All you need to know about residential standby generators

Get your home ready for storm season with Jaric

During South East Queensland’s stormy season, residential standby generators may be a life-saving device. Whether you need it for cooling, lighting, security, refrigeration or cooking, a generator can be an ideal backup for you. So keep the lights on and enjoy your reading!

So if you’re tired of power surges that can happen at any moment during storm season, here’s one way you can protect yourself from the inconvenience of a power outage. Together with the surge protection devices,  residential standby generators may be a great solution when dealing with a power outage.

What types of home backup generators are available?

Depending on your needs, you can find the following main options of home generators in Australia:

• Portable generators are suitable for camping or small power tools, televisions or other appliances when no electricity supply is available.
• Auto start generators or permanently connected stationary generators are able to provide backup power to your home in case of a power outage.
• AVR (Automated Voltage Regulation) generators are ideal for use when you require more power for sensitive equipment. For example, you may successfully use it for water pumps, power washers, washing machines, air conditioners and other pieces of equipment with a greater power draw.

How can an automatic standby generator help your home?

Of course, Australians are no strangers to extreme weather phenomena. That is why many of us prefer buying an automatic backup generator.

When a severe storm or a grid failure happens to interrupt electricity, the generator detects the problem immediately. At the same time, a changeover switch located next to the main breaker box safely disconnects the utility line and transfers to backup power. Then, the generator prepares to provide electricity for your home. Eventually, it returns to standby mode once the power is restored.

What should you know about a residential standby generator installation?

Because of the risk of electric shock or electrocution, you must be extremely cautious when installing, operating and maintaining your generator. If you want to connect a generator as backup power for your home, you need a licensed electrician to do the installation.

When installing a generator, electricians have to meet the Australian Standards for electrical safety: AS/NZS 3000, AS/NZS 3010:2005 and AS 2790:1989.

Also, they must place a changeover switch to ensure the generator and your electricity supply can’t operate simultaneously. Where needed, the electricians must also:

• install an inlet for connection into the property’s electrical installation
• consider the current rating of any flexible connection

Talk to Jaric about home standby generators

At Jaric Air Conditioning, we have been successfully installing standby generators for customers all around Queensland for over 25 years. We have all the skills and knowledge needed to put you back on track in case of a power outage so you can enjoy times of uninterrupted power and comfort.

If you need any domestic electrical services, call Jaric Electrical on 1300 452 742 or contact us online to get personalised advice and solutions for your home.