Frequently Asked Questions

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A home standby generator is permanently installed outside your home and connected directly to your electrical system. When a power outage occurs, it automatically starts and supplies power to selected essential systems. Once utility power is restored, the generator shuts off automatically.

That depends on your home and priorities. Many homeowners choose to power essential systems such as heating, well or sump pumps, fridges and freezers, medical equipment (such as CPAP machines), security systems, and basic lighting. During a site assessment, we help determine what makes the most sense for your household. 

Yes. Home standby generators are designed to start automatically during a power outage and shut down once utility power is restored. There’s no need to be home or manually start the system. 

A properly installed standby generator can run continuously during an outage, provided it has an adequate fuel supply and is maintained correctly. This makes standby generators well suited for longer outages that can occur in some Vancouver Island communities. 

Yes. Generator installations are completed with the required permits and inspections. We handle this process as part of a professional, code-compliant installation. 

Installation timelines vary depending on site conditions, electrical service, fuel availability, and permitting requirements. After a site assessment, we can provide a clearer timeline for your specific home. 

Yes. Regular maintenance helps ensure your generator is ready when you need it and supports manufacturer warranty requirements. We offer service and maintenance options to keep systems operating reliably. 

In many cases, yes. We can review your existing system and let you know whether service or maintenance support is available. 

Yes. VI Power Guard operates as a licensed and insured electrical contractor (Licence No. LEL0201066). We are an Authorized Generac Dealer and are BBB accredited. 

No. Reaching out or submitting a form does not create an obligation. Our goal is to help you understand your options so you can decide what’s right for your home. 

The best place to start is by contacting us through the website or by phone. From there, we can discuss your needs and determine whether a site visit makes sense. 

If you don’t see your question here, feel free to contact us — we’re happy to help.