How Long Whole House Generator Installation Takes
Charlotte homeowners ask this every storm season: how long will whole house generator installation take from the first call to final power-up? The short answer is 2 to 6 weeks door to door, with 1 to 3 full workdays on site. The exact timeline depends on permitting, gas availability, site conditions, and the size of the standby generator. Ewing Electric Co. outlines clear steps, communicates timelines, and handles the electrical details so the process stays predictable.
What drives the timeline in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte’s grid sees stress during humid summers, severe thunderstorms, and occasional ice storms. Duke Energy maintenance, storm damage, and rolling blackouts can trigger outages that last hours or longer. Whole home generator installation protects HVAC, refrigerators, sump pumps, home offices, and critical medical equipment. In neighborhoods like Myers Park, Dilworth, and Ballantyne, many owners choose automatic standby systems with an Automatic Transfer Switch to avoid food spoilage, sump pump failure, and voltage spikes.
Based on recent projects across zip codes 28277, 28210, 28226, and 28269, a typical project timeline looks like this: assessment and load calculation in a few days, permitting in 1 to 3 weeks, installation in 1 to 3 days, and final inspections within a few days of completion. Gas utility scheduling can add time if a new natural gas line or meter upgrade is needed.
From first call to final test: a realistic timeline
Ewing Electric follows a predictable sequence so homeowners know what happens and when. The process applies across Charlotte and nearby areas such as Matthews, Pineville, Huntersville, Mint Hill, Concord, Belmont, and Gastonia.
Site assessment and load calculation: 1 to 3 business days
A licensed residential electrician reviews your electrical panel, HVAC size, well pump or sump pump loads, and any medical devices or home office circuits. The team sizes the standby generator, reviews placement for code setbacks, and plans the concrete pad. Air-cooled models suit standard homes. Liquid-cooled units fit larger estates in South Park or Myers Park where central air and multiple heat pumps need continuous power. The team explains smart load management if a smaller unit must handle short surges without tripping.
Permit and utility coordination: 1 to 3 weeks
Ewing Electric pulls permits with the City of Charlotte, manages inspections, and coordinates with gas plumbers for natural gas line hookups or a propane tank set. Historic areas like Myers Park and Dilworth may require extra checks for placement and noise. Homes near Freedom Park or close to Bank of America Stadium can have unique site constraints. If the gas meter needs upsizing or a new service, utility scheduling can extend this step by several days.
Installation window: 1 to 3 days on site
Most air-cooled generator installations take 1 to 2 days. Liquid-cooled units can run to 3 days. Work includes setting the enclosure on a level concrete pad, wiring the Automatic Transfer Switch to the main electrical panel or a subpanel, running conduit, and connecting the battery charger and voltage regulator. The team performs low-voltage wiring for remote monitoring where supported by the brand. If the gas trenching or propane tank set is complex, add a day.
Inspection and start-up: 1 to 5 days
After mechanical and electrical work, Ewing Electric schedules city inspections, then completes start-up and training. The final test includes ATS function under simulated grid failure, verification of voltage, neutral-ground bonding checks, and runtime settings. The crew confirms that HVAC, refrigerators, home office circuits, and any medical device outlets operate correctly. For homes near the U.S. National Whitewater Center or Charlotte Douglas International Airport, noise checks follow local ordinance.
What can speed things up
Clear access for the concrete pad and the electrical panel reduces labor time. Having gas utility account details ready helps coordinate a meter upgrade. Deciding early between natural gas and propane avoids rework. If the home needs a main panel replacement or a new grounding electrode system, completing that work before the generator arrival keeps the schedule tight.
Ewing Electric keeps common Generac and Kohler sizes ready through local distributors to reduce shipping delays. Factory-trained technicians handle the full integration of the Automatic Transfer Switch with the existing breaker panel, which avoids miswires and repeat inspections.
What can slow things down
Gas service upgrades are the biggest variable. A new line, long trench, or meter upsizing can add several days. Weather can delay the pad pour if the ground is saturated after heavy thunderstorms. In older homes near Elizabeth and Plaza Midwood, panel space or aluminum branch circuits may require corrections. HOA approvals in Ballantyne or South Park may add a few days before work can begin. For estates with multiple HVAC condensers, a liquid-cooled unit may need a larger concrete pad and crane placement, extending the schedule by a day.
Typical schedules by project type
Standard air-cooled standby generator (18 to 24 kW)
Total: about 2 to 4 weeks. On-site work often completes in 1 to 2 days. This suits most single-family homes in 28277 and 28210. Smart load management can handle short peaks from heat pumps, well pumps, and kitchen circuits.
Larger liquid-cooled standby generator (30 to 48 kW and up)
Total: about 3 to 6 weeks. On-site work often completes in 2 to 3 days. This fits luxury homes in South Park or Myers Park with multiple HVAC systems, pool equipment, and larger home offices.
What the installation includes
Ewing Electric provides turnkey service so homeowners do not juggle vendors. The team pours the concrete pad, sets the enclosure, and wires the ATS to the main electrical panel or a dedicated subpanel for essential circuits. They coordinate with licensed gas plumbers for a natural gas line or a propane tank set. They install the battery charger, verify the voltage regulator, and configure remote monitoring where the brand supports it. Final Duke Energy meter coordination occurs when required for inspection or load checks.
