If you’re in a location prone to power outages, or you’re living off-grid, you may need to temporarily use a generator to keep important electrical items working. While you can purchase a generator at most hardware stores, it’s important that you connect it to your house correctly to ensure you don’t risk your own safety or that of other people in the building. 

A generator change over switch can be easily installed by your local electrician and allows you to plug in your generator into your electrical socket so that you can power your home in the event of a power outage. 

Why use a generator?  

Generators should only be used for essential equipment, such as fridges or pumps. If you’re living on a grid-connected property, they’re an optional installation that may be used as a backup for important electrical items such as refrigerators or computer serves. They’re more common in areas where there is a high risk of power failure, or where there is expensive and important equipment to maintain. If you absolutely need your power to be available, it’s a good idea. All hospitals have backup generators, for instance. 

 

What is a generator change over switch?

 The most important thing to remember in generator safety is that the home’s electrical system should not be connected to both the generator and the electrical grid at the same time. A generator change over switch allows you to do this safely. 

 A generator change over switch, also known as a generator switch, allows preselection of the breakers you need to run specific items on the property. It also adds a breaker to the house, so the property owner can change between the generator and grid electricity when needed. 

 

Are generator switches used in off-grid systems? 

 Off-grid solar installations will nearly always have a generator switch included as part of the system installation. This allows the property owners to use a generator backup if there are problems with either the solar system or the batteries. 

 Generator switches are an optional extra for grid-connected homes and businesses when there’s an important reason to have an electrical backup. 

 

What are the dangers of not using a change over switch?

 A generator should never be connected to a house through a power point or other standard connection point. Not only is it illegal, it poses a serious safety risk to both your own family, as well as your whole neighbourhood and any emergency workers in the vicinity. Plugging a generator directly into a wall socket can cause electrical backfeeding, energise dead powerlines when the power’s out, and cause an electric shock to anyone who touches a connected device or cable. 

Backfeeding can also lead to electrical damage to your home, meaning costly repairs, as well as being extremely dangerous to the user. 

Who should install a generator change over switch?

 Any work on your electrical system, including the installation of a changeover switch, must be completed by a licensed electrician. The Proven Energy team has a team of experienced electricians who can assist with installing and setting up a change over switch to provide backup through a generator.