What’s Included in Your Generator Installation Package
A professional installation involves significantly more than placing a unit on the ground. We provide a turnkey solution that encompasses every technical requirement from the gas meter to the main breaker panel.
- Comprehensive Load Calculation
We perform a detailed audit of your electrical load. This ensures the unit selected can handle startup amperages for heavy appliances like HVAC systems, sump pumps, and water heaters without overloading.
- Site Preparation and Pad Installation
Proper placement is critical for airflow, exhaust dissipation, and flood mitigation. We install high-strength concrete or composite pads that adhere to local elevation requirements, ensuring stability even during heavy rains or minor flooding events.
- Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) Integration
The ATS is the brain of your backup system. We install and wire the switch directly into your main service entrance. This component isolates your home from the utility grid during an outage—preventing dangerous back-feed—and instantly routes generator power to your breaker panel.
Whether your property relies on natural gas or liquid propane, our certified technicians handle all piping and connections. For natural gas, we verify that the meter and supply lines have sufficient volume and pressure to run the generator at full load. For propane, we coordinate tank placement and line trenching.
- Manufacturer-Certified Start-Up
Once the hardware is in place, we perform a rigorous commissioning process. This includes setting the exercise schedule, verifying frequency and voltage output, and registering the unit for warranty coverage with manufacturers like Generac and Cummins.
Your Generator Installation Journey: Step by Step
Understanding the workflow helps you plan for the installation with minimal disruption to your daily routine. Mackey Services executes a disciplined process designed to move from assessment to completion efficiently.
- Site Assessment and Consultation
The process begins with an on-site technical evaluation. Technicians assess your electrical panel, gas meter location, and property lines to determine the optimal placement for the generator.
- System Sizing and Selection
Based on the load calculation, we recommend specific units that match your power requirements. This phase involves selecting between air-cooled units for standard residential use or liquid-cooled units for larger estates and commercial applications.
- Permitting and Regulatory Approval
We handle the administrative workload. This involves submitting detailed site plans and electrical diagrams to the city of Galveston or relevant local municipalities to secure necessary electrical and mechanical permits.
- Physical Installation and Wiring
Technicians position the unit and execute all high-voltage electrical wiring and fuel piping. This step adheres strictly to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local amendments.
We do not leave until we prove the system works. We simulate a utility failure to verify that the ATS detects the loss of power, starts the generator, transfers the load, and then seamlessly transfers back when utility power is restored.
Finally, we walk you through the system’s operation. You will learn how to check status indicators, read the display panel, and understand the automatic weekly exercise cycle.
Upgrading Your System: When to Choose a New Generator Over Repair
For homeowners with existing backup systems, determining whether to repair an aging unit or invest in a modern replacement is a financial and operational decision. Technology in power generation has advanced, offering quieter operation, better fuel efficiency, and smarter load management.
- Part Availability and Cost
If your current generator is over ten years old, sourcing specific control boards or mechanical parts may be difficult or cost-prohibitive. If a repair estimate approaches 50% of the cost of a new unit, replacement is generally the more prudent investment — view our current specials for replacement deals.
If you have added square footage, a larger central air conditioning unit, or an electric vehicle charging station since your original generator was installed, your current unit may be undersized. An undersized generator risks stalling under load or damaging sensitive electronics due to voltage fluctuations.
- Technological Obsolescence
Older units often lack the sophisticated load-shedding capabilities of modern systems. Newer generators can prioritize high-demand circuits, allowing a smaller, more fuel-efficient unit to power a larger home effectively.
Modern engines are designed to consume less fuel while delivering cleaner power with less harmonic distortion (THD). If your current unit consumes excessive propane or natural gas, upgrading can lower operational costs during extended outages.
Navigating Texas Permits and Seasonal Considerations
Installing a generator in the Galveston region requires navigating specific regulatory and environmental challenges. Texas strict building codes and the coastal environment dictate precise installation standards to ensure longevity and safety.
The coastal salt air is highly corrosive to standard metal enclosures. We prioritize the installation of units with aluminum or composite enclosures designed to withstand harsh marine environments without rusting, ensuring the structural integrity of the unit over time.
- Windstorm Ratings and Elevation
Installations in this region must often meet windstorm certification requirements. This influences how the unit is anchored to the pad. Additionally, flood zones may require elevating the generator on a specialized platform to keep critical components above potential water levels.
Permitting offices often experience a backlog as hurricane season approaches. Initiating the installation process during the off-season ensures that all inspections and approvals are cleared well before a named storm enters the Gulf.
In some instances, upgrading to a whole-home generator requires a heavier gas meter or an electrical service upgrade. We coordinate directly with local utility providers to facilitate these upgrades, ensuring your infrastructure can support the new equipment.
Why Choose Us: Proven Expertise and Technical Precision
Selecting the right contractor is as important as selecting the right generator brand. The effectiveness of your backup power system relies entirely on the quality of the installation and the accuracy of the load calculations.
- Licensed and Insured Professionals
Electrical and plumbing work involves significant liability. We carry all necessary state licenses and insurance policies, protecting your property and ensuring that every connection meets strict safety codes.
- Factory-Certified Technicians
Our team undergoes regular training with major manufacturers. This certification is required to validate factory warranties. Unauthorized installation can void manufacturer protections, leaving you liable for future repair costs.
We are deeply familiar with the specific amendments and requirements of the Galveston area. This local knowledge prevents failed inspections and project delays, ensuring a smooth path from purchase to power.
- Holistic Service Approach
We view the generator as part of your home’s ecosystem. We ensure that the installation looks professional, with conduit and piping run neatly and discreetly. We respect your property and leave the job site clean and ready for operation.
