Every Boston-area homeowner with a portable or standby generator knows the frustration of running extension cords through windows when the power goes out. A professionally installed transfer switch ends that headache, safely routing generator power through your home’s existing breaker panel. In this in-depth guide, CountBricks explains the process, the costs, and how our AI-driven estimating platform removes guesswork from residential construction projects.
• Safety first — back-feeding a generator directly into household wiring can endanger utility workers and damage appliances
• Convenience — a single switch delivers power to critical circuits without a tangle of cords
• Code compliance — local inspectors require an approved switching mechanism before signing off on permanent or standby generator installs
1. Manual transfer switch — budget-friendly, perfect for portable generators rated up to 10 kW
2. Automatic transfer switch (ATS) — seamless and hands-free, designed for standby generators 10 kW – 24 kW
3. Load-shedding smart switch — balances large loads such as HVAC, water heaters, and EV chargers when generator capacity is limited
CountBricks electricians help you choose the correct ampacity and circuit configuration during a no-obligation site walkthrough. Schedule yours at CountBricks.com/consultation.
When you speak with our estimator through the CountBricks voice app, we capture square footage, existing panel size, generator rating, and preferred backup circuits in real time. Our AI immediately pulls up Boston material pricing, local permit fees, and labor rates, then generates:
• A line-item material list including switch, conduit, cable, and breakers
• Labor hours by task — demolition, surface-mount conduit, panel labeling, inspection
• A downloadable PDF quote branded with your logo if you’re a contractor user, or CountBricks branding for homeowners
The result is an accurate number you can rely on before spending a dollar on hardware.
1. Secure the permit — CountBricks submits digital permit packets and tracks approvals via our client dashboard
2. Shut down main service — lock-out procedures guarantee zero live work
3. Mount the transfer switch — adjacent to the main panel, maintaining NEC-required clearance
4. Route conduit and conductors — separate generator feeder from utility supply
5. Land and torque terminals — neutral, ground, and hot legs according to manufacturer specs
6. Label circuits — critical loads receive color-coded markers for quick reference
7. Inspection and functional test — utility power off, generator on, verify changeover within code limits
• NEC Article 702 governs optional standby systems for one- and two-family dwellings
• Boston inspectors require neutral-ground separation in service-rated ATS enclosures
• Outdoor switches must carry a NEMA 3R rating to withstand New England storms
CountBricks project managers stay updated on every jurisdictional amendment so you never face a red-tag delay.
• 30 amp manual switch, six circuits: $480 materials, $850 labor, $125 permit
• 100 amp ATS, whole-house: $1,750 materials, $1,600 labor, $210 permit
• Smart load-shedding ATS, 200 amp: $2,900 materials, $1,950 labor, $250 permit
These figures come directly from CountBricks.com/services pricing engine and auto-update monthly.
• Perform a generator load test every six months
• Exercise automatic switches weekly to prevent relay corrosion
• Replace indicator lamps and worn labels annually
CountBricks offers a maintenance subscription that logs runtime hours and emails service reminders.
• AI accuracy — our estimates land within 2 % of final invoices on 93 % of projects
• Voice-to-quote speed — complete a full scope call in under five minutes
• End-to-end service — design, permits, installation, and maintenance under one roof
• Transparent documentation — photos, inspection reports, and warranty cards stored in your CountBricks digital binder
Ready to safeguard your home against the next outage? Visit CountBricks.com/consultation and book a free assessment today.
Last winter, a Somerville homeowner contacted CountBricks after losing power for 14 hours during a nor’easter. They had already purchased a 20 kW standby generator but needed a code-compliant way to connect it. Using our voice app, the client identified critical loads—furnace blower, fridge, well pump, and internet gear—while walking around the house. In less than six minutes, our AI produced a 14-line estimate detailing materials, labor, and permit fees totaling $4,280.
• Permit approval secured in 48 hours through CountBricks digital submission portal
• 200 amp service-rated automatic transfer switch installed in a single eight-hour visit
• Load-shedding module configured so the heat pump only energizes when spare capacity exceeds 30 %
• Final inspection passed on first attempt, thanks to pre-inspection checklist generated by CountBricks.com/tools
• Power restoration time during the next outage: 11 seconds
• Project invoiced at $4,330—just 1.2 % over the original AI estimate
• Homeowner enrolled in CountBricks five-year maintenance plan, adding $14 monthly but extending switch warranty to 10 years
• Position the switch on the same wall stud bay as the service panel to minimize conduit bends and maintain a clean look
• Use color-coded lever connectors for branch circuits—inspectors love clear labeling, and homeowners appreciate easy troubleshooting
• Capture before-and-after photos in the CountBricks project app; they speed up appraisals and insurance claims
Whether you’re a DIY-minded homeowner seeking an accurate budget or a contractor needing rapid takeoffs, CountBricks delivers data-driven confidence. Visit CountBricks.com/services to see how our platform can streamline every phase of installing a transfer switch—and every other residential construction upgrade on your list.
