Backup Power When the Grid Goes Down

Advantage Electric installs and services generators with transfer switches and electrical integration in Everett, Washington and surrounding areas.

Power outages in Everett, Mill Creek, Lynnwood, and surrounding areas happen more often than many homeowners expect, especially during winter storms or high winds that bring down lines and leave neighborhoods without electricity for hours or even days. When the power goes out, your refrigerator stops running, your furnace shuts off, and you lose access to lights, internet, and any medical equipment that requires constant power. A generator provides backup power that keeps critical systems running until utility service is restored.


Advantage Electric installs and services generators to support backup power needs, handling wiring, transfer switches, and electrical integration to ensure the generator is safely connected and properly sized for your home or business. The work includes selecting a generator that matches your electrical load, installing a transfer switch that prevents backfeeding into the utility grid, and connecting circuits that you want powered during an outage. The installation is familiar with local weather-related power concerns and ensures that your generator operates reliably when you need it most.


If you are considering a generator for your Everett area property and want to ensure it is installed correctly and safely, contact Advantage Electric to discuss your backup power needs and schedule an installation evaluation.

What happens during installation and after the generator is running

The installation begins with evaluating your electrical panel and determining which circuits you want powered during an outage. Advantage Electric installs a transfer switch that disconnects your home from the utility grid and connects it to the generator when power is lost. The generator is wired to the transfer switch, and circuits are selected based on your priorities, such as refrigeration, heating, water pumps, or medical equipment. In Everett, many homeowners choose whole-house generators that power the entire home, while others opt for standby systems that cover essential circuits only.


Once the generator is installed and tested, your home automatically receives power within seconds of a grid failure. Lights stay on, your furnace continues to run, and appliances operate as if utility power were still available. You will notice that the generator starts without intervention and that power transitions smoothly without damaging sensitive electronics or causing flickering. When utility power returns, the transfer switch automatically reconnects your home to the grid and shuts down the generator.


Advantage Electric also ensures that the generator is properly sized to handle your electrical load without overloading, and that all wiring meets code and manufacturer specifications. Ongoing service includes testing the transfer switch, inspecting connections, and verifying that the generator responds correctly during simulated outages. The system is installed to operate safely and reliably for years with minimal maintenance.

Homeowners often ask these before scheduling installation

Homeowners considering generator installation often have questions about how the system works, what size is needed, and how it integrates with their existing electrical setup.

What size generator do I need for my home?
Generator sizing depends on the total wattage of the circuits you want powered during an outage. Advantage Electric evaluates your electrical load and recommends a generator that can handle your needs without overloading or running inefficiently.
How does the transfer switch work?
The transfer switch disconnects your home from the utility grid when it detects a power loss, then connects the generator to your electrical panel. This prevents backfeeding and ensures safe operation. When utility power returns, the switch reconnects your home to the grid and shuts down the generator.
What happens during installation?
Advantage Electric installs the generator near your home, runs wiring to the transfer switch, and connects selected circuits to the backup system. The work includes testing the generator and switch to confirm proper operation during an outage.
How long does a generator installation take?
Most installations take one to two days depending on the size of the generator and the complexity of the electrical integration. This includes running gas lines if needed, installing the transfer switch, and testing the system.
What maintenance does a generator require?
Generators need periodic testing, oil changes, and inspection of electrical connections to ensure reliable operation. Advantage Electric provides ongoing service throughout Everett to keep your system ready for the next outage.

Advantage Electric installs and services generators throughout Everett and surrounding cities, helping homeowners and businesses prepare for power outages with backup systems that operate safely and reliably. 


If you are ready to install a generator or need to schedule service for an existing system, get in touch to discuss your backup power needs and coordinate installation.