BEST PRACTICES FOR INSTALLING HOME GENERATORS: WHAT TO EXPECT?

Power outages don’t knock before showing up, and when they do, your comfort and safety shouldn’t take the hit. For over 25 years, Paramount Power Systems has been helping Ontario homeowners stay ready with backup power solutions that actually work when in demand. Thinking of installing a home generator? Here’s what you need to know to make the process smooth, smart, and stress-free.

Understanding Your Power Needs

Before starting the installation, it’s important to evaluate how much power your home needs. Start by identifying which appliances and systems you want to keep running during an outage, such as heating, cooling, refrigeration, and medical equipment. This assessment will help determine the appropriate generator size, measured in kilowatts (kW), to ensure your essential circuits are covered without overspending on unnecessary capacity.

A professional site evaluation by a qualified professional is the best way to accurately size your home generator. This step also considers your home’s electrical panel, fuel source (natural gas, propane, or diesel), and any unique property features that may affect installation.

Choosing the Right Location

Placing your standby generator in the right location is critical—not just for convenience, but for safety, performance, and compliance with building codes. At Paramount Power Systems, we ensure your generator is installed outdoors on a stable, level surface such as a concrete or composite pad. It’s positioned at least five feet away from doors, windows, and vents to prevent harmful exhaust from entering your home. We also select a location that allows easy access for maintenance and is situated close to both your fuel source and electrical panel, streamlining the installation process and ensuring optimal operation.

Professional Installation Process

A successful generator installation involves several coordinated steps:

1. Permits and Approvals

   Before beginning the installation of a home generator in Ontario, it is essential to obtain all necessary permits and approvals to ensure compliance with provincial and local regulations. This process involves coordination with several key third parties:

   
   

   • Electrical Safety Authority (ESA): The ESA must be notified prior to any electrical work. They issue permits and conduct inspections to ensure the installation complies with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC).

   • Local Municipal Building Department: Your local municipality issues building permits and enforces zoning bylaws, including setback requirements and noise regulations for generator placement.

   • Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA): For installations involving natural gas or propane fuel, the TSSA oversees fuel safety compliance and inspects fuel connections.

   • Utility Provider: Coordination with your local utility company is necessary to ensure proper integration with the electrical grid and to prevent back feeding hazards. They may have specific requirements for transfer switch installation and interconnection agreements.

   
   

   Working closely with these authorities ensures your generator installation is safe, legal, and compliant with all applicable codes and standards.

   
   

2. Site Preparation

   The installation team will prepare the site, pour the pad if needed, and position the generator securely.

   
   

3. Electrical and Fuel Connections

   Licensed electricians and plumbers handle the critical step of connecting your generator to your home’s electrical system and fuel supply. A key component in this setup is the transfer switch, which ensures your home seamlessly switches to backup power during an outage while protecting utility workers and your equipment.
   

4. System Testing

   After installation, the system is thoroughly tested to confirm proper operation, automatic transfer functionality, and safe shutdown procedures.

   
   

5. Homeowner Orientation

   You’ll receive a walkthrough of your new generator system, including basic operation, maintenance tips, and emergency procedures.

Maintenance and Ongoing Support

Routine maintenance is key to ensuring your home generator remains reliable for years to come. This includes regular oil and filter changes, battery checks, and system inspections, services that Paramount Power Systems provides as part of their comprehensive maintenance packages. Many modern generators also feature remote monitoring, allowing for proactive maintenance and rapid response in case of issues.

What to Expect from Paramount Power Systems?

When you choose Paramount Power Systems, you’re partnering with a team that puts safety, quality, and your peace of mind first. From start to finish, consultation, installation, and maintenance, our experts guide you through selecting and sizing the ideal generator for your home. 

We offer a wide range of high-performance residential generators known for their reliability and efficiency, ensuring your energy needs are fully covered. Installations are carried out professionally and in full compliance with local codes, with clear communication every step of the way. And if the unexpected happens, our 24/7 emergency service and support team is always ready to help.

Contact Paramount Power Systems today to schedule your home generator consultation and experience the difference expert installation makes.