Standby Generators: Reliable Backup Power When You Need It Most

Power outages are inconvenient, but for some homes and properties they can become much more serious than simply losing lights and internet.

Sump pumps, heating equipment, refrigeration, security systems, communications equipment and other critical loads may all depend on a reliable source of electricity. A properly installed standby generator can automatically provide backup power when utility power is lost.

Unlike a portable generator, a standby generator is permanently installed and connected through an automatic transfer switch. When utility power fails, the generator starts automatically and the transfer switch moves the selected electrical loads over to generator power.

When utility power returns, the system transfers the loads back and the generator shuts down.

That means the system can operate even when nobody is home.

Standby generators can be designed in different ways depending on the property and what actually needs backup power.

Some installations are designed to supply only critical loads such as sump pumps, refrigerators, lighting, heating equipment and selected circuits.

Other systems may be designed to supply much larger portions of the home, or in some cases nearly the entire electrical system.

The generator should be sized around the actual electrical loads it is expected to support. Motors such as sump pumps, well pumps, furnaces, heat pumps and other equipment can require significantly more current when starting than they do while running, so proper generator sizing is important.

Simply adding up the normal running wattage of the equipment is not always enough.

The electrical characteristics of the loads, starting current, transfer equipment, service size and available fuel supply all need to be considered together.

The fuel supply also plays a major role in the installation.

Natural gas and propane standby generators require properly sized gas piping, regulators and permits. Depending on the property, the gas system may need to be extended, upgraded or regulated specifically for the generator.

On the electrical side, the installation may include an automatic transfer switch, generator panel, feeder wiring, breakers, control wiring, grounding and bonding, electrical permits and inspection.

Generator placement is also important.

The unit has to be installed with proper clearances from property lines, windows, doors, vents and combustible surfaces. Local bylaws, manufacturer requirements and gas-code requirements can all affect where the generator can be located.

That is why generator planning should happen before the unit is purchased whenever possible.

A generator that looks perfect on paper may become difficult or expensive to install if the property does not have a suitable location, adequate gas supply or a practical wiring route.

Modern standby generators can also include remote monitoring.

Depending on the system, homeowners or property managers may be able to receive notifications for utility power loss, generator operation, weekly exercise cycles, faults and maintenance requirements.

That can be especially useful for properties where nobody is present during an outage.

Weekly exercise cycles are another important feature.

A standby generator is designed to periodically start and run automatically so the system can verify operation and remain ready for an actual outage.

Routine maintenance is still required, including items such as oil changes, battery checks, air filters, spark plugs and general inspection.

For properties that depend heavily on sump pumps or other critical equipment, monitoring can be especially valuable.

Losing utility power during heavy rain can be a serious problem if sump pumps stop operating. A properly designed standby system can automatically restore power to those pumps without waiting for someone to arrive with a portable generator.

The same applies to heating systems during winter outages.

Extended loss of heat can lead to frozen pipes and significant property damage.

Refrigeration, security systems, medical equipment, communications equipment and other essential loads may also justify backup power depending on the property.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that every standby generator needs to power the entire home.

It does not.

In many cases, a smaller generator supplying only essential loads can provide exactly the protection the property needs while keeping equipment and installation costs under control.

That is why the first step should be deciding what actually needs to stay powered during an outage.

From there, the generator can be selected around the real load instead of simply installing the largest unit available.

A standby generator is not just about convenience.

For some properties, it can protect against flooding, frozen pipes, spoiled food, security issues, equipment damage and other expensive problems caused by extended outages.

The key is designing the system properly around the loads that actually matter.

Coastal Valley Electric provides standby generator electrical installation and coordination throughout Maple Ridge, the Fraser Valley and the Lower Mainland.

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