Tampa Portable Generator Installation

The Tampa area, like much of the state of Florida, is known for warm weather that is frequently interrupted by storms. Some of these storms can be intense, causing damage and knocking out power for anywhere from a few minutes to even a few days. With so much of our lives depending on electricity, it’s important to have a source of backup power, which is why many homeowners turn to portable generators.

At Small Jobs Electric, we make connecting a portable generator to your home easy, safe, and straightforward. Our experienced electricians can outfit your home with the features and components necessary to make firing up and connecting your portable generator a breeze. Our goal is to help you be prepared for a major outage, which means helping you prepare your home’s electrical system to operate on generator power.

Are you looking to utilize your portable generator as a power source during a grid outage? Talk to the team at Small Jobs Electric by calling (813) 968-5856.

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Portable Generator Installation at a Glance

Small Jobs Electric provides safe, code-compliant portable generator installation for homeowners throughout the Tampa Bay area. We install the equipment needed to connect your portable generator safely during power outages, helping protect your home and family.

✔ Manual transfer switch installation
✔ Generator inlet box installation
✔ Portable generator hookup
✔ Generator-ready electrical panel upgrades
✔ Code-compliant wiring and safety inspections
✔ Expert guidance on choosing the right setup

Serving: Tampa, Brandon, Clearwater, Carrollwood, Lutz, Odessa, Westchase, Citrus Park, Riverview, and surrounding Tampa Bay communities.

Portable vs. Standby Generators

When you talk about a generator for your home, you will generally have to choose between two primary options: a portable generator and a standby generator. Portable generators are what most people think of when they think of a generator, a device powered by a small engine that they can wheel out of their garage when they need power. Many people also use them for camping or when traveling in an RV.

Standby generators are permanent generators that are always connected to your home. They are generally powered by a natural gas or propane line, and this means they can easily fire up in the event of an outage to provide emergency power quickly.

Why Choose a Portable Generator?

Why should you choose a portable generator over a standby option? Each type of generator has its own benefits, and knowing more about them can help you make the best decision for your home and your situation.

Here are a few reasons to choose a portable generator:

Available space: If you live on a smaller lot or don’t have a ton of available extra space, being able to store your generator when it isn’t in use can help you keep that space free. Standby generators will permanently occupy the space they are installed in.
Budget: Portable generators are generally far cheaper than standby generators. For those looking for
backup power without a huge upfront cost, a portable generator is the answer.
Lack of available fuel lines: If you live in an all-electric home or neighborhood without access to a natural gas or liquid propane connection, then a portable generator might be your only option. Portable generators can run on gasoline, diesel, natural gas, or propane and have their own fuel tank for power.
Maintenance: Portable generator maintenance is generally simple, and those who are mechanically inclined can often complete it themselves with little difficulty! Standby generators need more complex and intricate maintenance to run optimally.

One other major consideration has to do with how much power you will need during an outage. If you want to keep your entire home running the way it would with the grid on, then a standby generator will probably be the best option, as it can self-refuel and is usually much larger than a portable generator. Portable generators, however, are sometimes the more cost-effective option for those who are simply looking to keep a few things powered, such as your refrigerator and a few lights. This means you likely won’t need as much power capacity, and most portable generators can handle this kind of electrical load.

Connecting a Portable Generator to Your Home

Connecting a generator to your home generally isn’t as simple as just plugging in a few cords. Connecting your generator incorrectly could be extremely dangerous, both for your home and for anyone who might be working on the electrical lines that your home is connected to. To hook up a generator correctly, you’ll need a few different things.

Inlet box: An inlet box is a special plug located on the exterior of your home that you can use to connect your generator to your home’s power grid. This is the only place you should ever connect a portable generator.
Transfer switch: A transfer switch is a device that transfers your home’s power grid from one source (the main grid) to another (your portable generator). These are crucial for safely connecting a generator and protecting anyone who might be working on the grid outside your home.

At Small Jobs Electric, we offer installation for both inlet boxes and transfer switches to allow you to connect your generator safely. Call us today, and one of our experts will come to you and let you know exactly what needs to be done to connect a portable generator safely to your home. They can also advise you on how to safely connect your generator when you need it and what you should do to make sure it operates reliably.

Contact Small Jobs Electric today for more information about configuring your home to utilize a portable generator during an outage! Talk to us about installing a transfer switch, power inlet, and more.

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How to Run a Portable Generator

Need emergency power? A portable generator can provide it. However, many portable generators are capable of producing 240 volts of AC power and dozens of amps of current. This means mishandling the power they produce can be extremely dangerous, so it’s important to make sure you run your generator properly. Here are a few important pointers to follow to protect your home, your loved ones, your electrical system, your generator, and the public electrical grid.

Always connect your power cord to both your generator and your power inlet before turning on your generator to reduce the risk of accidental sparking or electrocution.
Always check your power cord before using it. If your cord is frayed or damaged in any way, throw it out immediately.
Do not connect a generator during severe weather. Wait for the storm to pass or for any rain to stop before connecting.
Make sure you are completely dry and standing on dry ground when connecting your generator. Never connect your generator when you or the ground beneath your feet is wet.
Always position your generator at least 20 feet away from any windows or doors, and always point your generator’s exhaust pipe away from your doors or windows as well.
Do not ever run your generator indoors or in any covered areas, including in garages with the door kept open.
When possible, try to set up your generator on solid, level ground. Keep your generator as level as possible while it is in operation, and try not to move it while it is running.

Frequently Asked Questions

Florida’s severe weather events, including hurricanes, can knock out power for days at a time, so a properly installed portable generator can provide invaluable peace of mind. During an outage, a portable generator can keep your essential appliances like refrigerators, medical devices, and air conditioning equipment running.

The continuous runtime of a portable generator depends on its fuel capacity and the load it powers. Many modern portable generators can run for six to eighteen hours on a full tank, but usage may vary based on environmental conditions and load.

No, portable generators should never be used indoors or in enclosed spaces due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Always operate them outdoors in well-ventilated areas. We can help select the appropriate location for your new portable generator and handle all aspects of the installation.

Directly connecting a portable generator to your home’s wiring system can be dangerous and is generally not recommended without a transfer switch. A transfer switch safely diverts power from the generator to your home circuits and prevents backfeeding.

See What Our Customers Are Saying About Us!

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Antonio did an excellent job and was very nice. He explained everything and what we needed to do to prevent further breaker problems. We would highly recommend him and will call him again to install lights. He installed three lights outside and fixed an interior switch. Excellent job again!

Michele C.

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Tampa Portable Generator Installation

Portable Generator Installation at a Glance

Portable vs. Standby Generators

Why Choose a Portable Generator?

Connecting a Portable Generator to Your Home

How to Run a Portable Generator

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I Consider Installing a Portable Generator in Florida?

How Long Can a Portable Generator Run Continuously?

Are Portable Generators Safe to Use Indoors?

Can I Connect a Portable Generator Directly to My Home’s Electrical System?

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