Standby generators

What is a standby generator?

A standby generator is used for emergency power generation in the event of the loss of mains electricity supply. It does not operate in parallel with mains supply. A standby generator may be used in the case of:

A planned electricity interruption by ESB Networks
A fault on the electricity network
A storm or third-party damage to the electricity network

Technician smiling, with his hands on his truck

Proper installation

It's important that the source of standby generation is installed by a Registered Electrical Contractor. The generator and its wiring must also be installed in compliance with all relevant National Wiring Rules for Electrical Installations. In order to ensure that parallel operation with the electricity network is not possible, a standby generator must always be connected through an appropriate change-over switch, whether it is a manual or automatic device.

Let us know

For safety reasons please inform the Customer Services Supervisor in your local ESB Networks office if you are installing a standby generator at your address. Your registered electrical contractor will have the contact details.

Safety first

Standby generation should never be connected by a temporary means to your metering point or to the electrical circuits in your premises (e.g. plugged directly into a regular wall socket). To do so could endanger you, your neighbours and ESB Networks' staff. Standby generators shall never be shared (connected) across multiple properties.

If ESB Networks encounters an electrical installation with standby generation feeding out onto the ESB Network during an outage, the entire property/ electrical installation will be disconnected on Safety Grounds and reconnection will not be completed until a wiring certificate for the entire installation is submitted by a Registered Electrical Contractor.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my solar PV, battery or Electric Vehicle as a standby generator?

Yes, these sources of generation may be used in the event of a loss of mains electricity supply. In normal circumstances solar PV, batteries and Electric Vehicles run in parallel with the mains supply from ESB Networks. However, if they are to be used as a source of standby generation (i.e. island/off-grid mode) they need to be designed, installed and tested for correct operation by a Registered Electrical Contractor (safeelectric.ie). As per the above, an appropriate changeover switch to break parallel with the ESB Networks mains electricity supply as per National Wiring Rules for Electrical Installations shall be used.

Can I use a portable generator (e.g petrol or diesel fuelled) as a standby generator?

Yes, these sources of generation may be used in the event of a loss of mains electricity supply. As per the above, an appropriate changeover switch to break parallel with the ESB Networks mains electricity supply as per National Wiring Rules for Electrical Installations shall be used.