Generator Installation Guide for Lower Mainland Homes

Home Generator Installation: Backup Power for Vancouver Homes

The Lower Mainland experiences power outages from windstorms, heavy snow, and other events. While BC Hydro works to restore power quickly, outages can last hours or even days. A backup generator keeps your essential systems running when the grid fails.

Why Consider a Backup Generator?

Medical Needs

If anyone in your home relies on:

• Medical equipment (CPAP, oxygen concentrator)
• Refrigerated medications
• Powered mobility devices

Backup power isn't a luxury—it's a necessity.

Food and Comfort

Extended outages mean:

• Spoiled refrigerator and freezer contents
• No heating (most heating systems need electricity)
• No hot water (tankless and some tank heaters need power)
• No cooking (electric stoves)

Home Protection

Without power, you lose:

• Sump pumps (flooding risk)
• Security systems
• Garage door openers

Remote Work

For those working from home, power outages mean lost productivity and missed deadlines.

Types of Home Generators

Portable Generators

The most basic option:

• Cost: $500 - $2,000
• Power: 3,000 - 7,500 watts
• Must be started manually
• Requires running extension cords
• Must be operated outdoors (carbon monoxide danger)
• Gasoline fuel requires storage

Inverter Generators

Quieter, cleaner power than standard portables:

• Cost: $800 - $3,000
• Power: 2,000 - 7,000 watts
• Better for sensitive electronics
• More fuel-efficient
• Still requires manual operation

Standby Generators

Permanently installed whole-house backup:

• Cost: $5,000 - $15,000+ installed
• Power: 10,000 - 50,000+ watts
• Starts automatically during outages
• Runs on natural gas or propane
• No refueling needed
• Transfers power via automatic transfer switch

Standby Generator Installation

For true peace of mind, a standby generator with automatic transfer switch is the premium solution.

How It Works

1. Power outage occurs
2. Generator starts automatically within seconds
3. Transfer switch disconnects from grid
4. Generator powers your home
5. When utility power returns, generator shuts down
6. Transfer switch reconnects to grid

Installation Components

• Generator unit (sized for your needs)
• Concrete pad for generator
• Automatic transfer switch
• Fuel connection (natural gas or propane)
• Electrical connections to your panel

Installation Timeline

• Assessment and quote: 1-2 days
• Permit application: 1-2 weeks
• Gas connection (if needed): Coordinate with gas company
• Installation: 1-2 days
• Inspection: Within 1 week

Generator Sizing

Choosing the right size generator depends on what you want to power:

Essential Loads Only (10-12 kW)

• Refrigerator/freezer
• Some lights
• Sump pump
• Furnace or boiler
• One or two outlets

Comfortable Backup (16-20 kW)

• Essential loads plus:
• Most lights
• Kitchen appliances
• Well pump
• Garage door
• Electric range

Whole House (22+ kW)

• Everything in your home
• Including high-draw items like:
• Central air conditioning
• Electric water heater
• Electric dryer

Standby Generator Costs

Generator Equipment

• 10-12 kW: $3,500 - $5,000
• 16-20 kW: $5,000 - $7,500
• 22-24 kW: $6,500 - $9,000
• 30+ kW: $10,000+

Installation

• Electrical work: $1,500 - $3,000
• Concrete pad: $500 - $1,000
• Gas connection: $500 - $2,000
• Permits: $200 - $500

Total Installed Cost

Typical range: $8,000 - $20,000+

Natural Gas vs. Propane

Natural Gas

• Unlimited fuel supply
• No storage tank needed
• Lower fuel cost
• Requires gas line connection

Propane

• Works where natural gas isn't available
• Requires tank installation or rental
• Fuel delivery scheduling needed
• Reliable in all conditions

Maintenance Requirements

Standby generators need regular maintenance:

• Weekly automatic exercise cycle (runs briefly to stay ready)
• Annual professional service
• Oil and filter changes
• Battery inspection
• Transfer switch testing

Building Code and Permits

Generator installation requires:

• Electrical permit (for transfer switch and connections)
• Gas permit (for fuel connection)
• Possibly building permit (for concrete pad)
• Compliance with setback requirements
• Noise considerations (check local bylaws)

ERG Electric Ltd. handles all permits and coordinates with inspectors and gas companies.

Generator Installation in Vancouver

ERG Electric Ltd. provides complete standby generator installation throughout Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, and the Lower Mainland. We work with leading generator brands including:

• Generac
• Kohler
• Briggs & Stratton
• Cummins

From initial assessment through installation and ongoing service, we're your complete backup power solution.

Ready for reliable backup power? Call ERG Electric Ltd. at 778-237-2470 to discuss your generator options.