The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Submitted by Manitoba Hydro Ice storms, high winds, equipment failures, and accidents can create power failures. When a power failure occurs, a properly-sized and well-maintained standby generator can be a life saver. But keep in mind that a generator has the potential to kill, and safety must always be a top priority when using it. A licensed electrician should do the electrical work that connects your transfer switch to the electrical system, look after necessary inspections, and ensure all codes are met. Use only approved electrical equipment. The transfer switch sits between your essential loads panel and your main service panel. It's mandatory under the Canadian Electrical Code. The transfer switch ensures that the generator cannot feed power back into the hydro lines. If that happened, power from the generator could put Hydro crews working on the lines at risk of injury or death.
