Portable vs. Standby Generators
In the Almaguin Highlands and Muskoka, power outages aren't an "if"—they are a "when." Whether it’s a November windstorm taking down a line on Highway 11 or an ice storm snapping branches in January, living here means learning to live without the grid.
When the lights go out, you have two choices: brave the cold to pull a recoil cord, or stay on the couch and wait for the hum of a standby unit.
Here is the professional breakdown of Portable vs. Standby Generators, and why the "cheaper" option might be costing you more than you think.
The Portable Generator: The "Hands-On" Solution
We all know these units. They are the loud, wheeled engines you see at job sites.
The Pro: They are affordable (typically $1,000 - $2,500) and versatile.
The Con: They require you to do the work.
The Reality of a 2:00 AM Outage:
If the power dies at 2:00 AM in a snowstorm, a portable generator won't help you unless you get dressed, go outside, drag it out of the shed, clear a spot in the snow, fill it with gas, and pull the cord until it starts. Then, you have to run extension cords through a window or door (letting the heat out) to power your fridge and heater.
The Safety Warning (Please Read):
As a Licensed Electrical Contractor, I see dangerous DIY setups all the time.
Carbon Monoxide (CO): Never run a portable unit in a garage or near a window. CO is odourless and deadly.
The "Suicide Cord": Never, ever use a male-to-male extension cord to plug a generator into a dryer outlet. This is called "back-feeding." It sends lethal voltage back up the hydro lines and can kill the lineman trying to fix your power. Always use a proper GenerLink or Transfer Switch.
The Standby Generator: The "Hands-Off" Solution
A standby generator (like a Generac or Kohler) is permanently installed outside your cottage, just like an A/C unit. It is connected directly to your propane or natural gas line.
How it Works:
It uses an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS). The second the grid fails, the generator senses it. It automatically starts up, disconnects you from the grid (for safety), and restores power to your home. This all happens in about 30 seconds, usually before you’ve even found your flashlight.
The Benefit:
It runs your furnace, your well pump, and your lights indefinitely, without you ever lifting a finger. For absentee owners, this is the only way to ensure your pipes don't freeze during a week-long outage when you aren't there.
The Hidden Problem: "Stale Gas" and Maintenance
Whether you choose portable or standby, an engine is only as good as its maintenance.
The Portable Killer: Gasoline has a shelf life. If you leave gas in a portable generator for 6 months without stabilizer, it turns into varnish and clogs the carburetor. When you finally need it, it won't start.
The Standby Requirement: Standby generators are like cars—they need oil changes, battery replacements, and filter checks. They also need to be "exercised" (run for 10 minutes) every week to keep the oil circulating.
The Tall Pines Solution
At Tall Pines Electric, we view backup power as a complete system, not just a purchase.
Installation: We size and install whole-home Standby Generators that are fully code-compliant.
Maintenance (Northern Shield Tier 3): For our "Power Secure" members, we handle the headaches. We perform the annual oil changes, check the batteries, and monitor the weekly exercise cycles remotely. If the generator fails a test, we know before you do.
Don't be left in the dark.
Whether you need a safe transfer switch for your portable unit or a full standby installation, we can help. Contact us to discuss your backup power strategy
