Automatic Generator Systems in Toronto, Richmond Hill, Vaughan & GTA

The Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC) sets the minimum legal safety requirements for electrical installations in Ontario. For residential automatic generator systems, compliance with the Code is essential to ensure that the generator, automatic transfer switch, service equipment, conductors, grounding and bonding, overcurrent protection, and associated backup power wiring are installed safely and are suitable for automatic standby operation.

Following the Code helps reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, backfeeding, improper source switching, unsafe service arrangements, equipment damage, failed ESA inspection, and utility-related hazards.

An automatic generator system must be designed so that utility power and generator power are transferred safely through approved automatic transfer equipment. This is especially important where the transfer switch is service entrance rated, where integrated load management is used, and where the effective main service equipment location is affected by the installation.

Rules commonly applicable to residential automatic generator systems

• Rule 2-004 — Notification of work / ESA inspection process
  Hardwired automatic standby generator systems must be properly notified to ESA and handled through the required inspection process.
• Rule 2-022 — Approved electrical equipment
  Generators, automatic transfer switches, service equipment, and associated electrical products used in Ontario must be approved for use.
• Rule 2-024 — Approval requirements for electrical equipment
  Equipment must be approved to recognized standards and accepted for installation in Ontario.
• Rule 2-034 — Use of electrical equipment
  Electrical equipment must be used only for the purpose and in the manner for which it is approved and intended.
• Rule 2-314 — Working space around electrical equipment
  Working space around service equipment and automatic transfer equipment must be kept clear and suitable for safe operation and maintenance.
• Rule 6-206 — Consumer’s service entrance equipment
  Service entrance equipment must be installed so it is readily accessible and complies with applicable service equipment requirements.
• Rule 6-402 — Meter mounting devices and service arrangement considerations
  Metering and service arrangements must remain compliant where automatic transfer equipment is added.
• Rule 10-210 — Grounding and bonding at service equipment
  Where a service-rated automatic transfer switch becomes the effective main service equipment, grounding and bonding arrangements must be handled correctly.
• Rule 12-010 — Mechanical protection of conductors
  Conductors must be installed and protected in a manner that reduces the risk of physical damage.
• Rule 14-100 — Protection of conductors by overcurrent devices
  Conductors associated with the automatic generator system must remain properly protected by the correct overcurrent devices.
• Rule 14-104 — Rating and coordination of overcurrent protection
  Overcurrent protection must be coordinated correctly with conductor ampacity and the characteristics of the installation.
• Section 84 — Interconnected electric power production sources
  Where applicable to the standby source arrangement, installations must follow the Code requirements governing alternate and interconnected power sources.

Note: Rule selection may vary depending on whether the system backs up essential loads or the whole house, whether the ATS is service entrance rated, and how grounding and bonding are affected by the service arrangement. Exact official wording should be taken from the current purchased edition of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and applicable ESA bulletins.