Standby Generator Installation in Victoria BC
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Generators and Installations
Residential Standby Generators
The installation specialists at Lenius and Osborn will install your standby generator, connecting it directly to your home’s power grid. The generator will not come online until the sensor detects a power outage lasting longer than thirty seconds. Should this happen, the sensor will send a signal that disconnects your home from the BC Hydro power grid and in turn connects the standby generator. When BC Hydro’s power is restored, everything reverts to normal operation.
Standby generators are used to provide automatic backup electricity & power for your home when the power goes out. This uninterrupted power allows the key systems in your home to continue operation without interruption. Standby power generators run off of liquid propane, diesel or natural gas and are located outside the home, making them much safer than using a portable generator in an emergency.
Commercial Standby Generators
Manufacturing, retail, industrial and commercial businesses often find themselves in a critical situation when there is a power outage. A commercial power generator can keep your critical systems, heating units, refrigeration systems and more running when the power grid is down.
Avoid financial losses and lost productivity associated with a power outage by installing a commercial standby generator. Keep your business running and all your critical services online.
We also provide ongoing maintenance and repair for commercial generator systems, including Kohler and Cummins units.
There's nothing better than having a standby generator in the event of a power outage, or if you experience a mechanical problem with your home's electrical service.
Cummins is the brand homeowners trust for reliability, durability and power.
- Safely installed outside your hom
- Automatically starts and restores power in second
- Powers your home, including critical hard-wired system
- Delivers high-quality powe
Every KOHLER generator is meticulously quality-tested start to finish.
- Fueled by refillable large propane tank
- Automatic maintenance and remote system monitoring
- Switches on automatically when the power goes out
- Backup power keeps your home running when the power goes out
- Fueled by your home's natural gas or liquid so no re-fueling required
Power. On Demand
It starts with a Free Quote and Expert Advice
Ensure uninterrupted power—discover our generator solutions tailored for your home or business. Contact us for an in depth discussion on what will work for you.
Standby Generators in Victoria: What to Know Before the Next Outage
What is a standby generator and how is it different from a portable generator?
A standby generator is a permanently installed backup power system connected directly to your home’s electrical panel and fuel supply, which means it starts automatically when the power goes out and requires no manual setup. A portable generator needs to be pulled out of storage, fuelled, and started by hand, and it powers appliances through extension cords rather than through the home’s wiring. For Victoria homeowners who want uninterrupted power without having to do anything during an outage, a standby generator is the practical choice.
How does a standby generator know when to turn on during a power outage?
A standby generator uses a sensor that continuously monitors the incoming power supply from BC Hydro. If the sensor detects an outage lasting longer than thirty seconds, it sends a signal that disconnects the home from the BC Hydro grid and brings the generator online. When BC Hydro power is restored, the system detects that too and reverts automatically to normal grid operation, switching the generator off without any action required from the homeowner.
What fuel types do standby generators run on?
Standby generators run on natural gas, liquid propane, or diesel, and the right choice depends on what fuel is available at your property. Natural gas is convenient for homes with an existing gas connection since it draws from the same supply line and requires no refilling. Liquid propane is stored in a tank on the property, giving you fuel independence from the gas grid. Diesel is typically used in commercial and industrial applications where large capacity is the priority.
What size standby generator does a typical Victoria home need?
The right size depends on what you need the generator to power, whether that is essential circuits only or the whole home including heating, appliances, and EV charging. Most residential standby installations in Victoria are sized to cover the critical loads specific to that property, and getting the sizing right requires a load assessment rather than a general rule. Lenius & Osborn assess your home’s electrical load before recommending a generator size so the system is matched to what your home actually needs.
What is an automatic transfer switch and why does a standby generator need one?
An automatic transfer switch safely disconnects your home from the BC Hydro grid before the generator comes online, and reconnects it when grid power returns. Without a transfer switch, a generator running while connected to the grid feeds electricity back into BC Hydro’s lines, creating a serious electrocution risk for utility workers. Every standby generator installation requires a transfer switch, and Lenius & Osborn install and connect them as part of every job.
Can a standby generator power my entire home or just essential circuits?
A properly sized standby generator can power your entire home, including hard-wired systems like heating, refrigeration, lighting, and critical appliances, running continuously for as long as fuel is supplied. Smaller units are sized to cover essential circuits only, which keeps costs down but means some areas of the home will not have power during an outage. Lenius & Osborn work through your priorities with you before specifying a system so the generator you install matches what you actually need it to do.
Does installing a standby generator require a permit in BC?
Yes, standby generator installation requires a permit through Technical Safety BC, and the work must be performed by a licensed electrician. The installation involves connecting to your home’s electrical panel, installing a transfer switch, and in most cases coordinating the fuel connection, all of which fall under permitted electrical work. Lenius & Osborn handle the permit process as part of every generator installation.
Do standby generators require ongoing maintenance?
Yes, standby generators are engines and require regular maintenance to perform reliably when called on. Most modern units run automatic self-test cycles to confirm they are in working order. Professional servicing is still needed to check oil, filters, spark plugs, and overall system condition on a scheduled basis. Lenius & Osborn provide ongoing maintenance and repair for generator systems including Kohler and Cummins units for both residential and commercial clients in Greater Victoria.
Do you install standby generators for commercial properties in Victoria?
Yes, Lenius & Osborn install standby generators for manufacturing, retail, industrial, and commercial properties throughout Greater Victoria. A power outage can bring critical systems, refrigeration, heating, and production to a halt, and a commercial standby generator keeps those systems running automatically without interruption. Ongoing maintenance and repair for commercial generator systems, including Kohler and Cummins units, is also part of what Lenius & Osborn provide.
Do you handle standby generator installation across Greater Victoria including Oak Bay and Saanich?
Yes, Lenius & Osborn install standby generators for homes and businesses throughout Greater Victoria, including Oak Bay, Saanich, and the surrounding municipalities. With power outages on Vancouver Island becoming a regular reality due to storms and grid demand, standby generator installation is a growing part of what the team does across the region for both residential and commercial clients.