Question 1

Cold weather starting tips for NB generators?

Accepted Answer

Cold weather can significantly impact generator performance in New Brunswick's harsh winters, but proper preparation ensures reliable backup power when ice storms and blizzards knock out electricity.

Generator engines face unique challenges in Maritime winter conditions. Cold temperatures thicken engine oil, making it harder for the starter to turn the engine over. Battery capacity also drops significantly in freezing weather - a battery that works fine in summer may only provide 50% of its cra

Question 2

How do I install a transfer switch for my standby generator in New Brunswick?

Accepted Answer

A transfer switch installation in New Brunswick requires a licensed electrician and a TSANB permit — this is NOT a DIY project, as improper installation can backfeed power onto NB Power lines and electrocute utility workers.

What a transfer switch does: It's a switching device installed between your electrical panel and the utility meter that safely disconnects your home from the grid before connecting generator power. This prevents dangerous backfeed — electricity flowing from your generator b

Question 3

How often should I maintain my standby generator in New Brunswick?

Accepted Answer

Your standby generator needs maintenance every 6-12 months and after every extended use — New Brunswick's harsh winters and long storm seasons make this critical for reliability when you need it most.

Weekly automatic exercise: Most standby generators run a 15-20 minute exercise cycle weekly (usually programmed by your installer). This keeps the engine lubricated, charges the battery, and confirms the system works. Listen for it running — if you haven't heard it in weeks, something may be wrong

Question 4

Can I run a sub-panel to my detached garage from my house in New Brunswick?

Accepted Answer

Yes, running a sub-panel to a detached garage is a common project in New Brunswick, but it requires a licensed electrician, a TSANB permit, and careful planning for our climate conditions.

Sub-panel sizing for a typical garage:
- Basic garage (lights, outlets, garage door opener): 60-amp sub-panel is sufficient
- Workshop with power tools: 100-amp sub-panel recommended for table saws, air compressors, welders
- Heated garage or EV charger: 100-amp minimum, possibly 200-amp if combining heat and

Question 5

Can I use a portable generator to power my well pump during an outage in New Brunswick?

Accepted Answer

Yes — powering a well pump with a portable generator is one of the most critical applications for rural New Brunswick homeowners during power outages. Without power, no well pump means no water for drinking, flushing, cooking, or livestock. Here's how to do it safely and effectively.

Why This Matters in NB

A significant portion of New Brunswick's population relies on private wells — particularly in rural areas outside the municipal water systems of Moncton, Fredericton, Saint John, and a few

Question 6

How do I choose the right standby generator size for my home in New Brunswick?

Accepted Answer

Choosing the right standby generator for your New Brunswick home means matching the generator's capacity to your actual power needs — not guessing or buying the biggest unit available. An undersized generator won't keep your essential systems running during the extended Maritime outages we're known for, while an oversized one wastes thousands of dollars on capacity you'll never use.

Why Standby Generators Matter in New Brunswick

New Brunswick experiences some of the most frequent and prolonge

Question 7

How do I choose between a portable and standby generator for my NB home?

Accepted Answer

Portable vs. Standby Generator: Choosing the Right One for New Brunswick

New Brunswick's outage profile — ice storms lasting days, post-tropical storms, and heavy snow events — makes a generator more of a necessity than a luxury. The choice between portable and standby comes down to your budget, how much of your home you want powered, and how much effort you're willing to put in during an outage.

Portable Generator Overview

What it is: A gasoline (or dual-fuel gas/propane) engine-driven gen

Question 8

What is the best backup power option for well water during NB outages?

Accepted Answer

Backup Power for Well Pumps During New Brunswick Power Outages

If your New Brunswick home is on a well — as thousands of rural and suburban properties are across the province — a power outage means no water. No flushing, no washing, no drinking water from the tap. Having a backup power plan for your well pump is essential.

Understanding Your Well Pump

First, know what you're working with:

Submersible well pump (most common in NB):
- Located at the bottom of the well, 30–200+ feet deep
- Ru

Question 9

How do portable generators cause carbon monoxide deaths and how do I use one safely?

Accepted Answer

Portable Generator Carbon Monoxide Safety for New Brunswick

Carbon monoxide (CO) from portable generators kills Canadians every year, and the risk is highest during winter power outages — exactly when New Brunswick residents rely on generators most. This is preventable with proper use.

Why Generators Produce CO

Portable generators burn gasoline (or propane/dual fuel) in an internal combustion engine. The exhaust contains carbon monoxide — a colourless, odourless gas that displaces oxygen in

Question 10

What causes power outages in New Brunswick and how can I prepare?

Accepted Answer

Power Outage Causes and Preparation for New Brunswick Homes

New Brunswick experiences more power outages than many Canadian provinces due to its geography, weather patterns, and grid infrastructure. Understanding the causes helps you prepare effectively.

Major Causes of NB Power Outages

1. Ice storms (most damaging)
NB's location between the Atlantic and the continental interior creates perfect conditions for freezing rain. Ice accumulation of 15–25mm on power lines and tree branches causes

Question 11

What size generator do I need to power my whole house in New Brunswick during a storm?

Accepted Answer

Sizing a Whole-House Generator for New Brunswick Homes

Choosing the right generator size depends on your home's total electrical load, which varies significantly based on your heating system, appliances, and whether you have electric hot water.

Calculating Your Load

Start by listing every circuit you want powered during an outage. A typical New Brunswick home with 2,000 square feet might need:

- Electric furnace or heat pump: 5,000–15,000 watts
- Well pump: 1,000–2,000 watts (starting surg

Question 12

How do I safely use a portable generator during a New Brunswick winter storm?

Accepted Answer

Safely Using a Portable Generator During New Brunswick Winter Storms

Portable generators save lives during New Brunswick's winter storms — but they also kill people every year across Canada when used incorrectly. Carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution, and fire are all real risks that can be avoided with proper setup and usage. Whether you're dealing with an ice storm in the Saint John River Valley, a nor'easter hitting the Fundy coast, or a blizzard in northern New Brunswick, these safety r

Question 13

What size generator do I need to run my well pump during a power outage in rural New Brunswick?

Accepted Answer

Generator Sizing for Well Pumps in Rural New Brunswick

If you live in rural New Brunswick — whether in the Kennebecasis Valley, along the Fundy coast, or in the Miramichi region — a generator capable of running your well pump is essential. NB Power outages from ice storms, heavy winds, and nor'easters can last anywhere from hours to days. The devastating ice storms of January 2017 and the post-tropical storms that regularly hit the Maritimes make backup power a necessity, not a luxury, for hom

Question 14

What are the best options for backup power during a New Brunswick power outage?

Accepted Answer

Best Backup Power Options for New Brunswick Power Outages

New Brunswick experiences some of the most frequent and prolonged power outages in Canada. The January 2017 ice storm left parts of the province without power for up to 10 days. Post-tropical storm Fiona in 2022 knocked out power to over 100,000 NB Power customers. And every winter, nor'easters and ice loading on the province's largely overhead distribution grid cause outages lasting hours to days. Having a backup power plan is not a lu

Question 15

What size whole home generator do I need to keep my house running during a New Brunswick ice storm?

Accepted Answer

For most New Brunswick homes, a 16 to 22 kW whole-home standby generator will keep everything running during an ice storm, including your furnace or heat pump, refrigerator, lights, well pump (if applicable), and a few convenience circuits. If you have a larger home with electric heat, a hot tub, or multiple high-draw appliances, you may need 24 to 48 kW.

New Brunswick is one of the most ice-storm-prone provinces in Canada. The Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John areas regularly experience mul

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