Whole-Home Generator Installation in Connelly Springs, NC

Touchstone Electric’s Charlotte branch (Matthews) completed a turnkey whole-home generator project for Craig Hines in Connelly Springs, NC on March 30, 2025. This installation paired a powerful 26kW standby generator with a 400A service setup, two 200A Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS), and dedicated load-shed modules for the home’s heating equipment. The project was fully permitted and inspected for safety and code compliance.

Project Highlights

26kW Whole-Home Generator: Installed on a proper pad and positioned for efficient airflow, service access, and safe clearances around the home.
Dual 200A ATS: Two 200-amp Automatic Transfer Switches were installed to manage both 200A panels, ensuring a smooth transition to generator power when utility power is lost.
400A Service Integration: The backup system and main service were coordinated to support the home’s higher electrical capacity.
Trenching and Feeder: We trenched and routed two underground runs (approximately 20 feet) to the generator and ATS locations, providing protected conduit and feeder conductors. The generator package includes up to 50 feet of feeder and conduit as needed.
Load-Shed Modules for Heat: Two load-shedding modules prioritize essential heating while managing peak demand to keep the generator within safe operating capacity.
Permitting and Inspection: Our team handled the electrical permit, coordination with local authorities, and final inspection sign-off in Connelly Springs.
Professional Commissioning: Start-up, ATS function checks, voltage/frequency verification, and simulated outage testing were completed to confirm reliable, automatic operation.

Technicians: Wyatt Barnes and Grady Houston

How the ATS and Load-Shedding Work for You

An Automatic Transfer Switch continuously monitors your utility power. When an outage occurs, it signals the generator to start and safely transfers selected circuits to generator power—without you lifting a finger. When grid power returns, it transitions the home back to utility power and cools down the generator, all automatically.

Load-shed modules help balance demand during an outage by temporarily shedding non-critical or high-load equipment, then restoring it when capacity allows. For this project, prioritizing the home’s heating keeps comfort and safety front-and-center while protecting the generator from overload.

Our Installation Process

Site Assessment: Sizing, placement, ventilation clearance, and routing planned for performance and code compliance.
Utility and Permitting: We secured required permits and coordinated with the utility and local inspectors.
Trenching and Conduit: Neat, efficient trenching with conduit runs to the generator and ATS locations to safeguard feeders.
Generator and ATS Setup: Pad set, generator anchored, gas/electrical connections coordinated, and ATS units integrated with both 200A panels.
Commissioning and Testing: System start-up, safety controls verified, ATS operation tested, and outage simulation performed.
Final Inspection and Walkthrough: Inspection approval and homeowner orientation on system operation and care.

Yearly Maintenance for Long-Term Reliability

To keep a standby system dependable, we offer yearly generator maintenance that includes:

Oil and filter change
Battery testing and health check
Valve inspection and adjustment if needed
Inspection and tightening of electrical connections
Testing of the ATS and load-shed modules
Full-load run to verify performance under demand

Routine service helps ensure your generator is ready the moment Connelly Springs experiences a power interruption.

Serving Connelly Springs and the Greater Charlotte Area

From whole-home generator installation to 400A service upgrades and trenching, Touchstone Electric’s Charlotte team delivers safe, reliable solutions for homes in and around Connelly Springs, NC. If you’re planning a generator project or want to modernize your home’s electrical system, our licensed technicians can design, permit, install, and maintain a system tailored to your needs.

Ready for seamless backup power? Contact Touchstone Electric to schedule an on-site assessment with our Charlotte (Matthews) branch.

400A Service, 26kW Generator & ATS Installation in Connelly Springs