SJE Electrical Installations
Installation of a Backup
Generator Emergency Standby Power
Residential or Small Business in the UK
Backup Generator Installation
There are several options, from a simple portable generator which can supply
a stand alone socket, to a more advanced system that ties in with your existing
circuitry.
Neither the stand alone system or more importantly the advanced system should be
attempted as a DIY project, if installed incorrectly the generator can back feed
into the main utility system and electrocute anyone working on the outage
further down line.
The advanced system uses a change over switch, which can be operated manually or
more expensively, automatically.
Depending on budget will probable determine the power output required to run
important circuits. A generator with capacity to run all circuits simultaneously
will probably be expensive, so a happy medium should try to be met. Enough power
to run lights, a central heating pump and perhaps a couple of appliances,
fridge, tv, pc’s etc. Tip: For emergency residential backup select a generator
between 5.0Kw and 9.0Kw
Electric heating appliances will need a far greater generator size and thus
expense.
To keep expense to a minimum, but maintaining some comfort, it would be
practical to install a diesel generator with perhaps 4.5Kw to 9Kw output.
A standard 5.5Kw diesel generator will run for 8 hours approx on a full tank
@75% of full load.
Critical generator backup is normally auto-transfer, this can be for dedicated
circuits or cover the whole electrical installation.
Typically used for life support machines or access to important computer data
base/s or if severe financial disruption would occur in the event of a power
cut.
Transfer Switch
Installation >
