Panel check
We make sure your panel is in good shape and can take an interlock or a transfer switch.
Generator Hookups in Los Angeles
Keep the fridge, the lights and the internet on during an outage. We make the electrical connection between your portable, standby or backup generator and your home: a transfer switch or panel interlock, an outdoor power inlet, the permit and the testing.
What happens when you call: our office answers, asks about your panel and your generator, and books your free on-site estimate. The make and model of the generator helps.
Office hours: Sat–Thu 8 AM–11:30 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM
- 4.9 Google rating
- CA Lic. C-10 #1100197
- Permit & inspection handled
- 2-year labor warranty
An outage, step by step
This is what a proper hookup gives you: a safe, simple switch-over that never sends power back onto the utility lines.
1. Normal. Power comes from the utility through your meter and main breaker. The generator breaker is off, and the interlock plate keeps it that way.2. Outage. The utility power goes out. Plug the generator cord into the inlet, then start the generator outdoors, in its spot at least 20 feet from the house.3. Main breaker off. The main breaker goes off first. Only then can the interlock slide over, so the utility and the generator can never be connected at the same time.4. Generator on. Turn on the generator breaker, then the circuits you chose: the fridge, lights, internet, the furnace fan. Big loads like the A/C stay off.5. Power back. Generator breaker off, main breaker on, then shut the generator down. We walk you through it until it feels routine.
Illustration of a portable generator with a panel interlock. A transfer switch does the same job in its own box; a standby generator switches automatically.
What a generator hookup includes
Our part is the electrical hookup and connection. The generator itself, and any fuel line or pad a standby unit needs, are arranged separately.
Transfer switch or interlock
The part that keeps the utility and the generator from ever being connected at the same time.
Outdoor power inlet
A weatherproof inlet on the outside wall, matched to your generator, so no cords run through doors or windows.
Your circuits, chosen with you
The fridge, lights, internet, the furnace fan, a well or sump pump, a security system or a medical device: the circuits that matter to you, sized to what your generator can carry, and labeled.
Permit and inspection
We pull the electrical permit and schedule the city inspection.
Testing and a walkthrough
We test it with your generator and walk you through the switch-over.
Portable generator
Connected through the outdoor inlet to an interlock or a manual transfer switch. You start it, plug it in and switch over. Ideal for keeping the essentials running.
Standby generator
A permanently placed unit that starts by itself through an automatic transfer switch. We make the electrical connection: the transfer switch and the wiring to your panel.
Two rules that save lives
Most generator accidents come from the same two mistakes. A proper hookup takes care of the first; the second is up to whoever runs the generator.
Never plug a generator into a wall outlet
Feeding power back through an outlet, or a dryer outlet, can energize the utility lines outside and seriously injure line workers or neighbors. It can also damage the generator and your home’s wiring. Use an inlet with an interlock or a transfer switch.
Run it outdoors, far from the house
Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which you can’t see or smell. Never run one indoors, in a garage or under an open window. Keep it outside, at least 20 feet from the home, with the exhaust pointed away from doors, windows and vents, and have working CO alarms inside. See smoke and CO alarms.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, generator and carbon monoxide safety tips.
How a generator hookup works
One visit to plan it, one to do it, and a walkthrough so you’re ready before the next outage.
Call our office
Tell us about your generator (make and model if you have them) and what you want to keep running.
On-site check
We look at your panel, where the inlet and the generator should go, and the circuits you need.
A clear quote
Transfer switch or interlock, inlet, circuits and price, before any work starts.
Permit
We pull the electrical permit with your city.
The hookup
Interlock or transfer switch, the outdoor inlet and the wiring, with your outage circuits labeled.
Test and walkthrough
Tested with your generator. You practice the switch-over with us.
What customers say
Every review, connected.
Real Google reviews, word for word. Follow the current, or scroll at your own pace.
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andre dunnCalled them out lookin for an electrical fix out in Los Angeles, they came out quick and offered some good options. Thanks a lot Roy super helpful!
Lissa SholtyA circuit tripped furing the extreme hear so I called Volta at 6pm and they were able to schedule service for the next day. On arrival, Eric and his associate were so polite and ready & willing to help. Luckily my problem was just a tripped circuit I didn't know about but they checked all the breakers and made sure everything worked before they left. I'd highly recommend Volta.
Ken OgboguI was having an issue with my Tesla EV wall charger at home, Omer arrived on time the next day, diagnosed the issue and made recommendations. Very professional and knows what he's doing.
Debbie McclainStellar experience. Roy was very professional and easy to talk to, he offered several options at different costs, very affordable as well. Thanks so much to Volta, they made my electrical fix an easy experience.
Colleen NelsonThe electrician Libar was very thorough and professional during his on site assessment. Provided me with a ETA, very considerate about our schedule. Was honest and really explained our options thoroughly. If anyone is in need of electrical services in Los Angeles call Volta Electric!
liran engelhardtHave an amazing experience with Volta electric I needed to replace my subpanel in my condo. Eric came over to give me a quote. He was very professional and a real gentleman. He helped me out through the whole process with permit inspection. Everything was included very happy with them will recommend to anyone in needs for electrician in Los Angeles.
Keh-Chuh TingCalled these guys out for an estimate, and Roy came out, very easy to talk with, went over options with me, and offered something that helped with a discount! Thanks a lot guys.
sheila MixThe best electrical service i ever had! You will be pleased with service and professionalism.
kory smithExcellent job, did what was needed and did it fast.
