July 22, 2024
Dianne Russel
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Residential automatic generators raise many questions among homeowners seeking to ensure a continuous supply of power in the event of a breakdown. In this article, we'll answer the most frequently asked questions to help you understand the importance, operation and installation considerations of this essential equipment.
In a world where continuity of electrical service is crucial, owning a residential automatic generator can make all the difference. Power failures are unpredictable and can occur at any time, caused by extreme weather conditions, maintenance work or technical problems.
Having an automatic generator ensures that your home stays powered, which is essential not only for comfort, but also for safety. Whether it's keeping your food fresh, keeping your heating or cooling systems running, or ensuring that your vital medical devices continue to function, an automatic generator offers invaluable peace of mind.
Every home has a DMW (Maximum Watt Demand) meter that determines the highest points of electricity consumption. This meter plays a crucial role in choosing the right generator. By analyzing your household's maximum demand in watts, it becomes possible to determine the power required (in kilowatts, kW) to supply your entire home in the event of a power failure.
For example, a home with energy-intensive appliances such as air conditioners, multiple refrigerators, and heating systems will require a larger-capacity generator than a smaller home with less energy-intensive equipment. Understanding this maximum demand allows you to choose a generator that not only meets your immediate needs, but can also handle peak loads without fail, guaranteeing continuous, stable power to your home.
In Canada, certain safety standards must be met when installing an automatic generator. The generator must be placed outside the house, on a stable, level surface, away from doors and windows, to avoid the accumulation of harmful exhaust fumes.
In addition, good ventilation around the generator is crucial to prevent overheating. During installation, a qualified electrician can assess your property and determine the ideal location for your generator, taking all these safety factors into account. Following these guidelines will not only protect your home, but also ensure that the generator will function properly should the need arise.
The cost of a residential automatic generator can vary considerably depending on a number of factors. At Erco, you can get a residential automatic generator from $39 per week, but the final price will depend on the generator's power, the type of transfer panel, and other technical specifications.
The size of your home, your energy requirements, and additional options chosen, such as monitoring and maintenance systems, can also influence the total cost. For an accurate estimate, we recommend that you consult an Erco professional who can assess your specific needs and propose a solution tailored to your budget.
The main difference between an automatic and a mechanical (portable) generator lies in their operation and use. An automatic generator is permanently installed and starts up automatically in the event of a power failure, without user intervention. It's connected directly to the home's electrical system, and can power your entire household continuously and reliably.
By contrast, a portable generator requires manual intervention to start up and connect to the devices you wish to power. Although portable generators are less expensive and easier to move around, they offer limited capacity and require constant monitoring. Automatic generators, although more expensive to purchase and install, offer a more robust and practical solution for ensuring continuity of power to your home in all circumstances.
When a power failure occurs, an automatic generator goes into action without the need for human intervention. As soon as Hydro-Québec's power goes off, the generator detects the interruption and starts up automatically. It's equipped with a transfer panel that switches your home's power from the main source to the generator in a matter of seconds.
This process ensures that your appliances, heating and cooling systems, and electronic devices continue to operate without interruption. Once main power is restored, the generator automatically shuts down and the transfer panel reconnects your home to the Hydro-Québec grid. This automated operation guarantees continuous, reliable power, minimizing the inconvenience and risks associated with power failures.
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