When the power goes out, your generator is either ready or it isn’t. Express Electrical installs standby generators, portable setups with transfer switches, and interlock kits across Los Angeles, and we maintain and repair them so they work when it counts.
The city of Los Angeles loses power more than people expect. Heat waves stress the grid. Santa Ana winds down power lines. PSPS shutoffs cut power intentionally to prevent wildfires. When the lights go out, a generator keeps your home running. Express Electrical installs standby generators, portable generator setups with transfer switches, and interlock kits across Los Angeles. We maintain and repair existing generators so they’re ready when you need them. Permits, gas coordination, and load planning included.
A standby generator is the set-it-and-forget-it option. It’s permanently installed outside, connected to gas, and wired through an automatic transfer switch. When the power goes out, it starts within seconds. When the power comes back, it shuts down and recharges its battery. You don’t touch a thing.
A portable generator with a transfer switch or interlock kit is the more affordable entry point. The generator lives in the garage until you need it. When the power drops, you roll it out, start it up, and plug it into the exterior inlet box. The transfer switch routes power to selected circuits. It requires manual effort, but it costs a fraction of a standby system.
Both approaches require a transfer switch or interlock to prevent backfeeding, which is both illegal and life-threatening to utility line workers.
Generators are measured in kilowatts. The right size depends on what you want to keep running during an outage. Whole-house coverage (AC, major appliances, lights) needs a 20 to 24 kW standby unit. Essentials only (refrigerator, lights, WiFi, a few outlets) can work with 10 to 14 kW. We perform a load calculation to right-size the unit so you’re not overspending on capacity or underbuying and losing critical loads.
How loud is a standby generator? Modern units run at 60 to 70 decibels, about the volume of a normal conversation. Much quieter than portable generators.
How often does a generator need maintenance? Annual service is the standard. If the generator ran extensively during an outage, service it again afterward.
Is a transfer switch required? Yes. Running a generator without a transfer switch or interlock is illegal and creates a backfeed hazard that can electrocute line workers.
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No challenge is too big for us to handle. Our team approaches even the most difficult tasks with dedication, skill, and a can-do attitude, ensuring we find the right solution every time. We believe in going above and beyond to tackle every problem, delivering results that bring you peace of mind and satisfaction. No matter the complexity, you can count on us to do our very best.
No electrical repair is too big for us to handle. Our team approaches even the most difficult tasks with dedication, skill, and a can-do attitude, ensuring we find the right solution every time. We believe in going above and beyond to tackle every problem, delivering results that bring you peace of mind and satisfaction. No matter the complexity, you can count on us to do our very best.
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