J. Thomas & Son Services is a veteran-owned electrical contractor serving Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork, Columbia Falls, and the greater Flathead Valley. We handle the electrical side of generator readiness, from panel assessments to transfer switches and dedicated circuits, so your backup power connections meet code and hold up when Montana weather turns. Every installation starts with a look at your panel and the loads you want to keep running.
From inlet boxes to transfer switches, we handle every electrical step of backup power readiness.
Generator inlet box installation
Manual transfer switch wiring
Panel interlock installation where appropriate
Dedicated circuits for essential loads
Electrical panel capacity assessments
Backup-load planning for outages
Final testing and code compliance checks
Recent customer feedback about working with J Thomas And Son Services.
After calling multiple electricians in the area that said they couldn't help me for two weeks he made time the same day when our power went out. He found the issue in 30 minutes and had it fixed within an hour. Thank…
Owner reply
Thank you so much, Kimberly! I'm glad I was able to make time for you right away — that's what we aim for here at J.…
kimberly taylor
2026-07-04
Joe has been a lifesaver for us! We have had some projects adding extra rooms to the house and adding power for extra machinery in our attached shop. We had to do it relatively quickly so that we could continue with the…
Owner reply
Well thank you so much Michelle. You and your beautiful family enjoy!!!!
Michelle Varner
2026-02-24
Joe is always willing to help as soon as possible. We had a tough job that was originally wired in a very "creative" way. Joe figured out the issues in no time. Very professional, but when he leaves, you feel like…
Owner reply
Thank you so much, Jaimie. You and your family could not have been any better to me. Y’all are truly a blessing.
Jamie Buttram
2026-05-16
Had Joe help me with an electrical issue that had been bothering me for months, he was very knowledgeable and professional, would recommend to friends and family 👍🏼
Jesse Slesar
2026-04-09
Quality, professional work at the right price. Incredibly pleased is an understatement. We couldn't be happier, and will be using Joe on many future projects.
Ronakov Renovations
2026-04-08
If you’re looking for someone who does incredible work and truly cares about their customers, I highly recommend Joseph! He did a fantastic job on my 100 year old home and took the extra time to go in depth and clearly…
Liza Bryan
2026-03-31
Every home's panel, generator type, and load needs are different. Our process starts with an assessment and ends with a tested, code-compliant connection.
We look at your electrical panel's capacity, existing wiring, and the appliances you want to run so we can recommend the right setup.
We help you decide which circuits matter most, like refrigeration, lighting, heating controls, well pumps, or medical equipment, based on your generator's output.
We install a generator inlet box along with a manual transfer switch or panel interlock, wired to connect safely to your chosen circuits.
If your panel is older or already at capacity, we handle the upgrade work required before backup equipment can be safely added.
Once everything is wired, we test the full connection under load to confirm safe operation before we consider the job complete.
Get clear answers about generator installation & backup power, preparation, timing, maintenance, and what to expect before requesting an estimate.
Q1
A transfer switch lets you safely connect a generator to your home's wiring without backfeeding power into utility lines. It keeps your household circuits and utility crews safe during an outage.
Q2
No. Plugging a generator directly into an outlet can backfeed electricity into the grid and create a serious safety hazard. A proper inlet box paired with a transfer switch or interlock is required for safe use.
Q3
That depends on your generator's output and panel capacity. Common priorities include refrigeration, lighting, internet, heating controls, well pumps, and medical equipment. We help you plan circuits around what matters most to you.
Q4
Older or fully loaded panels sometimes need an upgrade before a transfer switch or interlock can be added. We assess your panel first and let you know if an upgrade is part of the job.
Q5
Yes. We install generator inlet boxes and wire them to a transfer switch or panel interlock, giving you a safe connection point outside your home for portable generator use.
Q6
Timing depends on your panel condition and the scope of work, including whether a panel upgrade or new circuits are needed. We'll walk you through the timeline after the initial assessment.
Q7
Electrical work tied to generator installations typically requires a permit in Montana. We handle the permitting process as part of the job so your installation meets code.
Q8
We focus on the electrical connections for portable and manual backup systems, including inlets, transfer switches, and interlocks. Reach out to discuss your generator setup and we'll let you know what's involved.
Ready to plan your home's backup power? Contact J. Thomas & Son Services in Kalispell to schedule a generator electrical assessment for your Flathead Valley home.
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