Occasional loss of electricity for a household is normal. But for businesses, power outages are a big problem. As a solution, installing a standby generator is the best option to make up for the sudden profit loss.

Running a business in Sydney without a standby power generation can affect your business in many ways. Your operations in a day depend on electricity. That’s why when the power goes out, and unplanned downtime occurs — potentially losing thousands or even millions of money.

During the winter season, power outages are very inconvenient for your family. For cold weather, a heating system will not work without electricity. Thus, installing a standby generator will keep your home warm.

Emergency standby generators provide electricity during an outage. These are permanently attached appliances that work automatically when the utility power supply is interrupted. Then it begins to supply power at home just seconds after the blackout occurs.

With large standby generators, it will power everything in your house and will minimise the damage economically. So if you consider installing a generator, here’s a quick guide for standby generators installation.

Secure Your Installer

If you are not knowledgeable in installing a generator, call an electrician and a plumber to be safe. You can have them both to divide the generator installation requirements into smaller projects for individual tradesmen. In that way, your sole responsibility is to file the permits for your generator.

Be Mindful of Safety Rules and General Information 

It is important to get familiar with the safety rules and general information before making any installation. The generator will only function safely, effectively and consistently if it is installed, controlled and maintained properly.

By following the basic rules or guidelines and knowing the general risks, you can prevent the possible circumstance of serious injury, loss of life, property and appliances damage.

Safety Rules: Knowing Common Hazards

• Electrical Hazards – Exposure to bare wires, connectors or terminals while operating generators can cause electrocution and electrical back feed.
• Fire Hazards – Obstructing cooling airflow ventilation around the generator may result in fire.
• Exhaust Hazards – Inhalation of carbon monoxide causes asphyxiation.
• Explosions Hazards – Fuel and vapour are extremely flammable and explosive. Make sure there is no leakage.

General Information: Securing Requirements

Before installing, you must secure all the legal requirements in national, state, and local laws, as well as codes or regulations concerning the installation of a standby generator. Contact the local inspector or city hall first to be aware of all federal, state, and local codes that could impact the installation.

Unpacking and Inspection

Thoroughly inspect the contents for damage after unpacking. It is recommended to unpack and examine the generator immediately upon delivery, to detect any damage that may have occurred in transit.

Any claims for shipping damage must be filed with the freight carrier as soon as possible. This is especially important if the generator will not be installed for a while.

Location Selection and Preparation

The generator’s position has to be convenient. Install a generator set in its protective enclosure, outdoors where there is always sufficient cooling and ventilation.

Placement Considerations and Preparation:

• Strict code compliant
• Install near the air inlet, outlet openings, but 5 ft. away from doors and windows
• Place the generator in a higher ground where water can’t rise
• Allot accessible room or area for maintenance and servicing
• Install near fuel source and electrical hookup per local codes
• Do not install under wooden decks or structures unless there is at least 5 ft (1.52 m) of clearance above the generator.
• Do not install the unit near rain gutter downspouts, roof run-off, landscape irrigation, water sprinklers, or sump pump.
• Place the unit so air vents won’t become clogged with leaves, grass, snow, or debris.
• Verify that exhaust fumes will not enter any building through eaves, windows, ventilation fans, or other air intakes.

Build Base for the Generator

Your generator should rest on a base. Select the type of base, such as—but not limited to—compacted soil, gravel, or concrete, as desired or as required by local laws or codes. Verify your local requirements before selecting. During inclement weather or natural disasters, this will keep it above water.

Standby Generator Installation

After the generator anchored to the concrete pad, the installers can now connect the generator to the fuel source and your home’s transfer switch. The plumber and electrician should complete these tasks.

When your generator is connected, clear all debris from the space and enclose the generator in a way that the climate can’t do any damage to it. This likely means rodent guards and could include a cold-weather kit.

Final Inspection

Your installer should inspect all new connections, and the levels of oil and fuel. Then, the generator is ready. You will not worry anymore about your supply of electricity during power outages.

Conclusion

Electrical power outages are inevitable. During calamities, the city’s power source is usually shut off giving inconveniences to households and businesses. That’s why a generator is the core component of people’s emergency preparedness plans.

For more information about standby generators, its installation and emergency repairs, contact Hills District Electrician to provide your electrical problems with the best quality and workmanship.

With integrity, we are treating you and your property with the utmost care and respect. Our team is licensed and insured, operating tidily in a professional manner, so no mess is left behind.

Call us at 02 8378 2838 for an appointment or inquire with us via email.