When the power goes out, life quickly comes to a standstill.

The lights turn off. The refrigerator stops cooling. Internet service disappears. Sump pumps stop running. Heating and air conditioning shut down. For some homeowners, a prolonged outage can even threaten medical equipment or cause thousands of dollars in property damage.

That’s why more homeowners throughout Baltimore County and the surrounding areas are investing in permanently installed standby generators.

A standby generator isn’t simply another electrical appliance, it’s an integrated backup power system designed to automatically restore electricity to your home within seconds of a utility outage.

At Dynamo Electric, we’ve installed standby generators for homeowners throughout Maryland. While every home presents unique challenges, our process remains consistent: educate the customer, communicate clearly, perform quality workmanship, and coordinate every step from start to finish.

Our goal is simple.

We handle the process so you don’t have to.

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Step 1: Understanding Your Backup Power Needs

Every successful installation begins with a conversation.

Before discussing equipment, we first learn about your goals.

Questions we commonly ask include:

• Do you want to power the entire home or only essential circuits?
• Do you currently have natural gas or propane?
• How often do you lose power?
• Are you planning future additions such as an EV charger, pool, hot tub, workshop, or finished basement?
• Do you work from home?
• Do you have medical equipment that requires uninterrupted power?

Many homeowners assume bigger is always better.

In reality, properly sizing the generator is one of the most important decisions in the entire project.

Installing an oversized generator increases costs unnecessarily, while an undersized generator may not support your home’s electrical demand during an outage.

We perform electrical load calculations to recommend the generator that best fits your home both today and into the future.

Our goal is not simply to sell a generator.

Our goal is to install the right generator.

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Step 2: Site Evaluation

Every home is different.

Once the generator size has been determined, we evaluate the property to determine the best installation location.

Several factors influence placement, including:

• Manufacturer clearance requirements
• Local building codes
• Property lines
• Windows and doors
• Existing utility equipment
• Gas meter location
• Electrical service location
• Accessibility for maintenance
• Future landscaping considerations

Proper placement improves safety, simplifies maintenance, and creates a cleaner finished installation.

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Step 3: Coordinating the Entire Project

One of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have is believing generator installation only involves an electrician.

In reality, a standby generator project often involves several parties:

• Homeowner
• Electrical contractor
• Gas contractor (when required)
• County permitting office
• Electrical inspectors
• Utility company
• Generator manufacturer

Coordinating these moving parts can feel overwhelming.

That’s where Dynamo Electric takes over.

Once you approve the project, our team begins managing the process, including permits, scheduling, inspections, equipment ordering, and coordination with any required trades.

You don’t have to figure out who to call next.

We handle it.

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Step 4: Ordering Equipment

After permits are underway, we order the equipment required for your installation.

Depending on your home’s needs, this may include:

• Standby generator
• Automatic transfer switch
• Concrete or composite mounting pad
• Electrical conduit
• Conductors
• Disconnects
• Breakers
• Grounding equipment
• Gas piping materials
• Surge protection
• Load management devices (when applicable)

Using quality materials is one of the reasons our installations continue performing reliably for years.

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Step 5: Preparing the Installation Site

Before installation day arrives, we prepare the location where the generator will sit.

This may include:

• Leveling the ground
• Installing a generator pad
• Planning conduit routes
• Verifying clearances
• Confirming gas routing
• Protecting landscaping whenever possible

Good preparation leads to a cleaner installation and fewer surprises.

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Step 6: Electrical Installation

This is where the project begins taking shape.

Our electricians install the electrical infrastructure that allows the generator to safely power your home during an outage.

This typically includes:

• Installing the automatic transfer switch
• Running conduit
• Installing conductors
• Making panel connections
• Installing disconnects when required
• Bonding and grounding
• Surge protection recommendations
• Labeling equipment

Every connection is made according to current National Electrical Code requirements and manufacturer specifications.

We believe electrical work should not only function properly, it should also be clean, organized, and easy to service in the future.

A neat electrical installation reflects careful workmanship.

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Step 7: Fuel Connection

Standby generators require a reliable fuel source.

Depending on the installation, this may involve:

Natural Gas

Many homes already have natural gas available, making this one of the most common options.

Propane

Homes without natural gas often utilize propane tanks sized appropriately for the generator and expected runtime.

Proper gas sizing is critical.

Insufficient fuel supply can prevent the generator from producing its rated power.

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Step 8: Generator Placement

Once the site is ready, the generator is carefully placed on its pad and secured.

Connections are completed between:

• Generator
• Transfer switch
• Fuel supply
• Control wiring
• Battery
• Grounding system

Every connection is inspected before startup.

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Step 9: Startup and Programming

Installation is only part of the project.

The generator must also be configured correctly.

Our startup includes:

• Programming settings
• Battery verification
• Voltage testing
• Frequency testing
• Transfer switch operation
• Automatic exercise schedule
• Alarm verification
• Safety inspections

We simulate power outages to verify the system transfers correctly.

When utility power returns, we verify the generator safely transfers the home back to normal operation.

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Step 10: County Inspection

Safety is never assumed.

After installation, the required inspections verify the system complies with applicable codes.

If corrections are needed, we handle them promptly.

Our goal is for every installation to pass inspection efficiently.

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Step 11: Homeowner Education

A generator is an investment.

We want every homeowner to feel comfortable operating and maintaining their system.

Before leaving, we explain:

• How the generator operates
• What happens during a power outage
• Monthly exercise cycles
• Routine maintenance
• Warning lights
• Fuel considerations
• Warranty information

An informed homeowner has greater confidence in their investment.

Education has always been one of Dynamo Electric’s core priorities.

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Step 12: Ongoing Generator Maintenance

Like any engine, standby generators require routine maintenance.

Annual service typically includes:

• Oil change
• Oil filter replacement
• Air filter replacement
• Spark plugs (when required)
• Battery inspection
• Software updates (when applicable)
• Exercise verification
• Transfer switch inspection
• Complete operational testing

Regular maintenance extends equipment life and improves reliability when outages occur.

The best generator is the one that’s ready when you need it.

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Why Homeowners Choose Dynamo Electric

Generator installation isn’t simply about connecting wires.

It’s about planning.

It’s about communication.

It’s about craftsmanship.

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Stress-Free. Mess-Free.

Installing a standby generator is one of the best investments homeowners can make in protecting their home, family, and peace of mind.

From the first consultation to the final startup, Dynamo Electric manages every detail of the installation process. We coordinate permits, inspections, utility requirements, equipment, scheduling, and final testing so you don’t have to.

Our mission isn’t just to install generators.

Our mission is to provide dependable backup power, exceptional communication, and workmanship that homeowners can trust for years to come.

If you’re considering a Generac or other standby generator, we’d be happy to walk you through the process and help you choose the right system for your home.

Dynamo Electric
Stress-Free. Mess-Free.