How big a generator does my home need?

The ideal generator size for your home depends on which circuits you need to run during a power outage. A modest backup system that covers your furnace, sump pump, refrigerator, and a few lights typically requires 10 to 13 kW. Larger homes with electric ranges, well pumps, or central air conditioning often require 18 to 22 kW or more. Homes in Winnetka, Northbrook, and Lincolnshire with larger square footage and higher electrical loads often fall in the 22 kW-plus range. You don't want to have too little or too much capacity. That's why our electricians perform a load calculation to determine your electrical needs before recommending any unit. Sizing too small creates nuisance tripping; sizing too large means paying for capacity you'll never use.

What other residential electrical services does Mr. Electric of Highland Park offer?

In addition to Interlock Kit installation and inlet box wiring, our team handles a full range of residential electrical installations and repairs. Panel upgrades, panel replacements, and sub-panel additions are common requests, particularly in older North Shore homes where original equipment no longer supports modern electrical loads. We also handle EV charger installation and replacement , surge protection, ceiling fans, recessed lighting installation services, chandeliers, including two-story installations, switches, and AFCI and GFCI outlets. Pool, spa, and sauna electrical work requires specialized bonding and grounding, and we handle those installations to code. Landscape lighting and outdoor lighting are other areas we cover regularly for North Shore properties. Contact us to learn more about our electrical services.

How long does a portable generator installation take?

Most residential portable generator installations in Highland Park take under one day to complete. That includes running the inlet wiring and completing the connections at the panel. Permit scheduling affects the overall timeline. Some municipalities issue permits quickly; others require more lead time. We factor that in when scheduling and keep you updated throughout your service. Portable generator inlet box installations are much faster, usually completed in a few hours.

Do I need a permit to install a generator in Highland Park, IL?

Any portable generator installation in Highland Park requires an electrical permit. Portable generator inlet box installations also typically require a permit since the work involves your home's electrical panel. Pulling permits protects you: permitted work is inspected, and inspected work is documented as compliant with local and National Electrical Codes. That matters when you sell the home or file an insurance claim. We handle the permit application for every installation we complete.

How can I schedule a consultation for a backup generator installation in Highland Park, IL?

Mr. Electric of Highland Park installs portable generators, portable generator inlet boxes, and Interlock Kits for homes across the North Shore, including Northbrook, Glenview, Arlington Heights, Deerfield, Buffalo Grove, and Libertyville. Our electricians handle load calculations, panel and circuit upgrades, and other electrical system work, and permit applications from start to finish. Every job is backed by the Done Right Promise ® . Contact us to get a written quote before any work begins on your generator installation in Highland Park, IL.

Portable Generator Installation in Highland Park, IL

Backup Power for Every Outage

Power outages on the North Shore happen fast. A lake-effect storm rolls through, a wet snow takes down a line along Sheridan Road, and suddenly, your furnace, sump pump, and refrigerator are all offline. Mr. Electric of Highland Park knows how quickly a short outage can turn into a real problem. A portable generator changes that. No extension cords to individual appliances needed. Our Highland Park electricians handle the full installation, including load calculation, generator inlet placement, and the Interlock transfer switch installation and wiring.

Backup Power for Every Outage

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Portable Generator Options for Highland Park Homes

A portable generator powers a limited number of circuits until utility power returns. You start it manually and either run extension cords to individual appliances or connect it through a generator inlet box we install on the exterior of your home. The inlet box approach is safer and more practical: it lets you connect a properly rated cord from the generator to your panel without running cords through windows or doors. Portable models typically run on gasoline and cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on output. They work well as a backup power source for specific loads, such as a sump pump, refrigerator, or medical equipment.
Every safe, portable generator should have an Interlock Kit installed. The Interlock Kit is a mechanical metal plate installed over your existing electrical panel. It physically slides back and forth, so you cannot turn on the generator breaker and the main utility breaker at the same time. It allows you to use any breaker in your panel for the generator, up to your generator's capacity. A licensed electrician is required for the panel work involved in an Interlock Kit, and we’ll pull the permits required by Highland Park and surrounding municipalities.
During a portable generator installation, it may be necessary to install a new dedicated circuit or upgrade your electrical panel. Homeowners who experience frequent breaker trips and regular electrical outages, or those with older, outdated panel sizes, can enjoy greater electrical system safety and flexibility with a new breaker panel. Our team can both install a dedicated 125/250-volt line for your generator, and perform the necessary electrical panel upgrades to ensure your home’s electrical system runs safely and efficiently.

