Power outages in southeastern Wisconsin aren’t a matter of if—they’re a matter of when. Between summer storms, heavy snow, ice, and high winds, losing power for hours (or even days) is something many Waukesha County homeowners experience at least once a year. When that happens, having a plan to keep the essentials running can make a stressful situation far more manageable.

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One of the most practical and cost-effective solutions we recommend is installing a portable generator inlet with a mechanical interlock. This setup allows you to safely power key circuits in your home during an outage without the expense of a full whole-home generator system.

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Standby vs. Portable Generators

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There are two primary types of home backup generators, and choosing the right one depends on your budget, power needs, and how often you experience outages in your neighborhood.

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Activation: Portable — manual, must be started by hand. Standby — automatic, starts within 10 seconds.

Fuel: Portable — gasoline (must be stored). Standby — natural gas or propane (utility line).

Power Output: Portable — 3,000–12,000 watts. Standby — 7,000–22,000+ watts.

Installation: Portable — minimal (requires transfer switch). Standby — professional electrician required.

Cost: Portable — $500–$3,000. Standby — $3,000–$12,000 installed.

Best For: Portable — occasional short outages. Standby — frequent outages, medical equipment, full home.

 

Why We Recommend a Portable Generator

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Portable generators are a flexible backup power option that can be powered by gasoline, propane, or natural gas. Many newer models are tri-fuel, meaning they can run on one or all three fuel types depending on availability. That flexibility is a big advantage during extended outages or fuel shortages.

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Unlike whole-home standby generators, portable generators do not automatically turn on. They need to be started and connected manually. However, they typically cost a fraction of the price of an automatic generator installation while still providing reliable power for essential needs.

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While a portable generator may not power every circuit in your electrical panel, it can comfortably run the most important loads, such as:

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• Refrigerator and freezer

• Sump pump

• Furnace or boiler

• Select lighting circuits

• Wi-Fi, TVs, and small electronics

 

For most homeowners, that’s more than enough to get through an outage safely and comfortably.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: How big of a generator do I need?

A: While every home is different, we generally recommend a 7,500-watt generator or larger for most residential applications. This size provides enough capacity to run multiple essential circuits without constantly worrying about overloads.

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During installation, we can help you plan which circuits make the most sense to power during an outage, based on your home’s layout and priorities.

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Q: Do I need a permit to install a generator in Wisconsin?

A: Yes. Generator installations require a permit. Home and Business Electric handles all permitting as part of our installation service.

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Call 262-278-0330 for a Free Generator Installation Estimate