Extreme weather events, such as wildfires, flooding, hurricanes, and storms can cause significant damage to electrical grids, placing homes into darkness for uncertain periods. An emergency generator can provide adequate power to meet a home's needs, such as cooling, heating and lighting until electricity is restored. However, installing a home generator requires permanent wiring or rewiring of existing electrical connections. In this regard, such a project is better left to professional electricians who can help homeowners choose the right unit while adhering to stringent building and electrical codes. This article delves into the process of selecting and installing a standby generator in your home.

Getting Approvals  

In most Australian states and territories, it is a requirement for a homeowner to submit electrical plans or designs for installing a standby generator for approval before the project commences. Therefore, homeowners should work with certified electricians to ensure compliance with regulatory codes. Before installing a standby generator, make sure that you get approvals from the local code authority. In other instances and jurisdictions, you might require permits for such installation. You don't want a building inspector to fail the generator installation process because you could not adhere to local building and electrical codes. Furthermore, acquiring a permit guarantees that your home insurance company will honour the policy in case of damage.

Sizing the Generator  

One crucial factor to bear in mind is a generator's capacity in terms of the power it produces, which is measured in watts. A generator's capacity varies based on the electricity needs of your home. Your preferred contractor can help you crunch the numbers to find the right fit for your house. Alternatively, several online calculators can help you get a suitable generator capacity, which matches your power needs. A typical home generator can have a capacity of 20-22kW. Also, the size of your home is a crucial factor to consider when calculating the capacity of a backup generator.

Site Selection  

A good rule of thumb is to install a standby generator at least 25 feet from your house to prevent incidences of electrocution and carbon monoxide exposure. However, check local ordinances on the required clearances. Notably, local rules might supersede manufacturer recommendations for installing a generator. Remember that the location should allow prevailing winds to blow exhaust fumes away from your home.

Power Source  

There are different fuel types for powering backup generators. Propane is an ideal fuel source because it can be stored indefinitely, but the downside is that it is not suitable for whole-house generators because it burns faster than other fuels. Diesel is highly efficient and a common choice among many homeowners. Other fuel types to include petrol and natural gas, with the latter requiring a connection to a natural gas utility company. The choice of fuel should be pegged on factors like maintenance costs and running costs.

If you have more questions, contact a local electrical contractor.