Home generators

Tony talks us through home generators - the ‘why’, what to consider, and his approach.

If it feels like the power’s been going out more often these days – you’re not wrong. According to data from the Electricity Authority and Transpower, unplanned outages across New Zealand have been creeping up in recent years, especially in rural and fringe areas. Bad weather, ageing infrastructure, and high demand all play a part.

Out here north of Auckland, we know what it’s like when the power cuts out – sometimes it’s a quick flicker, other times it’s hours without the basics. That’s why more and more homeowners are asking me about backup power. Whether it’s to keep the fridge going, stop the Wi-Fi from dropping out, or keep a water pump running, having a home generator setup gives you peace of mind.

How I approach a residential home generator install

First, we’ll chat about what you actually want to power during an outage. Are you just wanting to keep the basics running, or are you after something that’ll handle the whole house? From there, I can recommend the right type and size of generator – whether it’s a portable model with a manual transfer switch, or a permanently installed standby unit that kicks in automatically when the mains go down.

Once we’ve landed on the right setup, I’ll take care of the install from start to finish. That includes all the safety gear – proper changeover switches, earthing, isolating the generator from the grid (very important), and checking everything meets the latest electrical regs.

Safety’s a big deal.

Generators can be dangerous if they’re not wired in properly, not just to your house, but to lines company workers too. I only use approved gear, and I’ll make sure your setup is safe, legal, and easy for you to use when the lights go out. I’ll also walk you through how everything works so you’re not left guessing.

So, what does it cost?

For a portable generator setup with a manual transfer switch at a residential home, you’re typically looking at around $2,500 to $4,500, depending on what you want to power (does not include the generator – but we can supply at extra cost). A fully automatic standby generator system can run anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000+, including the generator unit, switchgear, and installation.

It’s not a small investment, but if you’ve ever been caught without power for a few days, you’ll know how valuable it can be.

If you’re keen to talk generators or want me to come take a look at your place, please give us a call.