How to Connect a Generator Switch to Your House 

Sydney residents experience power outages often. Because the city is near bushland, fires are common, especially during the summer months. Entire power grids have been known to go out as a result.

Storms are common in Sydney, too; lightning strikes and high winds can cause power poles to be toppled, resulting in power outages.

Without power, many Sydney homes wouldn’t function. The solution is to install a generator. This can provide auxiliary power to the home until the mains are restored. An additional component necessary for safety is a transfer switch. 

Installing the transfer switch isn’t something a DIYer can do. Only a qualified level 2 electrician can perform this task.

Here’s why houses with generators should also install a transfer switch, what’s involved in the installation and tips on getting the most from them.

Generator Transfer Switch

When a blackout occurs, if the home has a generator, it switches on and delivers a temporary supply of electricity until the mains power can be restored.

The purpose of a transfer switch is to isolate the generator from the electricity mains power. If this isn’t done and the power suddenly returns, an electrical overload could occur, potentially blowing out the switchboard.

The transfer switch can be installed as an automatic or manual device. It will activate when there is a power outage and turn off again once things return to normal.

Manual vs Automatic Transfer Switch

There are two types of transfer switches: manual and automatic.

Manual Transfer Switch

These are the most popular as they’re cheaper to purchase and install. However, as the name suggests, they require more work from the homeowner. If a blackout occurs, these must be manually turned on to start the generator. The second step of the process is choosing which areas of the home need the power at that time. Once the power returns, it needs to be manually switched off.

Automatic Transfer Switch

Although considerably more expensive to install, an automatic transfer switch serves several purposes. It identifies when the power goes off and switches on the generator. The settings can be configured to determine where the generated power goes in the property. As soon as power is restored, it automatically cuts off the generator. 

The Benefits of a Transfer Switch

While you don’t absolutely need to have a transfer switch with a generator, there are benefits involving convenience and safety.

Portable Generator Limitations

With a portable generator, you’re only getting a limited amount of power; depending on its size, it may just be enough to operate some lights and essential appliances like the refrigerator.  A transfer switch connected to the main switchboard will deliver the emergency power to these appliances. Without one, you may need to plug and unplug extension cords to the devices.

Safety for Everyone

Without a transfer switch, a generator won’t automatically cut off once the mains power is restored. This could result in twice as much power running through the switchboard than it can handle, and it could short circuit. Additionally, excess power may return through the cables to the street mains; any electricians working on these may get electrocuted. 

Why an Electrician Should Install a Generator Transfer Switch

Any electrical work in a home should be done by a qualified electrician. As the transfer switch is connected to the mains power, only a level 2 electrician is certified to perform this task. 

It’s a complicated process of identifying which wires need to be connected to the transfer switch, not something a DIYer should attempt to learn from YouTube. For example, the wire colour codes have changed in Australia over the years. It’s not as straightforward as cutting one and reconnecting it to the same colour. 

An electrician is required by law to provide a certificate of compliance of electrical work (CCEW) after performing any task with your electricity. At North Shore Electricians, it’s part of our process to provide this without the customer asking.

Tips for Installing and Using a Generator

There are several things the property owner and the electrician need to consider before installing a generator transfer switch.

• Location: a generator needs proper ventilation and is best installed outside. As it’s operated by fuel, the emissions can be toxic and should not be allowed to flow back into the home.

• Fuel: a generator needs fresh fuel to operate at its peak efficiency; if the fuel is old, it must be replaced before the unit is switched on.

• Size: the size of a generator determines how much power it can generate; if the house is bigger than standard, the unit may need to be larger.

• Safety: the generator needs to be kept dry and away from children and pets.

A final and necessary tip is to power up the generator before using the electricity from it. Once it’s up and running, turn on the lights and devices one by one to allow for a smooth flow of energy.

Do you live in an area prone to power outages? If so, a generator with a transfer switch may be the perfect solution. Contact one of our North Shore Electricians team members for the best advice and service.