Home Generator
Australia has stunning beaches, vibrant wildlife, and boundless adventure. But it’s also a place where Mother Nature can show her unpredictable side. We’ve seen it all, from fierce summer storms causing blackouts to bushfire-related power outages and the occasional unexpected grid failure. It’s not just about missing out on the footy or your favourite TV show; power outages can affect security systems, medical equipment, and daily communication – all crucial elements in our modern lives. Having a reliable power backup isn’t a mere convenience, it’s becoming essential for ensuring our home’s resilience and peace of mind.
With these unforeseen challenges and our dynamic Aussie climate, having a robust home generator on standby generator is akin to keeping an umbrella in your car. You might not always need it, but when you do, you’ll be grateful it’s there.
The Ultimate Guide to Home Generators in Australia
A backup generator is essential in Australia, where unexpected power outages are common. This guide simplifies the process of setting up a generator at home and elucidates the steps to take once the main power is restored.
Connecting a Home Generator to Your Australian Home
Ensuring that this source of backup power is properly integrated into your household is crucial. Incorrect setups compromise safety and can result in inefficiencies or damage. Understanding how to correctly hook up a generator to your home is vital for every Australian homeowner. Let’s delve into the step-by-step process to ensure your home is powered safely and effectively when it matters most:
- Choose the Right Home Generator
Firstly, ensure you’ve got a generator with adequate capacity for your needs. A professional can guide you on this, but as a rule of thumb, consider the most essential appliances you’ll need during a power outage. - Install a Transfer Switch
In Australia, it’s a big no-no to connect a generator directly to your home without a transfer switch. This device ensures your home’s circuitry is isolated from the main grid, preventing dangerous backfeeding. Always get a licensed electrician to do this bit. - Connect to the Transfer Switch
Once your transfer switch is in place, connect your home generator using a heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord. Ensure all cords and connections are in good nick. - Initiating Your Home Generator
Position your generator at least 5 metres away from your home to prevent exhaust fumes from entering. Once it’s in a safe spot, crank it up, and switch over to generator power using the transfer switch.
Transitioning Back to the Grid
An often overlooked yet vital aspect of using a backup generator is understanding what happens when the primary power grid is restored. The transition needs to be smooth, safe, and efficient. This ensures the longevity of your equipment and the safety of your home. If you’ve set up a transfer switch with your home generator (a practice highly recommended), here’s what you need to know:
- Manual Transfer Switch
This requires attentiveness. If you’ve installed a manual switch, transitioning back to the main power grid is in your hands. While the process is straightforward, akin to flicking a switch, promptness is essential. Once you’re aware that the power is back, make the switch to ensure no overload occurs. - Automatic Transfer Switch
A marvel of modern electrical engineering, this device recognises when regular power supply resumes. With no intervention needed from you, it automatically shifts the load back to the main grid, ensuring that the generator is taken off-load. The convenience here is unmatched; once the switch detects grid power, you can rest easy and proceed to shut down your generator without a hitch.
What Generator Automatically Turns On When Power Goes Out?
Enter the world of standby generators. These legends are installed permanently and are wired directly to your home’s electrical system. The moment there’s a blackout, they sense it and automatically kick into action, ensuring minimal disruption.
Standby generators run on natural gas or propane and can power your entire home or just essential circuits, depending on their size. They’re more of an investment than portable generators, but they’re the go if you’re after convenience and seamless power backup.
