Generator transfer switch handoff worksheet

Backup power goal

Item	Notes
Outage concern	Short nuisance outages / long storm outages / medical equipment / sump pump / home office / other
Backup path being considered	Portable generator / standby generator / battery / not sure
Transfer equipment being discussed	Manual transfer switch / automatic transfer switch / interlock / not sure
Fuel source	Gasoline / propane / natural gas / diesel / battery / not decided
Permit or inspection contact
Electrician, generator dealer, or utility contact

Essential-load list

List only loads that must run during an outage. Startup watts and locked-rotor current should be checked by a qualified person or from equipment nameplates/manuals.

Load	Location or circuit	Running watts/amps if known	Startup concern	Essential?
Refrigerator or freezer			Yes / no / unknown
Sump pump			Yes / no / unknown
Well pump			Yes / no / unknown
Furnace blower, boiler, or HVAC controls			Yes / no / unknown
Heat pump, AC, or mini-split			Yes / no / unknown
Medical or accessibility equipment			Yes / no / unknown
Internet, lighting, or small appliance circuit			Yes / no / unknown
EV charger or large optional load			Yes / no / unknown

Panel and site notes for the electrician

Visible note	Details
Main panel amperage from label if visible
Main breaker size if visible without removing covers
Subpanels present	Yes / no / unknown
Utility meter and service disconnect location
Clear wall space near panel
Outdoor generator location options
Distance from windows, doors, vents, and neighbors
Fuel line, propane tank, or gasoline storage constraints
Photos taken from a safe distance	Yes / no

Transfer equipment questions

• Which loads will be backed up, and which loads will be intentionally excluded?
• Will the transfer equipment be listed and approved for the panel and service arrangement?
• Is load shedding, generator management, or soft-start equipment needed for HVAC or pumps?
• What permits, inspections, utility notifications, and fuel inspections apply locally?
• Where can the generator run without carbon monoxide entering the home?
• How will the system prevent utility backfeed every time it is used?
• What user steps are required during an outage and after utility power returns?

Compare proposals

Criteria	Proposal 1	Proposal 2	Proposal 3
Generator or backup source size
Transfer equipment type
Essential circuits included
Load management included
Fuel work included
Permits and inspections included
Startup test and homeowner walkthrough
Maintenance plan and battery exercise notes
Total installed price and exclusions

Stop conditions

• Someone suggests a male-to-male cord, dryer outlet backfeed, suicide cord, or improvised generator connection.
• The plan allows the generator to run in a garage, attached carport, basement, crawlspace, near open windows, or near intake vents.
• The transfer equipment is not matched to the panel, service, generator, or local code requirements.
• Essential loads are being promised without checking startup current, fuel limits, or load management.
• The quote skips permits, inspections, grounding/bonding questions, utility isolation, or fuel work.
• Any panel work would require removing covers or touching energized parts.