Generator & Backup Power

Generator Hookup & Transfer Switch Installation in Issaquah & East King County

Safe, code-compliant backup power solutions for your home. Transfer switch installation, generator hookup, and load planning by a licensed master electrician with 30+ years experience. Required by Washington State electrical code.

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Licensed & Bonded
Code Required
5-Star Rated
30+ Years Experience
Why It's Required

Why Your Generator Needs a Transfer Switch

Plugging a generator directly into your home's wiring — called "backfeeding" — is illegal and life-threatening. It can energize downed power lines and kill utility workers. Washington State electrical code requires a transfer switch for all generator connections to your home's wiring.

Protects Utility Workers

A transfer switch physically disconnects your home from the utility grid before connecting generator power — preventing deadly backfeed.

Required by Code

Washington State electrical code and NEC both require a transfer switch for any generator connected to your home's panel or circuits.

Protects Your Equipment

Transfer switches prevent voltage fluctuations and power surges when switching between utility and generator power.

Whole-Home or Selective Loads

You can power your whole home or select the specific circuits that matter most — like the refrigerator, furnace, and lights.

Your Options

Types of Generator Transfer Switches

The right transfer switch depends on your generator type, budget, and how much automation you want.

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Interlock Kit

The most cost-effective option. A mechanical device prevents the main breaker and generator breaker from being on simultaneously. Manual operation required.

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Manual Transfer Switch

A dedicated sub-panel with selected circuits. You manually flip the switch when outage occurs. More flexible than an interlock kit.

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Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)

Detects power outages and automatically starts your standby generator and transfers power — no manual action required. Ideal for standby generators.

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Whole-Home Transfer

Transfers your entire electrical panel to generator power. Requires a generator sized for your home's full load.

Common Questions

Generator Hookup FAQ

Yes. Washington State electrical code requires a transfer switch for all generator connections to your home's wiring. Backfeeding — plugging a generator directly into your home without a transfer switch — is illegal and can kill utility workers restoring power on the line.
Generator electrical installation — including the transfer switch and any panel work — requires a licensed electrician in Washington State. Unpermitted generator installations can affect your homeowner's insurance and will fail any future home inspection.
Generator sizing depends on which loads you want to power. A portable 5,000–7,500 watt generator can cover essential loads (fridge, lights, furnace blower). A standby generator sized for whole-home coverage typically runs 14,000–22,000 watts. We'll help you calculate what you need.
We handle all the electrical work: transfer switch installation, panel connections, and circuit designation. For standby generators, we coordinate with the generator supplier and handle the electrical hookup and ATS installation.
Yes. Generator electrical work requires permits in all Washington State jurisdictions. We handle the permit application and coordinate the inspection — all included in our service.
Where We Work

Generator Hookups Across East King County

MRK Electric installs generator transfer switches and backup power systems throughout Issaquah, Bellevue, Redmond, Sammamish, and all of East King County. Permitted, inspected, and done to code.

Not sure if we cover your area? Give us a call — we'll let you know right away.

Ready for Backup Power?

Call us or request a free quote. We'll assess your panel and recommend the right transfer switch solution for your generator.

Call (425) 766-4793 Request a Free Quote