Whole-Home Generator Proposal Template
Comprehensive electrical scope for turnkey standby generator installations. Covers automatic transfer switches, gas plumbing coordination, load shedding, and municipal permitting.
Complete Scope of Work
Copy or customize these verbatim specifications into your contractor proposal.
1. Equipment Sizing & Concrete Pad Setting
Generator placement and structural foundation.
- Perform whole-home electrical demand calculation to determine required generator capacity (18kW–26kW).
- Verify required clearance distances: minimum 5 feet from doors/windows and 18 inches from building walls per NFPA 37.
- Pour concrete pad or install engineered composite equipment pad with gravel drainage base.
2. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) & Electrical Integration
Main service integration and emergency circuits.
- Install 200A service-entrance rated Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) between utility meter and main distribution panel.
- Install smart electrical load management modules to shed high-draw loads (AC compressors, oven) during utility outage.
- Run control wiring, battery charger circuit, and power conductors in PVC/metallic conduit from generator to ATS.
3. Gas Fuel Supply Coordination
Natural gas or LP fuel line connection.
- Connect generator fuel inlet to dedicated natural gas supply line with full-port manual gas shutoff valve.
- Verify gas meter output BTU capacity (minimum 250k–350k BTU/hr delivery during full generator electrical load).
4. Commissioning, Simulated Outage & Warranty
System startup, utility outage simulation, and app setup.
- Simulate full utility power loss; verify generator auto-start within 10 seconds and ATS emergency load transfer.
- Connect mobile monitoring app to homeowner Wi-Fi for remote status updates.
- 5-Year manufacturer parts and labor warranty.
- 2-Year contractor electrical installation warranty.
Standard Line-Item Material Allowances
Clear material specifications that protect against ambiguous scope arguments.
| Component / Assembly | Standard Specification | Unit / Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Standby Generator Unit | 22kW–26kW Air-Cooled Automatic Standby Generator | 1 Unit |
| Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) | 200A Service Rated with Smart A/C Load Shedding | 1 Unit |
| Composite Mounting Pad | Engineered 3-inch generator pad with anchoring hardware | 1 Unit |
| Control & Power Conduit Run | Conduit, power cabling, and multi-conductor control cable | Up to 25 Ft |
| Battery & Cold Weather Kit | AGM starting battery with automated thermostatic oil heater | 1 Set |
Scope-Gap Protections: 3 Clauses to Include
These contractual gotchas account for 85% of change-order arguments on whole-home generator proposal templates.
The Risk: Standard residential gas meters deliver 250k BTU total; adding a 24kW generator (280k BTU alone) causes gas starvation.
Protective Clause: Specifies that utility gas meter capacity upgrade coordination is handled, with utility fees paid by property owner.
The Risk: Generators installed closer than 5 feet to windows or air vents risk deadly carbon monoxide entering homes.
Protective Clause: Clause states generator location is strictly governed by local fire and municipal setbacks; trenching beyond standard 20-foot run quoted per foot.
The Risk: Electrical contractors cannot perform gas plumbing unless licensed or subbed.
Protective Clause: Clarifies whether the gas plumbing line extension is included via a licensed mechanical subcontractor or quoted separately.
Governing Building Codes & Standards
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does an automatic standby generator restore power during an outage?▾
The Automatic Transfer Switch detects utility power loss, starts the generator engine, stabilizes voltage, and transfers the home's electrical load within 10 to 15 seconds.
What is load shedding and why is it important?▾
Smart load shedding temporarily pauses high-power appliances (like air conditioning units or EV chargers) when the generator starts, allowing a 22kW generator to power a whole house that would otherwise require an expensive 30kW liquid-cooled commercial unit.
Related Electrical Proposal Scopes
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