Backup Generator Installation

Typical 20–22 kW Generac, Kohler, or Briggs & Stratton residential standby generator with automatic transfer switch: $11,000–$18,000 installed in Greater Vancouver. Smaller partial-load systems (10–14 kW): $7,000–$12,000.

Depends on whether you want whole-home or partial-load coverage. Whole-home for a typical 2,500 sq ft Vancouver home: 20–22 kW. Partial-load (HVAC, fridge, freezer, lights, key circuits): 10–14 kW. We do a load survey and recommend based on actual usage.

Portable: gasoline-fueled, manual start, manually plug in via inlet box, typical 5–8 kW, $1,500–$4,000 plus inlet wiring. Standby: permanently installed, natural gas or propane, automatic start within seconds of an outage, typically 10–22+ kW.

Yes. Natural gas is the most common fuel in Vancouver-area installs because it eliminates fuel storage and refueling. Propane is the alternative for properties without gas service.

The ATS continuously monitors utility power. When it detects a loss, it signals the generator to start, waits for stable output (typically 10–30 seconds), then transfers the home's load from utility to generator. When utility returns, it transfers back and shuts the generator down.

Standby generators must be placed per manufacturer clearance requirements and BC building code: typically minimum 18" from the home, 36" from windows/doors, and not under overhangs. We assess viable locations before quoting.

Modern residential standby generators run 60–70 dB at 7m during normal operation — comparable to a window AC unit. Quieter models (and weekly self-test schedules) reduce neighbour disruption.

Yes. Manufacturer-recommended annual maintenance: oil and filter change, spark plug check, battery test, and load-bank test. We offer annual maintenance contracts with documented inspection records.

Yes — but generator must be sized to handle the EV charger's draw on top of other loads. A 20–22 kW unit can typically handle a 40A EV charger plus essential home loads. Smaller units may need EV charging deferred or load-management.

Yes. Electrical permit (Technical Safety BC) for the transfer switch and feeder wiring. Gas permit (for natural gas/propane fueling). Some municipalities also require a building permit for the concrete pad. We file all three.

1–2 days on site for the electrical and pad work, plus gas hookup by a gas-fitter (which we coordinate). From order to commissioned: 4–8 weeks depending on generator availability.

Yes — provided sizing is correct. AC compressors and heat pumps have starting surge loads that need to be considered. Soft-start kits and load-management modules can reduce required generator size.

Yes. Commercial standby generators from 30 kW to 500+ kW for offices, restaurants, medical clinics, server rooms, and retail. Diesel and natural gas options. Annual load-bank testing and maintenance contracts available.

A well-maintained residential standby generator typically runs 20–30 years with normal weekly self-test cycles. Heavy-runtime commercial units may need engine overhaul or replacement at 15–20 years.

Yes. Hybrid systems combining solar + battery + standby generator give maximum resilience: solar/battery handles daily and short outages, generator covers extended multi-day outages or low-solar periods. We design coordinated systems.