What You Need to Know When You Install a Standby Generator 

I recently had a conversation with colleagues of mine from ESA (Electrical Safety Authority), and they mentioned that they’ve seen an increase in the number of standby generator purchases. Many homeowners are investing in standby or whole-home generators to protect their homes from power outages, especially with the increase in the number of storms we’ve seen recently. 

Storms with heavy rain, lightning, and high winds can typically cause power outages as well as damaged roofs, siding, downed trees, and downed electrical power lines, to name a few. Before making a purchase, you must first determine whether a backup generator is worthwhile for your situation. 

Here’s a guide on what you need to know before purchasing and installing a standby generator in your home.

Do You Need A Generator?

A backup generator may be worth the money if you live in an area where severe storms, flooding, or extended power outages are frequent, offering you peace of mind and potentially saving you thousands of dollars in possible damage.

There are two main kinds of generators, portable and standby. Portable generators are limited to 12 kilowatts and if you have 240 volts, they need to be grounded to the frame. 

Standby generators support a much greater power draw and can be connected to your home’s main panel. They are powered by diesel, propane or natural gas.

What is A Generator?

Let’s take a step back and first talk about what is a generator. A generator transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy. When the power into the electrical grid is down, it powers your electronics and appliances. When there is a power outage or a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, heavy ice, or snowfall, generators are a piece of essential safety equipment to have in your home. 

You can continue to use your home’s heat, lights, necessary appliances, and medical machines if you have a generator. A generator can lessen the inconvenience and guarantee that an unexpected blackout won’t disrupt your day if you live in an area that experiences regular but brief outages.

How Does A Standby Generator Work

Power Outage 

The generator is connected to the building’s electrical system via an automatic transfer switch (ATS), which automatically switches between utility power during normal operation and generator power during a power loss. The engine starts automatically with the help of an alternator when the generator detects a power outage.

Illustration showing how a standby generator works with the help of an automatic transfer switch.

When the Power Comes Back on

When the power is restored, the automatic transfer switch cuts the power to the generator and returns it to the grid automatically.

How Power is restored. Illustration from Electrical Safety Authority (ESA).

Portable Generator vs. Standby Generator 

There are three main kinds of generators, inverter, portable, and standby. 

Inverter Generators

Inverter generators are similar to portable generators and ideal for camping, boating, and other recreational activities as they can store DC power. In addition to powering lights, heaters, fans, radios, smartphones, and other devices. 

They are also typically quieter, lightweight, and easy to transport than other generators. They generate AC electricity and convert it to DC power, and back again to AC to create a cleaner wave of electricity, using an engine and an alternator. Ideal for lights, fans, etc. 

Tip: You can usually connect two inverter generators together for twice the power. 

However, the most common generator types are portable and standby generators.

Portable Generator

Portable generators are affordable and capable of powering your home’s essential appliances. Regular portable generators run on gasoline and go through 12 to 20 gallons (45 to 75 liters) per day, depending on the generator and the load it’s powering. So, having extra gasoline around needs to be considered. 

Portable models are often used on job sites to power air compressors, nail guns, saws, hammer drills, and other equipment.

The other thing to consider is that you must be at home to connect to the power. This doesn’t happen automatically as it would with a standby generator. Therefore, if you go for a trip the day before a power outage, you run the risk of returning home to a host of problems, from a flooded basement (caused by a broken sump pump) to a refrigerator or freezer stocked with perishables that have gone bad.

Portable generators are generally loud. There is also the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from the engine exhaust. For this reason, the portable generator must be at least ten feet away from the house or an enclosed space, like a garage, for example. The generator still requires some protection from the elements while also providing proper air circulation and movement. Make sure you factor into your generator budget the cost of a store-bought or DIY enclosure.

TIP: The best portable generators for residential use will have a 12-volt plug – ideal for charging smartphones and gadgets. 

Standby Generator  

A standby generator is placed in the majority of the projects on which I work. Me, I want to be entirely protected in the case of a significant power outage, so we opted to install a home backup generator. 

We install standby generators on a lot of our projects to give homeowners peace of mind knowing their home is protected in case of a power outage.

Because it monitors your home’s electrical supply, a standby generator gives the finest coverage. When there is a power outage, it instantly kicks in and begins supplying power straight to your home’s electrical system through a transfer switch. Isn’t that convenient for when you’re gone from home for an extended amount of time?

Reasons to Install a Standby Generator for Storm Season 

Every homeowner should think about getting a standby generator to protect their house and their loved ones. Because a standby generator will keep your vital mechanics powered during an outage, it can help you avoid things like rotting food and malfunctioning appliances, which can lead to expensive repairs. 

Having a generator on standby can provide peace of mind during a power loss due to changing weather and unanticipated scenarios.

12 Tips To Prepare Your Home For a Natural Disaster

Advantages of Having a Whole-House Standby Generator 

1. Dependable: Get automatic emergency backup power moments after a power outage (practically seamless) 
2. Convenient: Whole-house generators offer blackout protection twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
3. Long-lasting: They are permanently installed and typically last 10 – 15 years or more
4. Easy Upkeep: Liquid propane or natural gas, can be used to power the machine
5. Versatile: Are adaptable and can power all the circuits in your house or just a few
6. Quieter: Consider models with unique features that run the unit more quietly or carry out weekly self-diagnostic tests when selecting the finest generator for home backup.

