Decide what needs power before choosing a generator

Don't start by asking which brand or size is best. Write down what you need during an outage.

For many Sarnia-area homes that means a refrigerator, a few lights, internet service and a sump pump. Other households may also need a well pump, furnace controls, medical equipment or air conditioning.

The difference between essential circuits and everything in the house will have more influence on the system than the colour of the generator.

Portable vs standby: the practical comparison

Factor Portable Permanently installed standby
Starts during an outage Usually manual Often automatic
Initial investment Generally lower Generally higher
Fuel Often gasoline or propane, model-dependent Frequently natural gas or propane
Loads covered Selected equipment or circuits Selected circuits or much of the home, if sized for it
Setup Requires safe outdoor placement and operation Fixed installation and professional commissioning
Maintenance Fuel storage, exercise and servicing Regular service and exercise

Neither is a universal winner. It depends on your needs, budget and tolerance for manual setup in poor weather.

The transfer switch isn't optional for home wiring

There are two fundamentally different ways of using portable power:

  • Stand-alone appliances: appropriately rated extension cords from a generator located outside, used according to the manufacturer's safety instructions.
  • Connected to home circuits: a correctly designed, approved transfer arrangement installed by qualified personnel.

Never backfeed your home through a wall outlet. It can energise utility lines and seriously injure or kill workers.

Ontario's ESA states that permanently connected standby generators must use a transfer device and require notification of work.

See the ESA generator safety guidance.

When portable wins

Portable power can be sensible when outages are occasional, only a few loads are essential and someone can safely set up the unit outside.

The trade-off is ongoing work: storage, fuel management, setup, cold-weather operation and the need to remain within the generator's capacity.

Plan ahead. Buying a generator after the power is out is a poor substitute for understanding your loads and connection method.

When standby wins

Standby power suits households that need automatic operation, can't readily move equipment, or have critical systems that should recover without someone being home.

The installation is more involved. There is the generator, siting, transfer equipment, electrical connection and potentially gas work. A qualified contractor needs to confirm the design and applicable requirements.

How to size a backup system

Ask which loads must run at the same time, and which motors have startup demand. A furnace blower and a sump pump do not behave like two lightbulbs.

An electrician can help identify practical loads and whether a selected-circuit approach is better value than pursuing “whole-home” coverage at any cost.

A generator advertised for a particular house size isn't proof it will serve your home's equipment.

Safety rules you shouldn't compromise

  • Operate portable generators outdoors, away from doors, windows and air intakes.
  • Never use a generator in a garage, even with its door open.
  • Avoid operating equipment affected by floodwater.
  • Use approved components and properly rated cords.
  • Let the unit cool before refuelling and follow manufacturer instructions.

Carbon monoxide exposure and unsafe electrical connections are serious hazards, not minor inconveniences.

What to ask before buying

Request two comparable proposals: essential loads and broader home coverage.

Ask each contractor what is included in the transfer arrangement, equipment supply, fuel work, placement, notification, commissioning and future maintenance.

For costs, see our whole-home generator price guide.

Get a system that matches your home

Great Lakes Electric can discuss generator installation in Sarnia. Tell them which loads matter most and whether you prefer automatic or manual operation. That is a much stronger starting point than sending a model number alone.