With aging infrastructure handling an ever-increasing demand in Canada’s largest city, the possibility of rolling blackouts in Toronto is increasing. It just takes one little link in the system to fail, and half the city could be left shrouded in darkness. In winter, blackouts become an even bigger concern; no heating means freezing temperatures and frozen pipes. Because of this, the demand for standby generators is starting to grow exponentially.

What is a standby generator?
Unlike portable generators, standby generators are a permanent installation in your home. They provide a steadfast solution to extended blackouts as they deliver uninterrupted power to your entire house for days. They’re connected directly to your home’s electrical panel and are usually powered by an external fuel supply.

In terms of fuel supply, ideally, standby generators are run off natural gases. This means that your generator will be connected directly to your local natural gas system which will then feed your generator with a constant supply of fuel. If natural gases run dry or are not available however, the generator will need either liquid propane or diesel to function. These forms of fuel can be fed directly into the fuel tank that is located near the generator. Unfortunately, these forms of fuel are not infinite. When the fuel-tank runs dry, it will need to be manually replenished by you.

How do they work?
The secret to the standby generator is the automatic transfer switch. This transfer switch is able to detect when there has been interruption in power supply, and is then able to disconnect you from your utility. Once you’ve been safely taken off the grid, the switch starts up the generator before transferring its power to the home’s electrical panel. When the municipal power supply is restored, the transfer switch shuts down the generator and reconnects your electrical panel to the grid. This transfer switch is an important safety feature as it prevents back-feeding electricity to the grid, a potentially lethal practice that can start fires.

So, with this in mind, is installing a generator in your home worth the investment? Here are just a few reasons as to why a generator might be right for you:

• Avoid frozen pipes, as well as freezing temperatures, by ensuring that heat is constantly supplied to your house or business.
• Prevent flooding in your home by guaranteeing that your sump pump continues to run even when there is a blackout.
• Your fridge and freezer will continue running which means you no longer have to worry about spoiled food.
• Stay connected by making certain your devices remain charged and working
• Garage doors will still be operational in a blackout which means no more missed missed meetings and appointments.
• Steer clear of medical emergencies by assuring medical equipment is always powered.
• Stay safe when the power is out with security systems that stay on.
• Don’t fret about being left in darkness because the lights will stay on.
• Be worry-free and living in comfort when the power is out

Have any questions about generators and their installation? Get in touch at (416) 490-8093 or @SignatureMark.