Backup Power & Surge Protection

Here on Vancouver Island, we can experience high-powered windstorms that can knock out power for hours, or even days. A properly installed generator system can help prevent the inconveniences and safety issues caused by long-term or repeated power outages.

Even if the power goes out, with a backup power system, you won’t have to huddle around a wood fireplace, read by candle light, or resort to bottled water when your electric well pump dies.

Other advantages of a permanent backup generator:

• They can handle larger loads than a standard portable generator
• They can run longer
• You don’t have to start it manually
• No one has to be home to turn it on and ensure the food in your fridge or freezer is saved
• The system is always ready to go and, depending on the system, can run nonstop for days

If you live in an area prone to long-term power outages, you may consider adding a battery bank for increased operating time. A charger is required for generators attached to a battery bank.

The first step in choosing a backup power system is to determine how much electricity your household requires at the time of an emergency.

A 10kw to 15kw generator is most commonly used for home backup systems, but the right unit for you depends on your needs. Island Electric Co. can specify and install the right backup power system to keep the power on for your home: contact us to get started.

Battery-only Residential Backup Systems

Battery-based backup systems can also be installed at residential properties, depending on your specific needs. Battery-only setups are more of a short-term solution. The can provide power for only a few hours, and there are limits on which appliances can be used during that time.

If backup emergency power is something you’d like to discuss, get started by contacting an experienced electrical contractor such as Nanaimo-based Island Electric Co.

We’ll work with you to determine the type and size of system that is best suited for your needs, and provide an estimate for the materials and labour required to get the job done.

Power outages are unpredictable and can be extremely inconvenient – and costly – for businesses. A backup power system can help keep you operating during blackouts, allowing your POS systems to stay online and to avoid content loss on sensitive items.

We work with commercial facility owners to analyze and install backup solutions based on your power consumption requirements. Once installed, we’ll test the equipment, and ensure that you are ready for a power outage to happen at any time.

There are different types of permanent generators used in commercial spaces, some of which are quickly listed below.

Standby Power Generators

These are temporary power sources that require a fuel supply and proper ventilation. This system also uses automatic transfer switches to provide power to maintain vital equipment in your facility. Standby generators provide different levels of power, tuned to suit your particular needs.

Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) Systems

UPS systems are a battery-based backup power supply that will keep your equipment running without interruption. As system relies on battery storage, it has a limited amount of power and duration. A UPS can be a great option for keeping your computer systems online for long enough to safely power them down.

Regardless of the system you choose, backup power systems help to protect your valuable equipment and keep your operation running without interruption.

Contact Island Electric Co. to arrange for a consultation to discuss which system is right for your business.

Power surges can be the end of any electronic device that is connected to power in your home or business. Ensure the integrity of your gear is safe by installing surge protection devices to handle any unexpected spikes in your power supply.

Common Causes of Surges

• Overloaded outlets or circuits
• Damaged or exposed wiring
• High-powered electrical equipment
• Power outages
• Lightning strikes (uncommon on Vancouver Island)

Whole-Home Surge Protection

A whole-home surge protection system prevents any plug-in electronics from high voltage damage.

You might wonder why you would want to consider installing a whole home system: you already have plug-in surge protectors in outlets around your house right?

But what about your high-end oven that turns itself off and on, or the new internet-connected fridge? All of these new appliances use electricity, of course, and a surge could cause significant damage. Often, warranties for appliances do not cover electrical surges.

It doesn’t take a large electrical surge to cause damage to fragile electronics, either. Dishwashers, modems, cable equipment, and even exercise machines can be damaged from a surge.

Installing a whole house system is the best way to protect your high-priced electronics.

Surge Protection for Businesses

Just like at home, electrical surges can cause large amounts of damage to commercial equipment. Often this equipment was bought for a considerable costs, and again insurance doesn't always provide surge protection.

Our first step is to identify wiring issues, and to assess your power needs to determine the correct surge protection system.

Depending on your surge risk and the current level when a surge occurs, understanding your risks before a surge happens can protect you against replacements costs, but also lost time.

Surge protection devices will be installed at critical junctions, and along wires and cables that attach to equipment within your facility. These systems will stop any large surges from entering your critical technology and equipment, avoiding damages and power loss.

These surge protection devices can be reset, or replaced easily if a surge does occur, which also prevents having to rewire entire fried circuits.

Surge protection for your business is just as important as your phone or lighting cable system. An unexpected loss of power can lead to a loss in business. Call us to discuss your options!