The Electrical Supply Store for Homeowners and Contractors.

The automatic transfer switch is what makes a standby generator automatic. It monitors utility power, signals the generator to start during an outage, and moves your circuits over within seconds. Many Generac and Kohler models are sold with a matched switch, while others are sold as the generator alone so your electrician can select the switch.

The two main decisions are amperage and type. A 200-amp service-entrance rated switch is common for whole-home installations, while a smaller load-center style switch powers selected circuits. Load management modules let a smaller generator handle large appliances by pausing them when demand peaks. Browse our automatic transfer switches and generator accessories, or ask us to confirm compatibility with the generator you have chosen.

Most residential wiring comes down to three products. NM-B cable, often called Romex, is the standard for dry indoor branch circuits inside walls and ceilings. UF-B cable is rated for wet locations and direct burial, which makes it the usual choice for runs to a detached garage, shed, or outdoor equipment. THHN is an individually insulated conductor pulled through conduit, common in commercial work and feeder runs.

For copper conductors, gauge generally follows the breaker: 14 AWG for 15-amp circuits, 12 AWG for 20-amp circuits, and 10 AWG for 30-amp circuits. Our electrical supply store stocks Southwire NM-B, UF-B, and THHN in full rolls, and contractors buying in volume can request bulk pricing. For splices and terminations, see our comparison of Wago connectors vs wire nuts.

Some manufacturers, including Generac and Kohler, set a Minimum Advertised Price policy. Under that policy, a retailer cannot display a lower price on the product page, but the price can be shown once the item is in your cart. That is why some products read "Add to Cart for Lower Price."

Adding a product to your cart does not commit you to buy, and you can remove it at any time. If you prefer to talk it through, call (800) 674-9019 and our team will discuss pricing options with you directly.

Standby generators and large wire reels ship by freight truck rather than parcel carrier. The carrier calls ahead to schedule a delivery window, and a lift-gate lowers the pallet to the ground at your curb or driveway. Moving the unit to its final location is usually handled by your installer.

Every order ships with free freight insurance. When the truck arrives, inspect the crate before you sign. If you see damage, note it on the delivery receipt, take photos, and contact us so we can start the claim right away. Smaller items such as connectors, detectors, and fixtures ship by standard parcel carrier.

Our electrical supply store provides the equipment, and a licensed electrician performs the installation. Most areas require an electrical permit, and propane or natural gas connections usually need a licensed plumber or gas fitter. Your gas utility may also need to confirm the meter can supply the generator at full load.

Placement is set by the manufacturer's installation manual, your local code, and fire safety standards such as NFPA 37 for stationary engines and generators. Typical requirements include clearance from windows, doors, and vents, plus a level base. Our guides on Generac 24kW installation cost and concrete pad cost for a generator install explain what to budget beyond the generator itself.

IB Lighting began in 2013 as a family business founded by a licensed Master Electrician. Since then we have sold over $500 million in electrical equipment, both from our showroom at 22325 W Warren Ave in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, and to customers across the country.

The people who answer our phones understand load calculations, transfer switches, and wire sizing. That is the difference between an electrical supply store and a general marketplace. Every product ships new with the full manufacturer warranty, and our team stays available after delivery for setup and warranty questions. Have a project in mind? Contact our team or browse expert answers to common questions.