Generator & Surge Protection in Florence, SC — Standby, Portable Hookups, Whole-Home Surge
Standby generators, portable generator hookups and whole-home surge protection for storm country.
Generator & Surge Protection in Florence & the Pee Dee
The Pee Dee loses power — thunderstorms, ice, and the occasional hurricane (Florence in 2018, Dorian in 2019) have left Florence-area homes dark for hours to days. Palmetto Electric installs standby generators with automatic transfer switches, safe interlocks and inlets for portable generators, and whole-home surge protection at the panel.
We size the generator to what you actually need to keep running — HVAC, fridge, well pump, medical equipment — and install it so it's safe for you and for the line crews working to restore power.
Common problems we fix
- Frequent or long outages after Pee Dee storms
- Wanting a standby generator with automatic switchover
- Using a portable generator with dangerous extension-cord setups
- No transfer switch or interlock (back-feed risk)
- Sensitive electronics damaged by surges
- No whole-home surge protector at the panel
- Well pump or medical equipment that can't lose power
What homeowners ask us first
Standby generator or portable — which is right for me?
A standby generator runs automatically on natural gas or propane and powers much of the home; a portable is cheaper but needs a safe inlet and transfer switch and manual start. We help you weigh cost vs. convenience.
Why do I need a transfer switch or interlock?
Plugging a generator into the house without one can back-feed the grid and electrocute line workers, plus damage your gear. A transfer switch or listed interlock makes it safe and legal.
Does whole-home surge protection really help?
Yes. A panel-mounted surge protector clamps the big spikes from grid switching and nearby strikes that fry electronics — our surge guide explains the layers worth having.
Related help & resources
Brands we install & service
Guides that go deeper
Related electrical services
Service areas
Need an electrician now?
Sparking outlets, a burning smell, a dead panel or no power? Call Palmetto Electric for fast, licensed help in Florence and across the Pee Dee — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call (843) 595-9236 Open 24 hours · Licensed & insuredFrequently asked questions
What size generator do I need?
It depends on whether you want to run the whole house or just essentials like the fridge, HVAC and well pump. We do a load assessment and recommend a size that fits your budget.
Do you install Generac and Kohler generators?
Yes — we install and connect major standby brands including Generac and Kohler, with the transfer switch and gas/propane coordination.
Will surge protection stop all damage?
No single device stops everything, but panel-level protection plus point-of-use protectors on sensitive gear dramatically reduces surge damage.
Can you connect my existing portable generator safely?
Yes — we add a proper inlet box and a transfer switch or interlock kit so you can power circuits safely without back-feeding.