Connecting Generators Safely

Toronto Hydro’s Tanya Bruckmueller caught up with Steve Smith, General Manager at the Electrical Safety Authority to provide homeowners with everything they need to know about connecting generators.

[@CountryboyBOB]

Not allowed by Bartlett electric in Texas.

[@oilhammer04]

Unfortunately the GenerLink is $650-$750 in price.

[@TOURMANBOB]

Not here in Canada as of 2023...more like $2000 plus permit costs as high as $400 in Ottawa

[@garmin1488]

That generator wouldn't last 5 minutes left on the front lawn.

[@randylee2549]

British Columbia has banned these types of switches since 2017

[@YCA_Dentists]

Why is that?

[@randylee2549]

@@YCA_Dentists their independent testing did not approve them here since then
They are not eligible for insurance underwriting if you use a meter Based switch and no contester will install it nor will the utility allow it installed on their meters

[@soving]

@@YCA_Dentists primary reason is they are living in the Stoneage. Their arguments could easily be applied to any modern transfer switch. These Generlink devices are one great step to prevent homeowners from doing hack connections putting everyone in a potentially dangerous situation. BC and Quebec are likely to 2 last places in North America where these are not accepted. CSA and ULC approvals speaks for itself.

[@TOURMANBOB]

@@soving I agree. Bureaucracy at it's worst. I currently have a 10 zone Reliance transfer switch connected to the home for use with my Honda EU6500 generator but plan to have this installed next (approx $2500 which is a bit expensive) but this will allow use of the dryer, washer and possibly the air conditioner in addition to the regular appliances.