Keep the fridge running when the grid doesn't.

Generator inlet boxes and panel interlocks for portable generators, installed before storm season around Houston.

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Pro Max Electrical plugging a generator cord into a new inlet box beside the meter on a brick house
From our generator inlet video

Houston has had plenty of reminders that the power can be out for days. A portable generator only helps if you can get its power into the house safely. Extension cords through a cracked door can't run the circuits that matter, and backfeeding a dryer outlet is dangerous for you and for the line crews working on the street.

We install a generator inlet box on the outside wall and a mechanical interlock on your breaker panel. The interlock makes it impossible to have the main breaker and the generator breaker on at the same time. When the grid goes down, you roll the generator out, plug one cord into the inlet, flip the main off and the generator breaker on, and then choose which circuits to run.

What the job includes

  • Generator inlet box mounted on the outside wall
  • Mechanical interlock kit fitted to your breaker panel
  • A properly sized generator breaker
  • Matching power cord, sized to your generator
  • Breakers labeled so you know which circuits to turn on
  • A walk-through of the startup and switch-over steps before we leave

Signs it's time to call

  • You own a portable generator but have been running extension cords
  • You lost power for days after Beryl in 2024 and don't want to do that again
  • Someone in the house depends on medical equipment
  • You want the fridge, freezer, lights and Wi-Fi running during an outage

What it costs

An inlet and interlock costs much less than a whole-house standby generator, because you use the portable generator you already have. The price depends on your panel model, since the interlock kit has to match it, and on how far the inlet sits from the panel. One customer told us other companies quoted him $1,500 to $2,500 for his generator hookup and we did it for less than half. Every house is different, so we price yours after we see it.

From a customer

"I called 4-5 different companies trying to get a generator hookup to my house and got quoted $1500-$2500, Pro Max did for less than half, came out within a few days, did excellent work that's up to code and even labeled all my breakers in my panel for free."Chris P., Google review

Breaker tripping, outlet dead, or something new to wire?

Financing is available through Wisetack on larger jobs.

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Questions about this job.

What people ask us about generator inlets and interlocks.

Or call (832) 464-4258

It is a sliding metal plate on your panel that only lets one of two breakers be on: the main breaker from the utility, or the breaker fed by your generator. That keeps generator power from backfeeding onto the street, where it can injure line workers, and keeps utility power from hitting your generator when it comes back on.

Usually not all at once. Most portable generators can run the fridge, freezer, lights, fans, Wi-Fi and a few outlets, and some can run a window unit. Central AC generally needs a much larger unit. We go over your generator's rating with you and help you pick the circuits.

Yes. Once a storm is in the forecast, everyone calls at the same time and parts sell out. Getting it installed in the spring means you only have to roll the generator out and plug it in when the power goes.

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