Standby Generators
Standby Generators kick on when you need them and keep you and your family out of the dark and cold. Major wind storms, broken power lines and BC Hydro's untimely repairs in BC have highlighted the importance of back up electrical power. Standby generators are a reliable solution to extended outages.
Installed permanently on a concrete pad outside your home, standby generators provide uninterrupted backup for days, unlike portable generators. Standby's are connected directly to your home's electrical panel and powered by an external fuel supply, like natural gas, liquid propane, gas or diesel.
Behind every standby generator system is an automatic transfer switch that disconnects you from the grid after detecting an interruption in service. Once your home is safely off the grid, the switch starts up the generator before transferring its power to the electrical panel. In the core of the system there's an internal combustion engine, which is usually fuelled by the local natural gas supply. If natural gas isn't available, liquid propane or diesel stored in a large tank nearby may be used. These systems rely on a finite amount of fuel that could run dry if storm damage prevents delivery or increased demand diminishes supply.
When grid power resumes, the automatic transfer switch shuts down the generator and reconnects your house to the grid. This seamless operation makes standby generators ideal for families with small children, as well as those needing uninterrupted use of electric-powered medical equipment. They're also crucial for anyone running a home business. The transfer switch also acts as a safety mechanism too. It prevents back-feeding electricity to the grid, a potentially lethal practice that can start fires and harm utility workers attempting to restore the area's power.
Reisinger Electric knows that each home requires a different backup power solution. We offer our expertise when it comes to planning and designing your home's back up power system to keep you and your family out of the dark this winter. From the layout of the property, location of the service panel, to lights and appliances that require backup power, installing a standby generator system is truly a custom solution. We are dedicated to making installation, service or repair seamless and stress-free.
Reisinger Electric will conduct an on-site visit to determine your home’s specific generator installation needs and what local permits are needed before starting. We will check your electrical meter, gas lines and circuit breaker panel location to find the best placement option for your generator unit and determine the wiring specifications your home will need. We will also discuss which generator fuel option — diesel, gas, natural gas or liquid propane — is available and will work best for your generator system.
Installation and price estimates are based on our technicians recommendations for the best standby generator & module placement, generator cost, required transfer switch and modules, generator installation cost – which are dependent on home electrical and fuel configuration – permit costs, labor and other incidental requirements.
In addition to the physical installation Reisinger Electric will walk you through the entire process during your consultation and discuss any home generator accessories you may want to consider purchasing to enhance your standby power system and what generator financing options are available to you.
After the plan is made Reisinger Electric will obtain necessary permits and finalize installation requirements (concrete slab vs. underground wiring) and order all necessary materials. We will schedule a install date and standby installation date because generators cannot be installed when ground is frozen. Late spring, summer and early fall are ideal times for cold climates.
Protect your family, home and investment - stay out of the cold, dark and reduce homeowner stress!
Contact us for a free in-home estimate
