California's PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoff) events, wildfires, and summer heat waves mean power outages are a reality for Inland Empire homeowners. A standby generator keeps your lights on, HVAC running, refrigerator cold, and medical equipment powered -- automatically, within seconds of an outage.
Power Man Electric installs Generac, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton standby generators for homes in Murrieta, Temecula, and the surrounding area. As a licensed C-10 electrical contractor, we handle the complete installation from load calculation and concrete pad to transfer switch, gas line connection, and city inspection.
We calculate your home's electrical load to recommend the right generator size -- ensuring it powers everything you need without overspending on excess capacity.
We pour a reinforced concrete pad meeting California seismic guidelines and position the generator per local setback and noise ordinance requirements.
A code-required ATS monitors utility power and automatically switches to generator power within 10-30 seconds of an outage, then switches back when power returns.
We connect the generator to your electrical panel through the transfer switch, either powering the whole home or selected critical circuits based on generator capacity.
We coordinate natural gas or propane line installation to the generator, ensuring proper sizing and code-compliant connections for reliable fuel supply.
We pull all required electrical and building permits and schedule the city inspection. Every installation meets California Electrical Code and local building requirements.
Costs include generator unit, transfer switch, concrete pad, installation labor, and permits. California-specific requirements increase costs vs. national averages.
| Service | Cost Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Circuits (7-10 kW) | $7,000 - $12,000 | Lights, fridge, select outlets, sump pump |
| Mid-Range (16-20 kW) | $12,000 - $18,000 | Most home circuits including HVAC, kitchen, laundry |
| Whole Home (22+ kW) | $17,000 - $26,000 | Powers everything including large AC, EV charger, pool |
| Transfer Switch Only | $600 - $2,500 | Automatic or manual, installed and wired to panel |
| Concrete Pad | $600 - $1,500 | Reinforced pad per California seismic guidelines |
| California Permits | $500 - $2,000 | Electrical and building permits, city inspection |
We visit your home, assess your electrical panel, calculate your total load, evaluate generator placement options, and determine the optimal size generator for your needs and budget.
You receive a comprehensive proposal covering generator selection, transfer switch, concrete pad, gas line, electrical work, permits, and timeline. No hidden costs.
We pour the reinforced concrete pad, install seismic bracing, and coordinate gas line installation to the generator location. Permits are filed and approved before work begins.
We set the generator on the pad, install and wire the automatic transfer switch to your electrical panel, connect the fuel line, and test the complete system under load.
We schedule the city inspection, simulate a power outage to demonstrate automatic transfer, and walk you through the generator's maintenance schedule, monitoring features, and warranty details.
Generator installation requires a licensed C-10 electrical contractor in California. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured for all generator work.
We install Generac, Kohler, Briggs & Stratton, Champion, and Cummins generators. We help you choose the right brand and size for your home and budget.
Complete, itemized proposals with no surprise charges. We include every cost -- generator, transfer switch, pad, gas line, labor, and permits -- upfront.
Every installation meets California Electrical Code, local setback requirements, noise ordinances, and seismic bracing standards. Fully permitted and inspected.
New customers receive 15% off generator installation. We also offer special pricing for seniors and veterans.
32 five-star reviews and counting. We stand behind every generator installation and provide ongoing support for maintenance and service questions.
"After two PSPS shutoffs last fire season left us without power for days, we decided to invest in a standby generator. Power Man Electric installed a 22 kW Generac and handled everything -- permits, concrete pad, transfer switch, the works. Last month the power went out again and we didn't even notice until the neighbors called to ask if we had power. Best investment we've made."
-- Robert & Lisa T., Temecula, CA
A whole house standby generator in Murrieta typically costs $10,000 to $20,000 fully installed. This includes the generator unit ($2,000-$5,000 for 7-24 kW), automatic transfer switch ($600-$2,500), concrete pad ($600-$1,500), installation labor ($3,000-$5,000), and California permits ($500-$2,000). A 22 kW Generac, the most common size for California homes, runs $17,000 to $26,000 all-in. Power Man Electric provides free site assessments and detailed quotes.
Generator sizing depends on what you want to power during an outage. A 7-10 kW generator covers essential circuits like the refrigerator, lights, and a few outlets. A 16-22 kW generator powers most of a typical home including HVAC. A 22+ kW generator runs everything including large AC units, EV chargers, and pool equipment. Power Man Electric performs a load calculation during our free assessment to recommend the right size for your home.
Yes. California requires both an electrical permit and often a building permit for standby generator installation. In Murrieta, permits typically cost $500 to $2,000 depending on the scope. The installation must comply with California Electrical Code, local setback requirements, and noise ordinances. California also requires seismic bracing in many regions and a reinforced concrete pad. Power Man Electric handles all permit applications and inspections.
If your home already has a natural gas line, natural gas is usually the best choice because it provides an unlimited fuel supply without needing a storage tank. Propane is the better option for homes without natural gas service -- it stores safely in tanks and has a longer shelf life than gasoline. Propane generators produce slightly more power per BTU than natural gas. Many modern standby generators are dual-fuel capable, running on either natural gas or propane.
An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is an essential safety device that monitors your utility power. When it detects an outage, the ATS automatically disconnects your home from the utility grid and starts the generator within 10-30 seconds. When utility power returns, it switches back automatically. An ATS is required by code for all standby generators to prevent backfeed, which can electrocute utility workers. Transfer switch installation costs $600 to $2,500 depending on amperage and features.
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