Install The Generator A Little Further From Your Home

You can position your generator further away from your home, windows and doors. With standby generators make sure the exhausts are positioned away from your home. Some generators have their pipes facing upwards which can also lessen the noise.

Vibration Absorbing Pad To Reduce The Generator Noise

You can also place your generator on a vibration-absorbing pad. These are specially designed to lessen the noise. Another option is to purchase a noise reduction cage or box as that can significantly reduce the noise without inhibiting airflow or cooling requirements. Some people also opt to build their own, but that can void the certification warranty if not done correctly.

How is a Standby Generator Connected to Your Home?

When installing an ATS, the outdoor-rated enclosed box will be mounted on the exterior of your house next to the meter. This is the more popular option. However, it can also be installed in the house provided it follows the service box requirements. The main utility power then needs to be turned off before you go any further —and make sure your generator is in the off position. 

Once that’s done, connect the power cables from your home to the unit with the mounted ATS box in place. The utility power source cable, the service disconnect-circuit breaker, and customer load leads are then all connected to the transfer switch. Finally, the generator power source cables are connected.

Next, the standby generator needs the battery and fuses to be installed and connected within the generator. Before starting the generator up for the first time, check the oil (like a car) to ensure it’s at the correct level. You should also check the fuel supply and provide that the fuel line has been purged and tested. 

The final step includes testing and verifying the generator using the manual power option. Once completed, add the fuses to the ATS switch. The generator can also be activated online using an app.

After a series of tests, the generator is ready to turn on automatically after a power outage. The turnaround time is approximately 7 to 10 seconds.

What Is A Transfer Switch

When installing a standby generator, I recommend installing a transfer switch to operate it. 

If you’re in the US, your licensed electrical contractor may suggest an interlock kit instead. However, in Canada these are not permitted as once the plate is unscrewed, or becomes loose, it could cause a safety issue or it could just fall off over time, so I wouldn’t recommend it.

Protect yourself and your family and install a certified automatic or manual transfer switch with a licensed electrical contractor!

Transfer Switch Installation

A transfer switch isolates the circuits in the house that you want to power. All other circuits are left without power to prevent overloading. The transfer switch also electrically isolates the generator and the house from the grid. 

This stops electrically generated power from back feeding onto the grid. This is very important as it can help prevent fires, or utility workers from getting hurt if they are trying to fix things and bring the power back on. The switch also stops the house from being powered by utility power while the generator is running, which if it happens can cause an electrical fire or the generator to catch on fire.

Site Survey Before Installing a Standby Generator

Every homeowner’s needs will be different, that’s why having a site survey is so important. It also needs to be done by a licensed electrical contracting business or by a professional generator dealer. 

Things like property measurements in relation to the home, electrical needs, electrical panel inspection, meter location (needs clear access, without shrubs), location of your main service utility line, and gas lines. The further you go from the meter, the more it’s going to cost.

Tip: There’s no way a contractor can give you a realistic price on a standby generator installation without doing a site survey. Yes, they can give you a range, but without actually seeing where the generator will go and what shape the homeowner’s electrical is in – the range won’t be correct!

Can I Install a Standby Generator Myself?

No, installing a standby generator is never a DIY job! It is extremely risky, and you don’t want to put your life or that of your family at risk. 

Always consult with a licensed electrical contracting business. They are trained and have passed the exams by the manufacturer with respect to their products. 

It’s important to consult with a licensed gas fitter as well as your standby generator needs to be tied into a gas/propane supply. This is another reason why this is 100%, not a DIY job.

How Do You Hook Up A Generator To A House Without A Transfer Switch 

There are 4 ways you can connect the generator to the house without a transfer switch. 

1. Using a Breaker Box: You can connect the generator to the breaker box, using a breaker. When needed the main breaker will cut off the power supply to the generator.
2. Using the Main Electrical Panel: You can also wire the generator to the main electric panel. 
3. Using a Through Relay: A relay can interrupt the power supply from any appliance in the house when there is a power surge or electrical issue. You can connect the generator using a relay which will allow the device switch to turn on and off automatically.
4. Using Through a Power Inverter: the easiest way to connect is through a power inverter, which is a device that turns the generator’s DC power into AC power. Your home appliances can then utilize this power.

What Is The Best Place  To Install a Standby Generator 

You need to discuss several factors with your licensed electrician when you are preparing to install a standby generator on your property. 

It’s best to place your standby generator where the prevailing winds will blow the exhaust away from your home. In addition, keep the generator away from living spaces, bedrooms, and neighbours.

Never place the generator inside a building, in a breezeway, under an overhang, or in a space blocked by trees, bushes, or other vegetation. Avoid snowdrift-prone places, and keep dogs, animals, people, and traffic away from the generator. 

To keep you and your family safe, consulting with a licensed electrical contractor, your local utilities, and your local building authority is essential before you install a standby generator.

How Far Should A Standby Generator Be Placed Away From The House, Windows, and Doors 

Local codes suggest at least 18 inches away from anything flammable, and 5 feet away from windows and doors. Always follow your local municipal building codes.

The NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association) code, and local city bylaws, will dictate the minimal distance between the home and the generator, the type of house siding used, and manufacturer certifications.