Generator Installation in Tucson, AZ
When the power goes out during a Tucson summer, indoor temperatures can reach dangerous levels within a few hours. A properly sized standby generator keeps your air conditioning, refrigerator, medical equipment, and essential systems running through monsoon outages, TEP grid issues, and any other disruption. Flowing Wells Electric installs whole-home and partial-home generators with automatic transfer switches that activate within seconds of a power loss.
Call (520) 376-2779Generator sizing is the most critical decision in the installation process, and it is especially important in Tucson because of the air conditioning load. A typical Tucson home with a 3 to 5-ton AC system requires a generator in the 18 to 24 kilowatt range to run the air conditioning along with essential circuits like the refrigerator, lights, and outlets. Undersized generators are a common and costly mistake that we see frequently. They either cannot start the AC compressor at all or they overload and shut down, leaving you without the cooling you need most. We perform a detailed load calculation for every installation to ensure proper sizing.
We install generators from leading manufacturers including Generac, Kohler, and Briggs and Stratton, in both natural gas and propane configurations. Natural gas is the preferred fuel source for homes with an existing gas line because it provides unlimited runtime without fuel delivery. For homes in areas like Vail, Green Valley, and Tucson Estates where natural gas service may not be available, propane generators with a dedicated tank provide reliable backup. We coordinate with your fuel provider for tank installation and line routing.
Every generator installation in Pima County requires an electrical permit and in many cases a building permit for the concrete pad and gas line. An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is a critical component that monitors the utility power and automatically starts the generator within 10 to 30 seconds of an outage, then seamlessly transfers your home back to utility power when TEP service is restored. We handle all permitting, ATS installation, and final inspection to ensure your system is legal, safe, and ready for the next outage.
Our Process
Load Calculation and Sizing
We calculate the exact electrical load of your essential systems, including air conditioning, to determine the right generator size. This prevents undersizing, which is the most common and most expensive mistake in generator selection.
Equipment Selection and Site Planning
We help you choose the right generator brand and fuel type, select the location for the unit and transfer switch, and plan the gas line and electrical connections in compliance with Pima County setback requirements.
Permitting and Installation
We pull all required Pima County permits, pour or install the mounting pad, set the generator, install the automatic transfer switch at your panel, and run all gas and electrical connections.
Testing and Commissioning
We simulate a power outage to verify automatic startup, transfer switch operation, and proper load management. We walk you through the maintenance schedule and show you how to run manual tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size generator do I need for a Tucson home with air conditioning?
Most Tucson homes need a generator in the 18 to 24 kilowatt range to run the air conditioning system along with essential circuits. The exact size depends on the tonnage of your AC unit, whether you have a pool pump, and how many additional circuits you want to power. We perform a detailed load calculation to determine the right size for your specific situation.
How much does a whole-home generator cost?
A whole-home standby generator with automatic transfer switch and professional installation in the Tucson area typically ranges from $12,000 to $20,000 depending on the size, brand, and fuel type. Partial-home systems that power essential circuits including AC can be more affordable in the $8,000 to $14,000 range. We provide detailed pricing after the load calculation and site evaluation.
Should I get a portable generator or a standby generator for AC?
A portable generator cannot safely run a central air conditioning system in most cases. The startup surge from an AC compressor exceeds the capacity of nearly all portable generators and can damage both the generator and the AC unit. For reliable cooling during Tucson summer outages, a permanently installed standby generator with an automatic transfer switch is the right choice.
Do I need a Pima County permit for a generator?
Yes, Pima County requires both an electrical permit for the transfer switch and wiring, and typically a building permit for the generator pad and gas line. Some HOAs also have requirements for generator placement and noise levels. Flowing Wells Electric handles all permitting and ensures compliance with both county code and any applicable HOA guidelines.
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Learn MoreAreas We Serve for Generator Installation
We provide generator installation services throughout the greater Tucson metropolitan area, including the following communities.
Need Generator Installation in Tucson?
Call Flowing Wells Electric today for a free estimate on your generator installation project.