Brand options and lead times
Ewing Electric is authorized for Generac and Kohler standby power systems, which helps with warranty and parts availability. Many Charlotte homes use Generac Guardian series units sized at 20 to 26 kW. Kohler Power models serve larger homes that need higher starting current for HVAC. Homeowners who prefer Honeywell standby systems can get premium remote monitoring and very quiet operation. Briggs & Stratton, Cummins, Champion, and Westinghouse units are also available in specific cases. Brand choice can affect shipping by a few days, but local inventory often keeps the schedule tight.
Local code and siting details that affect timing
Setbacks from windows, doors, and vents are enforced. Clearance from gas meters and AC condensers must be verified. Noise limits apply in several neighborhoods. Ewing Electric has extensive experience with the permit and inspection routines for historic Myers Park and Dilworth, as well as South Park, NoDa, Plaza Midwood, Steele Creek, and Elizabeth. For high-rises near Bank of America Stadium or near Queens University of Charlotte and Discovery Place Science, different standby strategies apply and require building approval.
Why the ATS and electrical integration matter
The Automatic Transfer Switch is the heart of the system. It detects grid failure and shifts the load to generator power within seconds. Proper wiring to the electrical panel must handle neutral management, surge protection, grounding, and selective load control. This prevents nuisance trips, protects HVAC electronics from voltage spikes, and keeps refrigerators, sump pumps, and critical circuits online. Ewing Electric’s factory-trained electricians complete this integration without hand-offs, which reduces rework and keeps the timeline on track.

Cost ranges and scheduling windows
Air-cooled whole house generator installation typically ranges from the low to upper five figures, depending on gas scope, distance to the panel, and load management needs. Liquid-cooled systems cost more and take longer due to size, pad, and fuel needs. Ewing Electric provides a free generator installation estimate with a detailed load calculation and a clear schedule window before any work begins.
A quick homeowner prep checklist
Clear a 4 to 6 foot area where the generator will sit to speed pad work. Share recent Duke Energy bills to confirm peak demand and gas availability. Note any medical devices or sump pumps that must stay online during outages. Decide on natural gas or propane early to lock in utility or tank scheduling. Confirm HOA requirements to avoid delays in Ballantyne and South Park.
Service examples across Charlotte
A 22 kW air-cooled Generac in 28277: assessment Monday, permit approved the next week, pad and set on Thursday, wiring Friday, inspection the following Tuesday. Total: about 12 days. The system keeps a dual-zone HVAC, refrigerator, home office, and sump pump running during summer storms.
A 38 kW liquid-cooled Kohler in Myers Park: HOA approval added 4 days, gas meter upgrade added 3 days, installation took 3 workdays due to longer conduit runs and dual condensers. Total: about 4 weeks. Smart load management prioritizes HVAC and medical device circuits.
Frequently asked questions
How long does whole home generator installation take in Charlotte?
Most projects finish in 2 to 6 weeks from assessment to final test. On-site work usually takes 1 to 3 days.
Will a standby generator run central air?
Yes, when sized and wired correctly. Many homes use a 20 to 26 kW air-cooled unit for one or two heat pumps. Larger estates may need a liquid-cooled unit or smart load management.
Does Ewing Electric handle permits and inspections?
Yes. The team pulls permits, meets inspectors, coordinates with Duke Energy as required, and schedules the gas plumber for natural gas or propane.
What about maintenance?
Ewing Electric offers maintenance contracts and remote monitoring options. Regular service protects reliability during grid failures and storms.
Which brands are supported?
Ewing Electric is an authorized installer for Generac and Kohler. Honeywell premium options are available, and the team services other brands as needed.
Ready to schedule in Charlotte
Ewing Electric provides whole house generator installation across Mecklenburg County, serving homes from Dilworth and Plaza Midwood to Huntersville and Steele Creek. Located within range of Freedom Park, the team offers quick response across major zip codes, including 28277 and 28210. Contact Ewing Electric today for a comprehensive load calculation and a free generator installation estimate. A licensed, insured, and bonded crew handles everything from the concrete pad to the final Duke Energy meter sync, so the home is ready for the next storm.
For homeowners upgrading HVAC protection, preventing basement flooding, and keeping home offices online, a standby https://storage.googleapis.com/ewing-electric/whole-house-generator-installation/whole-house-generators.html generator is a practical step. The process is clear, the schedule is defined, and the result is dependable backup power during Charlotte outages. Ewing Electric makes whole home generator installation simple, predictable, and built for the Queen City.
Ewing Electric Co provides dependable residential and commercial electrical services in Charlotte, NC. Family-owned for over 35 years, we handle electrical panel upgrades, EV charger installation, generator installation, whole-home rewiring, and 24/7 emergency repairs. Our licensed electricians deliver code-compliant, energy-efficient solutions with honest pricing and careful workmanship. From quick home fixes to full commercial installations, we’re known for reliable service done right the first time. Proudly serving Charlotte, Matthews, Mint Hill, and nearby communities.
Ewing Electric Co
7316 Wallace Rd STE D
Charlotte, NC 28212, USA
Phone: (704) 804-3320
Website: https://ewingelectricco.com/ | Electric Company in Charlotte
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