Transfer Switch Installation | Proctor Electric

Your Options

Three ways to connect
a generator.

Manual Transfer Switch

A dedicated sub-panel next to your main panel with the circuits you want on backup. When power goes out, plug in the generator, flip the switch. 6-10 circuits, you pick which ones. Most affordable option.

6–10 circuits · You choose

Interlock Kit

A mechanical device on your existing panel that prevents the main breaker and generator breaker from being on simultaneously. Uses your existing panel with no second panel needed. Slides to switch between grid and generator power.

Existing panel · No sub-panel

Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)

For whole-house generators. Detects the outage, starts the generator, transfers power, all automatic, no human intervention. You come home and the lights are on. Required for Generac, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton standby units.

Whole-house · Automatic

Why It Matters

Backfeeding without a switch
is illegal and dangerous.

Running a generator without a transfer switch is illegal in North Carolina and dangerous. If you backfeed through an outlet, you're energizing the lines outside your house. A Duke Energy lineman working to restore power can be electrocuted by your generator. A transfer switch isolates your house from the grid. It's required by code and it's the right thing to do.

What's Included

Every install covers
the full scope.

Transfer switch or interlock kit (hardware at cost)
Generator inlet box (for portable generators)
Dedicated generator circuit breaker
Circuit selection and labeling
New Hanover County permit and inspection
Coordination with Duke Energy if needed

FAQ

What homeowners ask
about transfer switches.

01 Transfer switch vs interlock kit, which one? +

Interlock kits are simpler and more affordable. Transfer switches give you dedicated circuits with a cleaner switchover. For a whole-house standby generator, you need an automatic transfer switch. We quote both options so you can compare.

02 Can I install a transfer switch on my existing panel? +

Usually yes. The interlock kit mounts directly on your panel. A manual transfer switch mounts beside it. If your panel is full or outdated, we might recommend upgrading the panel at the same time.

03 How long does installation take? +

Most transfer switch or interlock installations take half a day. If we're also running a new generator inlet box on the exterior, plan for a full day.

04 Do I need a permit? +

Yes. Transfer switch installation requires a permit in New Hanover County. We handle the permit and inspection.

You might also need.

Service Area

Transfer switch installs
across the Wilmington area.

This is hurricane country. After Florence, half the generators in New Hanover County sat in garages with no way to hook up to the panel. People ran extension cords through the window to keep the fridge going. That works until it doesn't. And it's illegal. Cliff installs transfer switches and interlock kits across Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Figure Eight Island . anywhere the salt air and summer storms remind you why you bought that generator in the first place.

Whether you're in Hampstead, Leland, Monkey Junction, Myrtle Grove, or Ogden & Porters Neck, Cliff will look at your panel, look at your generator, and tell you which setup actually makes sense. Manual transfer switch, interlock kit, or automatic . it depends on what you own and what you need running when Duke Energy goes dark. Every install gets permitted and inspected through New Hanover or Pender County. No shortcuts.

Common Questions

Transfer switch FAQs.

What's the difference between a transfer switch and an interlock kit?

A transfer switch is a separate sub-panel with dedicated circuits . You pick which ones get generator power, and they're always ready to go. An interlock kit is a mechanical bracket on your existing panel that prevents the main breaker and the generator breaker from being on at the same time. Interlocks are cheaper and simpler. Transfer switches are cleaner and faster to operate when the power goes out. For a whole-house standby generator (Generac, Kohler, Briggs & Stratton), you need an automatic transfer switch . that's a different animal entirely.

Can I backfeed my panel with a generator without a transfer switch?

You can, but you shouldn't. Backfeeding through a dryer outlet or a suicide cord is illegal in North Carolina, violates NEC code, and can kill a Duke Energy lineman working to restore your power. When you backfeed without a transfer switch, your generator energizes the lines outside your house. That's how people die. A transfer switch or interlock kit isolates your house from the grid . it's the whole point.

How much does a transfer switch installation cost?

Pricing depends on the type of switch and your panel brand (Square D, Eaton, Siemens . each needs a specific kit). Every quote includes the permit, the inlet box, and the inspection. If your panel needs a panel upgrade to accommodate the switch, Cliff will tell you upfront , not halfway through the job.

Do I need a transfer switch for a portable generator?

Yes. If you want to power circuits in your panel from a portable generator, you need either a manual transfer switch or an interlock kit. The alternative is running extension cords through the window for each appliance , which means no well pump, no HVAC, no hardwired stuff. A transfer switch plus an inlet box on the exterior wall lets you plug the generator in outside and flip a switch. That's it.

How long does a transfer switch installation take?

Most interlock kits take 3–4 hours. Manual transfer switches take half a day . mounting the sub-panel, running the circuits, installing the inlet box outside. If your panel is in a tight crawlspace or we're dealing with older wiring, it can stretch to a full day. Cliff will give you a realistic time estimate after looking at your setup, not a number pulled from a brochure.

Will a transfer switch work with my existing generator?

Almost always. The transfer switch connects to your panel, not your generator. As long as your generator has enough wattage to run the circuits you select, it'll work. Cliff will match the switch amperage to your generator output and help you pick which circuits to prioritize . fridge, well pump, a few lights, maybe a window unit. If you're thinking about upgrading to a whole-house standby unit, that changes the conversation to an automatic transfer switch.

Do I need a permit for a transfer switch in Wilmington?

Yes. New Hanover County requires a permit for any transfer switch or interlock installation. That includes the inspection afterward. Cliff handles the permit, schedules the inspection, and makes sure everything passes. Some guys skip the permit , which means if you ever sell the house or file an insurance claim after a storm, you've got unpermitted electrical work tied to your generator. Not worth it. Surge protection is also worth considering for the whole setup . ask Cliff about it when he comes out.

Wire Your Generator to Your Panel the Right Way.

Get a Free Quote

Three ways to connect
a generator.

Manual Transfer Switch

Interlock Kit

Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)

Backfeeding without a switch
is illegal and dangerous.

Every install covers
the full scope.

What homeowners ask
about transfer switches.

You might also need.

Transfer switch installs
across the Wilmington area.

Transfer switch FAQs.

What's the difference between a transfer switch and an interlock kit?

Can I backfeed my panel with a generator without a transfer switch?

How much does a transfer switch installation cost?

Do I need a transfer switch for a portable generator?

How long does a transfer switch installation take?

Will a transfer switch work with my existing generator?

Do I need a permit for a transfer switch in Wilmington?

Own a generator? Let's wire it right.

Wire Your Generator to Your Panel the Right Way.

Get a Free Quote

Three ways to connecta generator.

Manual Transfer Switch

Interlock Kit

Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)

Backfeeding without a switchis illegal and dangerous.

Every install coversthe full scope.

What homeowners askabout transfer switches.

You might also need.

Generators

Storm Prep

Panel Upgrades

Transfer switch installsacross the Wilmington area.

Transfer switch FAQs.

What's the difference between a transfer switch and an interlock kit?

Can I backfeed my panel with a generator without a transfer switch?

How much does a transfer switch installation cost?

Do I need a transfer switch for a portable generator?

How long does a transfer switch installation take?

Will a transfer switch work with my existing generator?

Do I need a permit for a transfer switch in Wilmington?

Own a generator? Let's wire it right.

Three ways to connect
a generator.

Backfeeding without a switch
is illegal and dangerous.

Every install covers
the full scope.

What homeowners ask
about transfer switches.

Transfer switch installs
across the Wilmington area.