Why Choose Mr. Electric of Highland Park for Portable Generator Capabilities

Mr. Electric of Highland Park is a locally owned business that's part of the Neighborly family of home services brands. Every installation comes with the Done Right Promise^®: if the work isn't done right, we make it right. Our electricians carry the training and licensing required for electrical work in Illinois. We quote by the job, not by the hour, so you know the full cost before we start. No surprise charges after the fact. Homes in Highland Park, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, and Palatine each fall under different jurisdictions, and we know what each one requires.

Frequently Asked Questions About Generator Installation in Highland Park, IL

The ideal generator size for your home depends on which circuits you need to run during a power outage. A modest backup system that covers your furnace, sump pump, refrigerator, and a few lights typically requires 10 to 13 kW. Larger homes with electric ranges, well pumps, or central air conditioning often require 18 to 22 kW or more. Homes in Winnetka, Northbrook, and Lincolnshire with larger square footage and higher electrical loads often fall in the 22 kW-plus range. You don't want to have too little or too much capacity. That's why our electricians perform a load calculation to determine your electrical needs before recommending any unit. Sizing too small creates nuisance tripping; sizing too large means paying for capacity you'll never use.
In addition to Interlock Kit installation and inlet box wiring, our team handles a full range of residential electrical installations and repairs. Panel upgrades, panel replacements, and sub-panel additions are common requests, particularly in older North Shore homes where original equipment no longer supports modern electrical loads. We also handle EV charger installation and replacement, surge protection, ceiling fans, recessed lighting installation services, chandeliers, including two-story installations, switches, and AFCI and GFCI outlets. Pool, spa, and sauna electrical work requires specialized bonding and grounding, and we handle those installations to code. Landscape lighting and outdoor lighting are other areas we cover regularly for North Shore properties. Contact us to learn more about our electrical services.
Most residential portable generator installations in Highland Park take under one day to complete. That includes running the inlet wiring and completing the connections at the panel. Permit scheduling affects the overall timeline. Some municipalities issue permits quickly; others require more lead time. We factor that in when scheduling and keep you updated throughout your service. Portable generator inlet box installations are much faster, usually completed in a few hours.
Any portable generator installation in Highland Park requires an electrical permit. Portable generator inlet box installations also typically require a permit since the work involves your home's electrical panel. Pulling permits protects you: permitted work is inspected, and inspected work is documented as compliant with local and National Electrical Codes. That matters when you sell the home or file an insurance claim. We handle the permit application for every installation we complete.
Mr. Electric of Highland Park installs portable generators, portable generator inlet boxes, and Interlock Kits for homes across the North Shore, including Northbrook, Glenview, Arlington Heights, Deerfield, Buffalo Grove, and Libertyville. Our electricians handle load calculations, panel and circuit upgrades, and other electrical system work, and permit applications from start to finish. Every job is backed by the Done Right Promise^®. Contact us to get a written quote before any work begins on your generator installation in Highland Park, IL.

Residential & Commercial Services

Residential
Commercial

Book Online

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Phone Number*

Street Address**

ZIP/Postal Code*

Yes! You can text me service reminders and other messages.

By entering your email address, you agree to receive emails about services, updates or promotions, and you agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Portable Generator Installation in Highland Park, IL

Backup Power for Every Outage

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Portable Generator Options for Highland Park Homes

Why Choose Mr. Electric of Highland Park for Portable Generator Capabilities

Frequently Asked Questions About Generator Installation in Highland Park, IL

Residential & Commercial Services

Electrical Safety

Repair

Installations

Lighting

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