Whitsundays Generator Changeover Switch
Why Every Whitsundays Home Should Have a Generator Changeover Switch
Stay powered, stay safe, and stay prepared.
Living in the Whitsundays is incredible we’ve got the beaches, the lifestyle, and the weather… but the weather is also exactly why more homeowners and businesses are installing generator changeover switches. Between tropical storms, cyclone season, and unexpected Ergon outages, having a safe and compliant way to power your home with a generator is quickly becoming a must, not a luxury.
At Skyba Electrical AV & Automation, we install changeover systems to make sure your home stays running when the grid goes down and, just as importantly, that everything stays safe and compliant with Australian Standards.
What Is a Generator Changeover Switch?
A generator changeover switch is a device installed in your switchboard that safely isolates your home from the grid and allows you to power the house from a portable generator.
It ensures:
Your generator powers only your home not the street (prevents back-feeding).
Your circuits remain safe while switching between mains and generator.
Your home can switch between power sources quickly and without guesswork.
There are two main styles:
1. Manual Changeover Switches
A physical switch that you operate yourself. Reliable, simple, and cost-effective.
2. Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS)
Switches that automatically detect power loss and transfer to generator power. Perfect for businesses or homes where constant uptime is critical.
Why Changeover Switches Are Essential in the Whitsundays
1. We Live in a High-Risk Weather Region
Cyclones, lightning storms and strong winds can all knock out power and as locals know, sometimes for hours or days. Having a changeover switch means you’re not sitting in the dark waiting for the grid to come back.
2. They Protect Your Generator and Your Home
Improvised “plug-in” setups or dangerous DIY generator connections can cause:
Fire hazards
Electrical back-feeding
Damage to appliances
Serious risk to Ergon lineworkers
A changeover switch ensures everything is isolated correctly and complies with AS/NZS 3000 electrical regulations.
3. Perfect for Rural and Acerage Properties
If you’re out of town Mount Marlow, Strathdickie, Proserpine, Conway, Hideaway bay etc. you know outages hit harder and last longer. A generator backup is essential for your peace of mind.
4. Keeps Essential Systems Running
With a properly sized generator and changeover switch, you can run:
Fridges & freezers
Lights & fans
Wi-Fi & communications
Pumps (bore, tank, pool, sewage)
Medical equipment
Air-conditioning (depending on generator size)
This makes a huge difference during extended outages.
Benefits of Installing a Generator Changeover Switch
- Safe, Legal, Compliant Power Backup
- Quick Changeover When the Power Goes Out
- Protects Your Home’s Electrical System
- Increases Home Value & Resilience
- Works with Portable or Hard-Wired Generators
- Future-Proof for Solar + Battery
How Skyba Electrical Install Changeover Systems
Every installation includes:
Site assessment and generator sizing advice
Installation of a compliant changeover switch in your switchboard
Testing of the changeover function
Clear instructions on how to operate the system
Labelling and safety signage
Optional generator inlet installed externally
Optional interlocking for added safety
Who Should Install One?
Changeover switches are ideal for:
Homes in rural or acreage areas
Properties reliant on pumps
Farms and sheds
Airbnbs and holiday homes
Medical-needs households
Businesses that can’t afford downtime
Basically — any Whitsundays property that doesn’t want to sit through the next outage.
We’re fully licensed, insured, and experienced with Ergon compliance requirements across the region.
Book a Changeover Switch Installation
If you have a property in the Whitsundays and are interested in discussing your Generator change over switch options Contact Skyba Electrical AV & Automation today to organise a free no obligation quote or inspection of your property.
