Generator Switches
Generator Changeover Switches & Backup Power
Ensure your home or business remains fully operational when the main power grid fails. From severe storms and localized blackouts to planned network maintenance, a reliable backup power system provides essential security. McGirr Electrical specializes in the installation of manual and automatic generator changeover switches, allowing you to connect a portable or stationary generator to your property’s electrical switchboard safely.
A changeover switch acts as a safety gatekeeper between the main electricity grid, your property’s internal wiring, and your backup generator. It isolates your home from the external power lines, allowing you to select your power source safely:
Manual Changeover Switches: The most common and cost-effective residential solution. When a blackout occurs, you manually start your portable generator, plug it into a dedicated external inlet touchpoint, and flip the switch on your main switchboard from “Mains” to “Generator” power.
Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS): Ideal for commercial properties, rural estates, or homes with critical medical equipment. An ATS constantly monitors the incoming mains power. If it detects a grid failure, it automatically signals a compatible generator to start up and seamlessly transfers your electrical load over in seconds—all without you lifting a finger.
Dedicated External Inlets: We install heavy-duty, weatherproof inlet sockets (typically 15A, 20A, or 32A matching your generator’s capacity) on the exterior of your property. This allows you to connect your generator via a single cord, keeping the generator outside where exhaust fumes can dissipate safely.
Attempting to connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring using a makeshift cord—a highly illegal practice known as “backfeeding”—is incredibly dangerous.
Why DIY Backup Power is Dangerous
Backfeeding sends electricity from your generator back out through your smart meter and onto the neighborhood power lines. This creates a hidden, fatal electrocution hazard for emergency services and utility sparkies working down the street to restore the grid. It can also permanently destroy your generator and household appliances when the main grid power suddenly switches back on.
Strict Electrical Compliance: Our installations strictly comply with Australian Electrical Standards ($AS/NZS\ 3000$), ensuring complete physical isolation between the two power sources so they can never feed into each other simultaneously.
Load Balancing & Sizing Advice: We evaluate the wattage requirements of your essential appliances (such as fridges, pumps, and lighting networks) to help you determine exactly what size generator you need and map out which circuits can be safely run during an emergency.
Switchboard Upgrades: We integrate the changeover infrastructure neatly into your existing switchboard configuration, ensuring all backup circuits remain fully protected by compliant Residual Current Devices (RCDs).
Don’t wait until you’re left in the dark to organize emergency backup power. Contact McGirr Electrical today to schedule a switchboard assessment and get a professional quote on a tailored generator changeover system.