Backup power in New York
Electricians for generators and transfer switches.
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What applies across New York
A New York Department of Public Service report on the October 12-13, 2006 Western New York snowstorm says the National Weather Service reported two feet of heavy wet snow in the greater Buffalo area. It says the storm caused significant power, communications and tree damage and cut northeast through Buffalo toward the City of Rochester.
New York State Department of Public Service (source, opens in a new tab)
National Grid reported that over 121,000 Central New York customers lost service after heavy rains and high winds, including an EF-1 tornado with winds up to 105 mph in Clark Mills. Crews had restored nearly 115,000 of them (95%) by 3:30 p.m. on the day of the release, and fallen trees and debris created access issues.
National Grid's generator guidance says the home wiring must be disconnected from National Grid's system before a generator is operated. For permanent installations it describes a double throw switch with break-before-make transfer, and it advises consulting the local city, town or village about requirements.
NYSEG's generator safety guidance says generators directly connected to existing wiring systems must use a double-pole, double-throw (DPDT) transfer switch. It also says to turn off the main breaker or pull the main fuse block after losing power.
Before you hire
A generator wired into your home needs an approved transfer switch, fitted under a permit, so it can’t feed power back into the lines. Plan it before you buy.
Get written quotes from at least three contractors for the same work, and check references from recent clients.
Put it in a written contract: the work, price, deposit, start and finish dates, warranty, permits and clean-up. Paying cash to skip it leaves you no recourse.