Christine MunstermanThank you so much Roy! He came back twice because my phone wasn't with me and trouble-shooted our problem in 10 minutes! He billed it as a courtesy call. He's the best!!
Amy PEric is absolutely amazing. He came to help us identify an electrical issues that caused malfunction of our HVAC. The issue has been bothering us for almost 2 years and he’s the first one to identify and fix the issue. Absolutely amazing service and would highly recommend!
JEAN DEJESUSHad a great service with Volta electric Eric was the technician he was very professional and knowledgeable. I needed my electric panel upgraded to 200 AMP they handled the permits and inspection everything from scratch very happy with their services. Will definitely recommend their electrician service services to anyone in needs.
Estela ChavezIt is with great pleasure that I recommend Eric for all your Electrical needs. Eric diagnosed the problem right away and acted swiftly to solve the problem. Eric is the best electrician in the Long Beach area. The prices are very reasonably and the work is of great quality. We will continue to call them for our electrical needs.
Ariel DavidiBest electrician company ever!!! I had Eric from Volta electric come over to give me a quote for outlets installation. He was super professional, knowledgeable and very kind. …
Benjamin Rouillé-d'OrfeuilI needed an electrician for an EV charging project and a a technician named Libar cam to my house to look at the outlet in my garage along with the electrical panel. …
lolashowmeThe absolute best electric company in Los Angeles. Ram Came very quickly after I called and turned what was a complete disaster with my electric into something really simple and easy. And I’m so grateful for their help and I can’t recommend them enough. He was also very patient and friendly. Thank you ram and Volta!
Eunice ZetinoI had Volta electric install light fixtures in my backyard. They did a fantastic job very professional, from the office team to Eric and Junior The electricians, Very satisfied with their services, The price was super competitive. …
Albert TorresHad Volta electric install recessed lights in my kitchen, Oscar the electrician was super professional and easy to work with. 100% recommend anyone in needs for a licensed electrician in Los Angeles ! …
ANGEL TUICOLooked for an electrician in the Los Angeles area and im happy i found Volta Electric. Explained all of the work i needed to get done thoroughly, professionally and was very knowledgable about the trade. …
Annie MarkHad a great experience with Libar from Volta Electric. They were professional, communicative and very thorough from start to finish. The electrician showed up on time, explained everything clearly and efficiently. …
Generator hookups across Southern California
We connect generators to homes and businesses throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
Do we serve your city?
Type your city or neighborhood and we’ll check it against our service list.
Generator hookup questions
Straight answers to what customers ask us most. Still wondering about something? Call (844) 425-1889.
Do you install generators?
Our generator work is the electrical hookup and connection: the transfer switch or interlock, the outdoor inlet, the wiring to your panel, the permit and the testing. The generator itself, and any fuel line or pad a standby unit needs, are arranged separately.
What’s the difference between an interlock and a transfer switch?
Both make it impossible for the utility and the generator to be connected at the same time. An interlock is a sliding plate on your panel that lets either the main breaker or the generator breaker be on, never both. A transfer switch is a separate switch, manual or automatic, that does the same job. We recommend the one that fits your panel and your generator.
Can I plug my generator into a wall outlet?
No. Feeding power back through an outlet can energize the utility lines outside, which can seriously injure line workers, and it can damage your generator and wiring. Use an inlet with an interlock or a transfer switch.
What can I run on my generator?
It depends on your generator’s rating. Most portable generators can run the essentials, such as the fridge, lights, internet and the furnace fan, but not the A/C, an electric range or a dryer at the same time. We help you choose circuits that fit what your generator can carry.
Do I need a permit for a generator hookup?
Yes, a hookup to your panel needs an electrical permit and an inspection. We pull the permit and schedule the inspection for you.
Where should the generator go?
Outdoors only, at least 20 feet from the home, with the exhaust pointed away from doors, windows and vents. Never in a garage, even with the door open. Keep working CO alarms in the house.
Can you connect a standby generator?
Yes. We make the electrical connection: the automatic transfer switch and the wiring to your panel. Setting the unit, the fuel line and the pad are arranged separately.
Will I need a panel upgrade for a generator hookup?
Sometimes. An older or full panel may need work before an interlock or transfer switch can be added. Our on-site check tells you. See panel upgrades.
Can you work on a hookup I already have?
Yes. We replace or upgrade transfer switches and inlets, add circuits, and find out why a hookup isn’t working.
How do I keep my setup ready?
Run your generator the way its manual recommends, keep fresh fuel on hand, and practice the switch-over once in a while, so it feels routine when the power goes out.
How much does a generator hookup cost?
It depends on your panel, the type of switch, where the inlet goes and the circuits you need. We don’t quote over the phone; call (844) 425-1889 for a free on-site estimate and you get a clear quote before any work starts.
What warranty do I get?
Our work comes with a 2-year labor warranty, and the equipment carries the manufacturer’s warranty of up to 10 years.
What areas do you serve?
Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. See all the cities we serve.
New customers
10% off your first job with Volta Electric.
Mention this offer when you call to lock in your discount on any electrical service.
Call now: (844) 425-1889
Ready before the
next outage?
Call our office to book your free on-site estimate. We look at your panel and your generator, plan the circuits with you, and give you a clear quote.
Hours: Sat–Thu 8 AM–11:30 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM
- Free on-site estimates, with a clear quote before any work starts
- Licensed, bonded & insured · CA Lic. C-10 #1100197
- Financing options available for qualifying projects