Building and Safety Division. We prepare drawings in a few days, then coordinate any Fire review and HOA sign-offs if needed. We’ll keep you updated on status and inspection scheduling to keep the project moving.
Can a generator run my whole house, including A/C and EV charger?+
Yes, often with proper sizing and smart load management. We may recommend a whole-home generator paired with a service-entrance ATS and load-shedding to prioritize A/C during peak demand. EV chargers can be managed with smart relays so charging pauses during an outage, preserving power for critical systems.
Is natural gas or propane better for Glendale homes?+
Most Glendale homes use natural gas for convenience and unlimited runtime. If gas meter capacity is limited or upgrades are complex, propane is an alternative with Fire Department clearance for tank placement. We’ll size gas lines, coordinate meter upsizing with SoCalGas if needed, and select the best fuel for your site.
Will the generator be too noisy for my neighborhood?+
Modern standby units are sound-attenuated and typically operate around 55–67 dB at rated distance. We plan placement to minimize sound toward neighbors, schedule weekly exercise at appropriate times, and verify compliance with Glendale’s noise standards. Strategic placement, fencing, and landscaping further reduce perceived noise.
Do I need to upgrade my panel before installing a generator?+
Not always. Many installations integrate a service-entrance-rated transfer switch that replaces or pairs with existing service equipment. If your panel is outdated or fully loaded—common in mid-century homes with added EV charging—we’ll propose a panel upgrade to ensure safe, reliable operation and a clean permit approval.
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