Standby or portable generator: which is right for me?

A standby generator is permanently installed, runs on natural gas or propane, and starts automatically the instant power drops, ideal if you want hands-off, whole-home backup. A portable with a proper interlock costs less up front but requires you to start it and manage fuel. We help you weigh it honestly based on your needs and budget.

Why can't I just plug a generator into an outlet?

Backfeeding through an outlet is dangerous and illegal: it can energize the utility lines and injure or kill line workers, and it bypasses your home's protection. A proper transfer switch or interlock isolates your home from the grid so the connection is safe. That is exactly what we install.

What size generator do I need?

It depends on what you want to keep running. Essentials like a refrigerator, some lights, and a well pump need far less than whole-home backup with central AC. We calculate your real load and size the system so you are not over- or under-buying.

Does a generator install need a permit?

Yes. A permanently installed generator and transfer switch require an electrical permit and inspection, and gas connections may involve additional permitting. We handle the electrical permit and coordinate the rest.

Home / Services / Specialized / Generator Installation

Specialized service

Generator Installation

Name: Best Diehl Electric
Address: Lodi, CA, US
Telephone: (209) 642-8678
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.9

When PG&E pulls the plug for a Public Safety Power Shutoff or a storm takes the grid down, a properly installed generator keeps your home running. We size it correctly, install a code-compliant transfer switch, and make the switchover safe.

(209) 642-8678 Free Estimate

Generator Installation by Best Diehl Electric

In the Central Valley, backup power has gone from a luxury to a practical necessity. PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs can cut power for days during fire-weather conditions, and triple-digit summers make air conditioning a health issue, not just a comfort one. For rural properties around Lockeford and Acampo, an outage can also mean no well water. A generator answers all of that, but only if it is sized right and connected safely.

Best Diehl Electric installs backup power the correct way: from automatic standby generators that start themselves the moment the grid drops, to transfer switches and interlock kits that let you run a portable generator safely. The critical piece in every case is a proper transfer switch or interlock that isolates your home from the grid: this protects utility workers and prevents the dangerous backfeeding that happens with improvised connections. We size the system to the circuits that matter to you, handle the permit, and make the switchover seamless.

What's included

What's included with Generator Installation

Standby generators

Automatic, permanently installed standby generators (such as Generac) that detect an outage and restore power on their own within seconds.

Automatic transfer switches

A code-compliant automatic transfer switch that safely isolates your home from the grid and switches to generator power without you lifting a finger.

Portable generator interlocks

A safe, permitted interlock kit and inlet so you can power your home from a portable generator without dangerous backfeeding.

Right-sized for your home

We size the system to the loads that matter to you: AC, refrigeration, well pump, medical equipment, so you are not over- or under-buying.

Fuel & placement

Natural gas or propane standby placement and connection coordination, with safe clearances and clean routing.

Permit & inspection

Permitting and inspection handled, so the install is documented, safe, and code-compliant.

Signs it's time to call

When to bring in an electrician

PG&E PSPS shutoffs have left you in the dark
Summer outages put your AC and food at risk
You rely on a well pump that needs power

Someone in the home depends on medical equipment
You are backfeeding a portable generator unsafely now
You want power restored automatically, not manually

How it works

Our process, start to finish

Assess your needsWe talk through what you need to keep running and look at your panel and property to recommend standby or portable, and the right size.
Permit & prepWe pull the permit, plan the generator location and fuel, and prepare the transfer switch or interlock tie-in.
InstallWe set the generator, install the transfer switch or interlock, and connect it so the switchover is safe and, for standby units, automatic.
Test & inspectWe simulate an outage to confirm it works, pass inspection, and show you exactly how it operates.

Generator Installation across the Sacramento & San Joaquin area

PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs are a recurring fact of life across San Joaquin and Sacramento counties during fire season, and Central Valley heat makes a powered home a safety matter for many families. Rural Lockeford and Acampo properties add another reason: when the grid drops, so does the well pump. We size and install backup power with these specific local realities in mind.

Real reviews, real names

Rated 4.9 from 130+ reviews

★★★★★ “Craig arrived, trouble shot the problem and fixed it…” Herman Ebster · Google ★★★★★ “Craig from Best Diehl Electric did an outstanding job on…” Sasi Karuppusamy · Google ★★★★★ “Craig Diehl was on time, courteous and very easy to talk…” Malin Ramirez · Google ★★★★★ “Professional, prompt, on time and prepared to fix the…” Samuel Toney III · Google ★★★★★ “Craig is outstanding, very communicative and goes above…” Roody Samimi · Google ★★★★★ “Craig was quick, efficient, and extremely kind. Highly…” Josh Umiker · Google ★★★★★ “Craig was fast, efficient and thorough. I highly…” Anitra Daniels · Google ★★★★★ “Great work! Professional and affordable. Very happy every…” Jesse Coatney · Google

Read all 130+ reviews

Common questions

Generator Installation: FAQ

Standby or portable generator: which is right for me?: A standby generator is permanently installed, runs on natural gas or propane, and starts automatically the instant power drops, ideal if you want hands-off, whole-home backup. A portable with a proper interlock costs less up front but requires you to start it and manage fuel. We help you weigh it honestly based on your needs and budget.
Why can't I just plug a generator into an outlet?: Backfeeding through an outlet is dangerous and illegal: it can energize the utility lines and injure or kill line workers, and it bypasses your home's protection. A proper transfer switch or interlock isolates your home from the grid so the connection is safe. That is exactly what we install.
What size generator do I need?: It depends on what you want to keep running. Essentials like a refrigerator, some lights, and a well pump need far less than whole-home backup with central AC. We calculate your real load and size the system so you are not over- or under-buying.
Does a generator install need a permit?: Yes. A permanently installed generator and transfer switch require an electrical permit and inspection, and gas connections may involve additional permitting. We handle the electrical permit and coordinate the rest.

Related services

Plug into peace of mind

Generator Installation done right. Talk to Craig.

Call (209) 642-8678 for a free estimate, or send a message and he'll get right back to you. Licensed, bonded and insured, with 130+ five-star reviews.

(209) 642-8678 Request a Free Estimate