A standby generator installation is a permitted electrical and gas project, not a weekend DIY — but for the homeowner, the actual install is surprisingly smooth when a vetted local pro handles it. Here’s what the process looks like from first call to first self-test.
Before install day
Most of the work that determines a good outcome happens before anyone shows up with a generator:
- In-home assessment & sizing. The installer surveys your panel, the circuits you want to keep, and your fuel options, then runs a load calculation to size the unit.
- Fuel decision. Natural gas or propane, based on what’s available at your home (see the fuel guide).
- Permits. The installer pulls the parish electrical and gas/mechanical permits and confirms placement, setbacks, and — critically in South Louisiana — flood-elevation requirements. The permitting guide breaks this down parish by parish.
- Scheduling. Equipment is ordered and a date is set, with the inspection lined up to follow.
On install day
A typical residential install is often completed in a single day. The crew works through roughly these steps:
- Site prep and the pad. They prepare a level base and, in flood-prone areas, set the generator on a pad elevated above the Base Flood Elevation so a flood can’t take out the very system you’re counting on.
- Setting the unit. The generator is positioned with the required clearances from windows, doors, and walls (per NFPA 37 and the manufacturer).
- Electrical & transfer switch. An automatic transfer switch is installed at your panel and wired so the generator can safely take over the moment the grid drops — and disconnect again when it returns.
- Fuel hookup. Licensed pros connect the unit to your natural-gas line or propane tank and pressure-test the connection.
- Commissioning & load test. The system is started, tested under load, and configured to self-exercise on a weekly schedule so problems surface long before a storm.
Inspection
After the install, the parish inspector signs off on the electrical and gas work. This may happen the same week rather than the same day — your installer coordinates it. Once it passes, your system is officially ready.
After install day
A standby generator is mostly hands-off, but not no-hands:
- Weekly self-exercise. The unit runs itself briefly each week to keep the engine healthy — you’ll hear it.
- Routine maintenance. Oil, filters, and a periodic checkup keep it reliable; many installers offer a maintenance plan.
- During an outage, do nothing. That’s the point — it detects the outage and restores power automatically, usually within seconds, whether you’re home or not.
Next steps
- Understand the paperwork: Standby Generator Permitting by Louisiana Parish
- Not sure on size yet? How to Size a Home Standby Generator
- Ready to schedule an assessment? We’ll connect you with a vetted installer in your city — including New Orleans, Slidell, and Houma.