EC 9715 Licensed
Choosing the Right Backup Generator
Thinking about backup power for your home or business? Here's what you need to know before you buy — and how I can help with installation.
Generator options
Portable generators
Good for occasional backup. You manually connect what you need. Most affordable option but requires work during an outage.
Standby generators
Permanently installed, kicks in automatically when power goes out. More expensive upfront but zero effort when you need it.
Petrol vs diesel vs gas
Petrol is cheapest but doesn't store well. Diesel is reliable and fuel stores longer. Gas connects to your existing supply.
Sizing it right
Too small and it won't run what you need. Too big and you've wasted money. I'll help you work out the right size.
What I can help with
If you've already bought a generator or you're thinking about getting one, I can help with the electrical side:
- Working out what size generator you actually need based on what you want to run
- Installing a manual changeover switch so you can safely connect the generator to your switchboard
- Installing an automatic transfer switch for standby generators
- Running dedicated circuits for critical loads (fridge, lights, internet, medical equipment)
- Making sure the whole setup complies with Australian electrical standards
The important thing with generators is getting the connection to your house right. You can't just plug a generator into a wall socket and expect it to backfeed your whole house — that's dangerous and illegal. A proper changeover switch isolates your house from the grid before the generator kicks in.
When backup power makes sense
Most homes in Joondalup and the northern suburbs don't need backup generators — the power grid here is pretty reliable. But there are situations where it makes sense:
- You work from home and can't afford to lose internet or computer power
- Someone in the house depends on medical equipment
- You've got a lot of frozen stock (home business, fishing, etc.)
- You're in a rural pocket where outages are more common
- You run a business that can't afford downtime
If you're not sure whether you need one, give me a call and we can talk it through. I'm not going to sell you something you don't need.
Questions about backup power?
Happy to talk through your situation and give you honest advice on whether a generator makes sense for you.