Standby Generators

Never Lose Power When It Matters Most

Ontario homeowners know that power outages can strike at any time — severe winter storms, summer thunderstorms, ice storms, and grid failures don't give advance warning. For homes with sump pumps, medical equipment, well pumps, or simply the need to keep the family warm and safe, a standby generator is no longer a luxury — it's essential protection.

Maximum Contracting supplies and installs automatic standby generators for residential properties across Ontario. Our generators start automatically within seconds of a power failure, with no action required from you — even if you're away from home.

Standby vs. Portable Generators

Many homeowners have a portable generator stored in the garage, but standby generators offer a fundamentally different level of protection:

• Automatic operation: Standby generators detect a power outage and start automatically — no one needs to be home, drag out equipment, or run extension cords
• Permanent installation: Professionally installed on a concrete pad outside your home, connected directly to your electrical panel and natural gas or propane supply
• Natural gas or propane fuelled: No need to store or refill gasoline — your generator runs as long as your fuel supply is connected
• Whole-home or essential circuits: Choose a unit sized to run your entire home, or a transfer switch system that powers your most critical circuits
• Self-testing: Modern standby generators run a brief weekly self-test to confirm they are ready when needed
• CSA certified: All units we install are CSA-approved and meet Ontario Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) requirements

What Size Generator Do I Need?

Generator sizing depends on what you want to power during an outage. We assess your home and help you choose the right unit:

• 7–12 kW: Essential circuits — sump pump, furnace, refrigerator, lighting, and some outlets. Ideal for most Ontario homes on a budget.
• 14–20 kW: Whole-home coverage for average-sized homes including central air conditioning, electric stove, and all appliances
• 22–30 kW+: Large homes, homes with electric heating, hot tubs, or high-demand equipment

Our Installation Process

• Site assessment: We visit your property to assess electrical panel capacity, gas line access, ideal pad location, and local permit requirements
• Permit and ESA approval: We handle all required permits through the Ontario Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
• Concrete pad: We pour or place a properly sized concrete pad to mount the generator unit
• Electrical connection: Installation of an automatic transfer switch (ATS) connected to your main electrical panel
• Gas line connection: Coordination with a licensed gas fitter to connect to your natural gas or propane supply
• Commissioning and testing: Full startup test to confirm automatic operation, load transfer, and proper function
• Owner orientation: We walk you through operation, maintenance schedule, and the weekly self-test feature

Brands We Work With

We supply and install generators from trusted manufacturers known for reliability and parts availability across Ontario, including Generac, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, and Cummins. We'll recommend the right brand and model for your budget and power needs.

Maintenance & Service

Like any engine, standby generators require regular maintenance to ensure they start reliably when needed. We offer annual service packages including oil and filter changes, spark plug inspection, battery testing, load bank testing, and transfer switch inspection — giving you complete peace of mind year-round.