Yes, but it must be done by a licensed electrician who installs a manual or automatic transfer switch to safely isolate your home from the grid during generator use. Connecting a generator directly to your switchboard without a transfer switch (known as backfeeding) is illegal in Australia and extremely dangerous — it can electrocute linespeople and neighbours.
Overview
Backup generators provide essential power continuity during outages caused by storms, bushfires, grid failures, or planned shutdowns. In Australia, both portable and standby generators can be connected to your home or business switchboard, but only through a properly installed transfer switch that prevents dangerous backfeeding into the grid. A licensed electrician will size the generator to your needs, install the transfer switch, and ensure the entire setup complies with Australian Standards. Standby generators are particularly popular in rural and regional areas, bushfire-prone zones, and for businesses that cannot afford downtime.
When you need this service
- ✓You experience frequent or extended power outages in your area
- ✓You need backup power for medical equipment that cannot be interrupted
- ✓Your business requires uninterrupted power for operations, refrigeration, or IT systems
- ✓You live in a bushfire-prone area and need power for fire pumps and communications
- ✓You want a permanent standby generator that starts automatically during outages
How it works
- 1
Load Assessment
The electrician determines which circuits you need powered during an outage and calculates the total load to recommend the correct generator size.
- 2
Transfer Switch Installation
A manual changeover switch or automatic transfer switch (ATS) is installed at your switchboard, creating a safe, code-compliant connection point between the generator and your home's wiring.
- 3
Generator Connection & Setup
The generator is connected to the transfer switch via an appropriate inlet box and cabling. For standby generators, the unit is permanently wired and configured for automatic startup.
- 4
Testing & Commissioning
The complete system is tested under load, including simulating a power outage to verify automatic transfer (for ATS systems). You receive training on operation and a compliance certificate.
How much does it cost?
Generator installation costs in Australia depend on the type of setup. A manual transfer switch installation for connecting a portable generator costs $800 to $2,000 for the switch and electrical work (generator not included). A fully installed automatic standby generator system (including the generator, automatic transfer switch, concrete pad, and electrical connection) costs $5,000 to $15,000 for residential and $10,000 to $50,000+ for commercial. Portable generators suitable for home use cost $1,000 to $5,000 to purchase. The transfer switch alone costs $500 to $2,500 depending on whether it's manual or automatic.
Australian regulations
Generator installations in Australia must comply with AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules), AS/NZS 3010 (Electrical installations — Generating sets), and relevant energy distributor requirements. A transfer switch (changeover switch) is mandatory — it is illegal and extremely dangerous to backfeed a generator into the grid. The transfer switch must provide complete isolation from the grid (break-before-make operation). In most states, the installation must be notified to the local energy distributor. All generator electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician and a compliance certificate issued.