Generator installation
in Pretoria.
Professional generator installations with proper changeover switches, correct cable sizing, and a COC for every job. From portable setups to full automatic standby systems.
About
Backup power for Pretoria homes & businesses
Load shedding has changed the way South Africans think about electricity. Whether it is stage 2 or stage 6, the reality is that Pretoria homeowners and businesses need a reliable backup power plan. A properly installed generator with a compliant changeover switch gives you that.
The key word there is "properly installed." I have lost count of how many generators I have seen connected with extension leads plugged into wall sockets, or wired directly into DB boards without any changeover switch. Both are illegal. Both are dangerous. A backfeed into the grid can kill an Eskom technician working on the lines, and an overloaded extension lead can start a fire in your home.
We install generators the right way, with a correctly rated changeover switch, proper cable sizing, earth leakage protection, and a COC for the work. Whether you want a basic manual setup for a portable generator or a fully automatic standby system, we size it correctly and install it safely.
Installation types
Three ways to install a generator
Portable, manual standby, or fully automatic. We help you pick the right setup for your property.
Portable Generator
A portable petrol or diesel generator that you wheel out when the power goes off and connect via an extension lead or plug-in panel. Best for basic needs, lights, fridge, TV, and a few plugs. Sizes typically range from 2-5 kVA. The generator itself is not wired into your DB board, so no changeover switch is needed for the simplest setups. However, if you want it connected properly, we install an inlet plug and manual changeover.
Standby Generator (Manual)
A permanently installed generator with a manual changeover switch on the DB board. When the power goes out, you walk outside, start the generator, and flip the changeover switch. Your selected circuits then run off generator power. This is the most popular option for Pretoria homes, reliable, cost-effective, and no complicated electronics to go wrong.
Automatic Standby Generator
The premium option. An automatic transfer switch (ATS) monitors the mains supply. When it detects a power failure, it sends a signal to the generator to start, waits for it to stabilise, and then switches your DB board over automatically. When mains power returns, it switches back and shuts the generator down. You do not lift a finger.
Sizing guide
What size generator do you need?
Three common load tiers, so you can pick based on what you actually want to run.
Basic Essentials (3–5 kVA)
Lights, fridge, TV, Wi-Fi router, phone chargers, and a few plug points. This covers what most families need during a 2-4 hour load shedding window. A 3 kVA generator handles this comfortably.
Comfortable Living (7–10 kVA)
Everything above, plus the microwave, a small geyser or instant water heater, the washing machine (not the dryer), and more plug points. If you want hot coffee and a warm shower during load shedding, this is your range.
Whole House (15–20 kVA)
Full house backup including air conditioning, electric stove, large geyser, pool pump, and all circuits. This requires a larger diesel generator and a properly rated changeover switch. Common for larger Pretoria homes in Waterkloof, Lynnwood, and Menlyn.
Install process
How a generator install works
Five steps, from load assessment to compliant handover.
Load Assessment
We inspect your DB board and calculate the total load on each circuit. We identify which circuits you want on generator power and recommend the correct generator size. No guesswork, we measure actual current draw.
Generator Selection
Based on the load assessment, we recommend a generator that matches your requirements and budget. We factor in a 20% headroom above your calculated load to ensure the generator is not running at full capacity constantly.
Changeover Switch Installation
We install the changeover switch at or near your DB board. For a manual changeover, this involves splitting your circuits into essential and non-essential loads. For an ATS, we mount the automatic transfer panel and wire it to the DB board and generator.
Generator Positioning & Connection
The generator is placed on a level concrete base in a ventilated area, away from windows and doors. We run the power cable from the generator to the changeover switch and install an inlet plug for portable setups.
Testing & COC
We simulate a power failure, start the generator, and test the changeover under load. We verify that backfeed protection is working correctly and that all selected circuits transfer properly. A COC is issued for the installation.
Safety standards
Four non-negotiable requirements
Every compliant install we do meets these four safety rules. No exceptions.
Changeover Switch Is Mandatory
A changeover switch prevents generator power from feeding back into the Eskom grid. This backfeed is lethal, it can electrocute technicians working on the lines kilometres away. It is a legal requirement under SANS 10142, and we will not install a generator without one.
Proper Ventilation
Generators produce carbon monoxide, which is an odourless, colourless gas that kills. The generator must be positioned outdoors or in a well-ventilated enclosure, never inside a garage or close to windows. We assess the placement carefully on every installation.
Correct Cable Sizing
The cable between the generator and the changeover switch must be rated for the full output of the generator. Undersized cables overheat and cause fires. We calculate the cable size based on the generator output and the distance of the cable run.
Earth Leakage Protection
The generator supply must have earth leakage protection on the DB board, just like the mains supply. This protects you from electric shock in the event of a fault while running on generator power.
Pricing
Installation pricing
Electrical install only. Generator units priced separately.
Manual Changeover Install
Manual changeover switch installed at your DB board, inlet plug for generator connection, and all associated wiring. COC included.
- Manual changeover switch
- Generator inlet plug
- Cable run to generator position
- COC certificate included
Automatic Transfer Switch
Fully automatic changeover system with ATS panel, generator start signal wiring, and all associated electrical work. COC included.
- Automatic transfer switch panel
- Generator start signal wiring
- Mains monitoring & auto-switch
- COC certificate included
All prices exclude VAT
Maintenance
Keep your generator ready
Four simple practices to extend your generator's life and keep it starting first time.
Run It Monthly
Even if there is no load shedding, start your generator and run it under light load for 15-20 minutes once a month. This keeps the battery charged, circulates oil, and prevents fuel from going stale in the carburettor.
Oil Changes
Change the oil every 100 running hours or at least once a year. Use the oil grade specified by the manufacturer. Running a generator on old, dirty oil causes premature engine wear and reduces its lifespan significantly.
Fuel Management
If you are storing fuel, use a stabiliser to prevent it from degrading. Old petrol gums up the carburettor and causes starting problems. Diesel is more stable but can develop algae in the tank over long storage periods.
Annual Professional Service
Once a year, have the generator professionally serviced. This includes an oil change, filter replacement, spark plug check (petrol), injector check (diesel), battery test, and a full load test. We offer maintenance contracts for Pretoria clients.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
The questions we hear most about generator installs, sizing, and compliance.
Service Areas
Serving Pretoria & Gauteng
15 suburbs covered
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Ready When You Are
Backup power,
properly installed.
Changeover switches, cable sizing, earth leakage, and a COC. Done right the first time.
072 681 4615