Transfer switch electricians: what matters.
Transfer switch installations integrate with main panel work and (for ATS) standby generator scope. Choosing the right electrician affects safety, code compliance, and reliability.
By Steven Lockhart · Reviewed by Alex Towery, C-10 #989290
Updated 2026-06-16
C-10 license required for transfer switch work. Look for: documented transfer switch installation experience (50+ installs), familiarity with major brands (Generac, Kohler, Briggs, Reliance for portable; Cummins for commercial), pulls permits for all work, coordinates with standby generator manufacturer/installer when applicable, includes load study in ATS quotes. Avoid: anyone skipping permits, anyone installing without brand-specific training for ATS, anyone unfamiliar with NEC 702 (Optional Standby Systems) requirements.
01What makes transfer switch work specialized.
Transfer switch installations have specific code requirements (NEC 702 for optional standby systems, NEC 700/701 for legally required and essential), brand-specific install procedures (especially for ATS paired with standby generators), and PG&E coordination requirements (back-feed prevention is utility safety priority). Installers without specific transfer switch experience often miss details: improper grounding for separately derived systems, incorrect ATS programming, inadequate generator-side load study, or insufficient understanding of brand-specific requirements that affect warranty.
Marin-specific considerations: PSPS preparedness drives meaningful standby generator demand here, so qualified electricians have processed many projects through Marin AHJs. They know which jurisdictions accept which interlock brands, what permit documentation expedites review, how Marin's coastal moisture affects equipment selection. Out-of-area electricians can do the work but may take longer and learn the local-specific elements on your project.
02Evaluation criteria.
Documented transfer switch portfolio
50+ installs is meaningful experience; specifically ask for examples of both manual transfer switches (portable generator coordination) and ATS (standby generator coordination). Different scope, different skills.
Brand familiarity and training
Major brands (Generac, Kohler, Briggs & Stratton) offer factory training for their ATS products. Certified installers handle brand-specific install procedures correctly and maintain manufacturer warranty. Ask about training/certification for specific brand you're installing.
Coordination capability
Standby generator projects involve electrical contractor, gas plumber (for natural gas units), sometimes concrete contractor (for generator pad), and PG&E coordination. The electrical contractor leads coordination. Ask about prior project coordination.
03What we do at Towery Electric.
Alex Towery (C-10 #989290) and Steven Lockhart have installed 120+ transfer switches across Marin since 2020, including ATS for Generac and Kohler standby generators, manual transfer switches for portable generator backup, and integration with solar+battery systems. We're factory-trained on major brands, pull permits for all installations, conduct load study before generator sizing, and coordinate with generator suppliers/gas plumbers for complete project execution.
Our scope includes the planning visit (assess panel, identify essential loads or load study for whole-house, evaluate physical install locations), permit pull, installation work, PG&E coordination if main service is being modified, and final inspection. For homeowners adding standby generators we coordinate with generator dealers (often Generac dealers in Marin like Bay Power Solutions or California Generators) on equipment selection and installation timing.
Common questions.
Should I use the generator dealer's electrician or hire independent?
Both approaches work. Generator dealers often have in-house or partner electricians familiar with their specific generator brand. Independent electricians give homeowner choice and direct relationship. For Marin specifically, the market has several qualified electricians comfortable with major generator brands; independent hire is common and works well. Generator-included scope from dealer is simpler from homeowner perspective; independent split-scope sometimes saves cost and ensures dedicated coordination.
How long does transfer switch installation take?
Manual transfer switch: 4-6 hours install, 3-5 week project (permit, install, inspection). ATS standalone (generator already in place): 6-10 hours install, 3-4 week project. ATS with new standby generator: 10-16 hours install over 1-2 days, 8-14 week project (permit, PG&E coordination if applicable, gas line, generator delivery, installation, inspection, commissioning). Timeline varies by jurisdiction and any complications.
Do I need PG&E to be involved?
Depends on scope. Manual transfer switch (no impact on main service entrance): no PG&E involvement typically required. ATS that requires meter base modification or service entrance work: PG&E coordination required for meter shutdown during install. Standby generators with parallel operation capability (rare residential): more involved PG&E coordination. For typical residential standby generator install with isolation ATS: limited PG&E coordination, mostly local AHJ inspection.
What questions should I ask during the quote?
Specific questions: How many transfer switches of this type have you installed? What's the warranty on labor (typically 1-2 years)? Will you coordinate with the generator dealer/supplier on installation timing? What's included in the load study for sizing? Are permits and inspection included in the quote? Will you train me on operation after install? Good answers signal experience; vague answers warrant a second quote elsewhere.
How do you handle pricing — flat fee or hourly?
Both, depending on scope. Routine service calls and predictable scope (panel replacement, EV charger install, transfer switch install, fixture replacement) are flat-fee quoted up front. Diagnostic visits and emergency scope are hourly because we don't know what we'll find. Either way, you get a written quote before work starts on anything significant, and we don't proceed beyond the quote without your sign-off.
How quickly can you schedule?
Depends on scope and season. Emergency dispatch: same-day across Marin County (1-3 hours business hours, 1-4 hours after-hours). Same-day standard service: 3-6 hours from call when capacity allows; otherwise next business day. Scheduled service work: 1-3 weeks typical. Larger projects requiring permits and PG&E coordination: 4-12 weeks depending on scope. We're upfront about timeline at the quote stage.
What warranty do you offer on work?
Our standard residential warranty: 2 years on labor, manufacturer warranty on parts (varies by product — typically 1-10 years). Major installs (panels, generators, EV chargers) often have longer manufacturer warranties (5-10 years). If there's an issue with our work in the warranty period, we come back and fix it at no cost. We also stand behind work past warranty — repeat customers and referrals matter more than a transactional fix.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. California State License Board C-10 Electrical Contractor #989290, in good standing. Carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance as required by California law. Bondable on projects requiring it. Happy to provide proof of insurance to clients or property managers on request. License lookup: cslb.ca.gov.
Talk to a licensed electrician in Marin.
Family-run, C-10 #989290, 20+ years in the trade. Honest scoping, fair pricing, work that lasts.