Do You Need a Generator Switch in FNQ?

Storms Are a Part of Life Up Here — Power Outages Don’t Have to Be

If you’ve lived in FNQ for more than five minutes, you know how wild storm season can get. Between cyclones, flooding, and trees bringing down power lines, losing power is almost guaranteed at some point each year.

I’m Ryan from Chilled Electrical FNQ, and one of the best things you can do to get ahead of storm season is install a generator switch in your home. It’s a simple bit of gear that can save you a heap of stress when the grid goes down — keeping your lights, fridge, Wi-Fi and fans running when you need them most.

Let’s break it down, just the facts on what a generator switch does, how it works, and whether you really need one in your FNQ home.

What Is a Generator Switch, and How Does It Work?

A generator transfer switch (often just called a "generator switch") is a device installed on your switchboard that lets you safely power your home using a generator when the main electricity supply goes out.

Here's how it works:

1. Power goes out
2. You plug in your generator
3. Flip the switch to transfer over to generator power
4. You’re back up and running, safely and legally

No dodgy extension cords running through the window. No messing with appliances individually. Just one switch, and you’re sorted.

Why Are More FNQ Homes Installing Generator Switches?

We’ve been seeing a big spike in generator switch installations across Cairns, Mossman, Port Douglas and the Tablelands and it’s not just rural properties anymore.

Here’s why locals are getting it done:

• Power outages are getting longer and more frequent
• Cyclone season keeps locals on edge
• Back-up power is essential for fridges, freezers, medical devices and comms
• It adds resilience and independence, especially in regional or remote areas
• You’re not waiting hours (or days) for the power company to show up

And let’s be honest it feels bloody good to be the only house on the street with the lights still on.

Is a Generator Switch Right for Your Home?

Not every house needs one, but if any of these sound familiar, it’s 100% worth considering:

• You live in a storm-prone or rural area
• You’ve got a fridge or freezer full of food you can’t afford to lose
• You work from home and need power for devices/Wi-Fi
• You or a family member rely on powered medical equipment
• You’ve got solar with a battery system and want extra backup
• You’re renting out an Airbnb or holiday home and want guests covered

Even if your area doesn’t lose power often, the peace of mind alone makes it a smart investment.

What Can You Run With a Generator Switch?

That depends on your generator size, but with the right setup, you can power:

• Fridge & freezer
• Lights & fans
• Modem/Wi-Fi
• Phone chargers
• TV
• Some aircons (depending on load)

We’ll help you work out exactly what you want to power during an outage and make sure your setup can handle it.

Why You Should Never Backfeed a Generator Without a Switch

We hear this way too often, people plugging a generator directly into a powerpoint or the house without a proper switch installed. This is extremely dangerous and illegal in QLD.

Backfeeding can:

• Electrocute lineworkers
• Damage your appliances
• Void your insurance
• Start a fire

A generator switch is the only safe, legal, and compliant way to connect a generator to your home.

What Does It Cost to Install a Generator Switch in FNQ?

Every home is different, but here’s a ballpark:

Typical install cost: $800–$1,500, depending on:

• Your existing switchboard setup
• Generator size and wiring access
• Whether we’re adding extra circuits or surge protection

We’ll give you a clear, no-BS quote upfront, no surprises, no upselling.

Do I Need a Specific Generator?

You don’t need to go out and buy a $5,000 monster. Most FNQ homes run just fine with a portable generator in the 6kVA to 8kVA range for essential circuits.

We can help you choose one, or work with what you’ve already got, just make sure it’s compatible, safe, and reliable.

Why Choose Chilled Electrical FNQ?

We’re a local, veteran-owned, family-run outfit that shows up when we say we will. You’ll get:

• A qualified sparkie (me – Ryan) who actually explains things clearly
• Friendly, honest service
• Work that’s up to QLD standards and done right the first time

We’ve installed generator switches all over:

• Cairns
• Cairns Northern Beaches
• Port Douglas
• Mossman
• Julatten
• Daintree and surrounds

FNQ is home, we know what your property needs to handle the next big storm.

Final Word: Be Ready, Not Reactive

When the power goes out, it’s already too late to start thinking about backup options. A generator switch gives you the confidence that you’ll be ready, no matter what the season throws at you.

It’s one of those jobs you’ll only wish you did sooner.

Want a quote or a quick chat about your options?

Give us a bell. We’ll check your setup, talk through your needs, and get it sorted before the next big storm rolls through.