SJE Electrical Installations
SJE
Generator Installers
Wiring a standby generator
Manual mains transfer
For portable or fixed generators
A plug-in point is fitted on an outside wall. This is the point at which the
generator plugs into. From this point a cable is installed which runs to your
utility supply (sometimes they are close by, ideally the plug in point is next
to your outside utility meter cabinet, though not always)
Next, a transfer switch is installed. This device is for safety reasons, where
it would be impossible for the generator and the utility supply to clash. In
essence you have utility supply or generator supply, you can have one or the
other but never both at the same time. The transfer switch is a legal
requirement and for good reason.
If a Power Cut
1) Turn off all unnecessary load in your house / business (assuming the
generator cannot supply normal loading)
2) Plug the generator into the plug-in-point (all cables supplied)
3) Start the generator
4) Wait a few seconds for the generator to stabilise
5) Turn the transfer switch to generator supply
You now have power, however; you must take note of power usage, (a meter can be
provided ) care must be taken not to overload the generator.
