Standby generators in Carolina Beach and Kure Beach
Generator help for Pleasure Island, where flood elevation and salt spray drive many of the decisions.
Carolina Beach and Kure Beach share Pleasure Island at the southern tip of New Hanover County. Carolina Beach had 6,564 residents in 2020 and sits about 12 miles south of Wilmington's airport, between the Atlantic and the Cape Fear River. Many houses here are raised on pilings, and many are second homes or rentals.
Raise the generator out of the water
On an island lot, the generator and its fuel supply often have to sit on an elevated platform. FEMA guidance for backup power is to elevate equipment above the base or design flood elevation, and to anchor fuel tanks so they can't float. Your flood zone and the elevation certificate for the house shape how high the platform goes.
Who issues the permits?
The Town of Carolina Beach says trade permits for electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing systems go through New Hanover County Building Safety, while the town handles zoning. Kure Beach owners should check with the town about zoning and floodplain rules first.
Salt air and empty houses
- Ask about corrosion-resistant enclosures and more frequent checks for salt buildup
- Remote monitoring helps owners who aren't on the island during a storm
- Schedule service in spring, before rental season and hurricane season overlap
- Keep propane topped off, since deliveries may stop when the bridge or roads are closed
Common questions
Does a generator on Pleasure Island have to be elevated?
If the lot is in a flood zone, plan on it. FEMA guidance is to keep equipment above the flood elevation, and local floodplain rules apply. Check with the town.
Who issues electrical permits in Carolina Beach?
The town says electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing trade permits go through New Hanover County Building Safety.
Services in Carolina Beach
- Standby generator installationNew whole-house or essential-circuit generators, sized to your home and set to start on their own.
- Transfer switchesAutomatic and manual transfer switches that safely connect a generator to your house wiring.
- Natural gas and propane hookupsGas piping, meter upgrades and propane tank connections to fuel a standby generator.
- Generator maintenanceScheduled service: oil, filters, battery, plugs and a test under load before storm season.
- Generator repairDiagnosis and repair when a standby generator won't start, won't transfer or shuts down.
Nearby areas
Tired of losing power every time a storm rolls up the Cape Fear?
Call and a local installer will talk through what a standby generator would take at your house.