There are many things to consider when purchasing a new generator. This answer is not simple as every house will be different. Before choosing a generator, it’s important to ask a few questions about your secondary power needs:

• What purpose will the generator serve?
• Where will it go? Is it for your home, cottage, business or camping trips?
• What appliances and/or systems do you need to power?
• What are your overall wattage needs?
• What type of heating is in my home?

There are 3 main types of generators each with their own benefits:

Portable Generators

A portable generator can be anywhere from 1000-12000 watts. If you are just looking for something small to power a few items with extension cords, a 1000–4000 watt generator will suffice.

Any generators over 4000 watts, it would be most beneficial to have a qualified electrician install a generator hook up which we will discuss shortly. Another very important factor when picking a generator is the power outlets on the generator itself.
If you would like something that is able to hook directly to your home, you need to look for a generator with a 30-amp 240-volt 4-wire twist lock. This is in the top left of the picture below. Some portable generators even come with a 50-amp outlet pictured in the bottom left.

Inverter Generators

Inverter generators are essentially enhanced portable generators. They’re more complex and a bit more expensive, but inverter generators are also lighter, quieter, and more fuel-efficient than the average portable generator. They also add more protection to sensitive electronics as they are less likely to create power surges.

Stand by Generators

A standby generator acts as a backup electrical system. It automatically engages when the power goes out and shuts off when it comes back on. Most models will also run periodic self-diagnosis checks to ensure their systems are in proper working order. Standby generators are permanent and require professional installation. This makes them more expensive, but a good investment if you live in areas with frequent power outages. This type of generator is also good for businesses, preventing downtime and potential loss of perishable inventory. A standby generator can handle between 5,000 and 24,000 watts. Typically, they run on propane up to 24,000 watts with some diesel generators providing up to 50kw in a residential setting. We are an authorized Generac and Kohler supplier and installer.

There are 3 main types of generator installations in houses in Nova Scotia. While scrolling the web you may find others. These are the 3 that are approved for use in NS and their associated costs. While supplies have been scarce in the past, the recent storm will not make matters better. We are doing everything we can to source materials for ALL options. Generator panels are currently the most readily available.

Manual Transfer Generator Panel

30A - $1400 plus hst.
50A - $1700 plus hst

Generator to be purchased by homeowner.

A generator panel gets wired through your existing homes electrical system. It is a separate panel from your main electrical panel. All of the essential loads get wired into the generator panel. The electricity will run under normal utility state and during an outage one must flip the transfer switch over to “generator”. This goes to a dedicated outdoor plug in which to plug your generator into. An advantage of this system is we can place this inlet anywhere on property. These are generally around 16 circuit.

Generally, what we will put on the generator panel is as followed.

• Kitchen lights and plugs
• Well Pump
• Sump pump
• Any medical equipment
• Microwave
• Bedroom lighting
• Fridge
• Mini Split heat pump
• Oil/Propane furnaces and water heaters

The generator panel is pictured in the bottom left above

Generlink

Supply and installation of Generlink - $2300

Generator to be purchased by homeowner.

Supply of these units is scarce. We have a large order in and hoping to receive in the next month or so.

This installation has to be coordinated with NSP. It pushes on to your existing electrical system and takes a matter of minutes to install. Once installed you can plug your generator and prioritize loads by turning off unessential loads at your existing electrical panel.

GenerLink™ Transfer Switch Features and Benefits:

• 200 Amp Continuous, UL Listed meter mounted transfer switch.
• Prevents back feeding of the utility line.
• No rewiring or sub panel installation required.
• Works with most portable generators.
• Always installed, use it when you need it.
• Requires a 240V, four-pronged outlet on the generator. Preferably 30A.

See the below list for compatible generators. If your generator is not on this list, please contact us and we will verify.

http://www.generlink.com/files/132793899.pdf

Stand by Generator

Supply and install of stand by generator – $10,000-$20,000

This installation is the most complex of all, but it also provides the best results. This is a worry-free option will power your whole home and heating with absolutely no action required by the home owner.

We will arrange pick up and installation of the generator. We also subcontract to qualified propane installers. Novatech Electric will prep and prepare a pad for the generator to sit on. We also handle all coordination with NSP to complete the installation.