What Type of Generator Do You Need?
Home Standby Generators
Home standby generators are permanently installed outside your home and connect directly to your natural gas or propane supply. They monitor your utility power 24 hours a day and start automatically within seconds of detecting an outage. No manual setup, no extension cords, no fuel to store.
Best for: Canadian homeowners who want whole-home protection during ice storms, winter blackouts, and extended grid outages in Ontario, Quebec, BC, and Atlantic Canada.
Key attributes:
- Automatic start within seconds of power failure
- Runs on natural gas or propane
- Whole-home or critical circuit coverage
- Permanent outdoor installation
- Available from 13 kW to 50 kW and above
- Weather protective sound-insulated enclosures
- Remote monitoring via smartphone app
Portable Generators
Portable generators provide flexible backup power that you can move to any location. They run on gasoline or dual fuel (gasoline and propane) and are ideal for job sites, cottages, emergency home backup, and outdoor work where a permanent standby generator is not needed.
Best for: Contractors, cottage owners, farmers, and homeowners who need backup power for essential circuits without a permanent installation.
Key attributes:
- Gasoline or dual fuel operation
- Portable and easy to relocate
- Output from 3,500W to 12,000W
- Manual or electric start
- Suitable for job sites, outdoor work, and emergency home use
Inverter Generators
Inverter generators produce clean, stable power that is safe for sensitive electronics including laptops, medical devices, and modern appliances. They are significantly quieter than conventional portable generators and more fuel-efficient at partial load.
Best for: RV travel, camping, remote work, sensitive electronics, and situations where noise level is a concern.
Key attributes:
- Clean power output for sensitive electronics
- Quiet operation at partial load
- Lightweight and compact
- Parallel capability on compatible models
- Fuel-efficient at variable load
RV Generators
RV generators are purpose-built for motorhomes, travel trailers, and campervans. They deliver reliable power for air conditioning, refrigeration, and appliances while on the road or parked at a remote site. Cummins Onan RV generators run on gasoline or propane and are available in 2.5 kW to 7 kW output ratings.
Best for: Full-time RV travellers, seasonal campers, and overland adventurers across Canada.
Key attributes:
- Compact form factor for RV installation
- Gasoline or propane fuel options
- 2.5 kW to 7 kW output range
- Quiet operation for campsite use
- Designed for continuous mobile use
Generator Sizing Guide for Canadian Homes
Choosing the right generator size depends on which circuits and appliances you need to power. Use this guide as a starting point:
Essential circuits only (lights, fridge, heating controls)
→ Recommended generator size: 7 kW to 13 kW
Average Canadian home with full backup power
→ Recommended generator size: 13 kW to 20 kW
Large homes with central air conditioning
→ Recommended generator size: 20 kW or higher
Small commercial or agricultural properties
→ Recommended generator size: 20 kW to 50 kW
Large commercial or industrial facilities
→ Recommended generator size: 50 kW or higher
For a precise sizing recommendation, contact Volts Energies for a free consultation. Our team will assess your load requirements and recommend the right Cummins, Generac, or Winco generator for your property.
Generators for Canadian Winters
Power outages in Canada are most common during winter ice storms, freezing rain events, and high-wind conditions across Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and BC. A standby generator designed for Canadian cold weather conditions is essential for maintaining heat, refrigeration, water pumps, and medical equipment during extended outages.
Cold weather performance: Standard Cummins QuietConnect generators operate reliably at temperatures as low as -18 degrees Celsius. Extreme cold weather models extend this to -40 degrees Celsius without additional preparation, covering the harshest conditions across northern Ontario, the Prairie provinces, and Northern Canada.
Automatic operation: Standby generators from Cummins start automatically within seconds of detecting a power failure. There is no need to be home or awake during an outage for your backup power to activate.
Natural gas reliability: Unlike gasoline-powered portable generators, natural gas standby generators draw from your home's existing gas supply. There is no fuel to store, rotate, or run out of during an extended winter outage.
Generator Fuel Types
Natural Gas Generators
→ Best for: Home standby generators
→ Key advantage: No fuel storage needed with continuous fuel supply from your gas line
Propane Generators
→ Best for: Standby and RV generators
→ Key advantage: Ideal for rural properties without natural gas access
Gasoline Generators
→ Best for: Portable generators
→ Key advantage: Widely available fuel with flexible usage
Dual Fuel Generators
→ Best for: Portable generators
→ Key advantage: Can run on either gasoline or propane for added flexibility
Diesel Generators
→ Best for: Commercial and industrial applications
→ Key advantage: Highly fuel-efficient during heavy continuous operation
Frequently Asked Questions
What size generator do I need for a Canadian home?
Most Canadian homes require between 13 kW and 20 kW for full backup coverage. A 13 kW generator covers essential circuits including heating, refrigeration, lighting, and water pumping. A 20 kW generator covers whole-home loads including central air conditioning. Contact Volts Energies for a load calculation.
What is the difference between a standby generator and a portable generator?
A standby generator is permanently installed and starts automatically when the power goes out. A portable generator requires manual setup, fuel management, and does not start automatically. Standby generators run on natural gas or propane while portable generators typically run on gasoline or dual fuel.
Does Volts Energies install generators?
Yes. Volts Energies offers professional generator installation and maintenance services across Canada. Contact the team to schedule a consultation and quote for your installation.
Can a Cummins generator operate in -40 degree Canadian winters?
Standard Cummins QuietConnect generators operate down to -18 degrees Celsius. Cummins extreme cold weather models are designed to operate down to -40 degrees Celsius, making them suitable for northern Canada without additional modification.
Do I need a transfer switch with a standby generator?
Yes. A transfer switch is required for safe standby generator installation. It automatically disconnects your home from the utility grid when the generator starts, preventing backfeed that could harm utility workers and damage your generator. Volts Energies stocks Cummins RSS and RA series transfer switches for complete installations.
What fuel does a Cummins QuietConnect generator use?
Cummins QuietConnect residential generators run on natural gas or propane. You select your preferred fuel at the time of purchase. The generator connects to your existing home gas supply for continuous, uninterrupted operation during outages.
How loud is a Cummins standby generator?
Cummins QuietConnect generators operate at 65 dB or lower at 7 metres, approximately the same volume as a normal conversation. This makes them suitable for residential areas with noise bylaws.
