Portable Generator Installation in Colorado Springs
Transfer Switches & Interlock Kits
Licensed & Insured | Colorado Springs & the Pikes Peak Region
When the power goes out at your home in Colorado Springs, a portable generator keeps your essential systems running. Connecting that generator to your home’s electrical system through a transfer switch or interlock kit is the safe, legal, and code-compliant way to do it.
Bourland Electric LLC installs transfer switches, interlock kits, and generator inlet boxes for homeowners throughout the Pikes Peak region. Our licensed electricians take care of everything including assessment, permits, installation, and final testing.
Call today to speak with our licensed electrician 719-641-0841
Generator Connection Options
We install two types of generator connection systems. Both are safe, code-compliant, and proven. The right choice depends on your generator size, your panel, and how you want to manage backup power during an outage.
Manual Transfer Switch
A manual transfer switch is a small sub-panel installed next to your main panel that can deliver power from a generator to your home. It contains 6 to 10 breakers that can be used to energize different parts of your home during a power outage.
Best for homeowners who want a simple, foolproof system that anyone in the household can operate. Because the circuits are pre-selected and labeled, there’s no decision-making required for which circuits to energize when the power goes out.
Interlock Kit
An interlock kit is a metal plate that mounts onto your existing panel and makes it physically impossible to have the main breaker and the generator breaker on at the same time.
Best for homeowners who want flexibility. In this setup you manage the breakers in your existing electric panel and you can power any circuit depending on what you need during that particular outage.
Note: requires a UL-listed part specific to your panel model — if none exists, a transfer switch is the only compliant option. We research this during your assessment.
A transfer switch or interlock kit is required by the National Electrical Code. Connecting a generator directly to your home’s wiring without one can create a condition called backfeeding, where electricity from your generator travels backward onto the utility lines. That’s a serious hazard for utility workers repairing the grid after an outage.
Generator Sizing
Choosing the right sized generator comes down to what you want to run and how you want to manage it. By turning circuits on and off as needed, a smaller generator can cover more than you might expect. A larger generator gives you the freedom to run more at once without having to think about it.
- 3,500–5,000 watts — Refrigerator, furnace blower, lighting, phone chargers, TV, and garage door. One small kitchen appliance at a time.
- 5,000–7,500 watts — Everything above plus kitchen receptacles, bathroom circuits, and garage outlets.
- 7,500–10,000 watts — Most home circuits simultaneously, excluding large central ACs.
- 10,000 watts and above — Near whole-home capability with minimal load management required.
Safe Generator Operation
Your transfer switch or interlock kit handles the backfeed risk. Beyond that, there are a few things every generator owner should know before they fire one up.
Carbon Monoxide
Generators produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be fatal. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports over 70 deaths annually from portable generator-related CO incidents in the US. Always position your generator at least 20 feet from your home with the exhaust directed away from doors, windows, and vents. Never operate a generator in a garage, even with the door open.
Load Management
Avoid starting multiple motor-driven appliances at the same time. Stagger startups by 30 to 60 seconds to prevent exceeding your generator’s starting capacity. If you are using an interlock kit, turn off breakers for circuits you do not immediately need so you can rotate power as needed.
Our Installation Process
Every installation follows the same sequence, from initial assessment through final building department sign-off.
Assessment
We assess your electrical panel, generator size, and what you want to power. This helps us determine which solution makes the most sense for your home and catch anything that needs to be addressed before we get started.
Permitting
We pull the permit through the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department so everything is done by the book.
Installation
Our electricians complete the work on installation day. Your power will be off for part of the day while we work on the panel and run the wiring for the generator inlet box.
Testing
We test the complete system with your generator connected, walk you through the startup and shutdown sequence, explain load management, and make sure you are comfortable operating everything before we leave.
Inspection
The building department inspects the installation to verify code compliance. We coordinate scheduling and are available if any adjustments are needed.
Generator FAQs
Do I need a permit to install a transfer switch or interlock kit?
Yes. Generator connection installations require an electrical permit in Colorado Springs. We handle the permit application as part of your installation.
Transfer switch or interlock kit: which is better?
Both are safe and code-compliant. Transfer switches offer convenience with pre-selected, clearly labeled circuits. Interlock kits offer flexibility at a lower installation cost. During your consultation, we will help you decide based on your panel, generator, and priorities.
Can I install this myself?
Like any electrical project in your home, this is something you can technically attempt yourself. Working inside your main panel carries real safety risks, and the work must be permitted and inspected to meet code. If you are not comfortable working with electrical, hire a licensed electrician.
How often should I test my system?
Test your complete system at least twice per year, ideally before winter storm season and again before summer monsoon season. Run the generator under load for 15 to 30 minutes to verify everything functions correctly. This also keeps your generator in good operating condition.
Can I power my entire home with a portable generator?
Most portable generators do not have sufficient capacity to power everything simultaneously, particularly in homes with central air conditioning. With proper load management using either a transfer switch or interlock kit, you can power essential circuits and rotate usage to meet most needs during an outage.
What is the difference between a portable generator connection and a standby generator?
Portable generators require you to manually start the generator and make connections during an outage. Standby generators are permanently installed, connected directly to natural gas or propane, and start automatically within seconds of a power failure. Standby systems are more convenient but cost significantly more to purchase and install.
What if I upgrade to a larger generator later?
Interlock kits are more flexible. Upgrading to a larger generator may only require upgrading the inlet box and connecting wiring. Transfer switches are sized for specific generator capacities, so a substantial upgrade might require replacing the transfer switch.
Contact us
Ready to get started? Give us a call to speak with our master electrician, send us an email, or fill out our online contact form. We’re happy to answer questions, talk through your options, and schedule a time to come out and take a look.
