Generator changeover switch: running your Busselton home on a generator in an outage

Published 23 October 2026

Why you can't plug a generator into a power point

Building and Energy, WA's electrical safety regulator, says plugging a generator into a power point sends electricity through the switchboard and out into the electricity network. That's a hazard to you, your family, your neighbours and anyone working on the network.

It also warns against modified leads used to connect a generator to the house wiring, which it calls a serious safety hazard that can cause an electric shock. The only safe way to power the house wiring is through a changeover switch fitted by a licensed electrical contractor.

What a changeover switch and generator inlet do

Changeover switch

A switch in the main switchboard that connects the house either to the grid or to the generator, never both. Building and Energy says it safely supplies the generator's power to the wiring and prevents power being fed back into the grid. Hager's instructions show its manual changeover switch with a centre off position, fitted in the main switchboard.

Generator inlet

A fixed weatherproof socket on an outside wall that the generator's lead plugs into, such as Clipsal's 15A appliance inlet in its 56 Series. The licensed electrical contractor connects it to the changeover switch, so no lead has to run through a window or door.

Manual or automatic

A manual switch is flipped by hand once the generator is running. AIMS Industrial, a generator equipment supplier, says manual switches are cheaper but need someone there, while an automatic transfer switch costs more and changes over unattended, in 10 to 30 seconds.

Using a generator safely without a changeover switch

Building and Energy's advice for running appliances straight from a portable generator:

• Plug appliances directly into the generator, and read the manufacturer's instructions first
• Use a heavy-duty extension cord rated for outdoor use
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for earthing the generator
• Turn appliances off before connecting them, then on one at a time, so the generator isn't overloaded
• Don't run or connect to a generator sitting in water, or while you're standing in water

Generator sizes and prices

Building and Energy says to check your generator's rated wattage to work out how many appliances it can safely run, and to look for the Australian Standard mark showing it complies with AS 2970. Some generators are listed with two figures, such as one model sold through Bunnings Marketplace at 3,750 starting watts and 3,000 running watts, so check both against what you want to run and the manufacturer's instructions.

Portable generator prices at Bunnings

Retail prices from Bunnings' online range with no store selected, checked 22 October 2026. Busselton store prices and stock can differ. They're shown to give a sense of the range, not as a recommendation of any model.

Generator changeover switch cost

Changeover switch and inlet part prices

Supply prices for the parts alone, as published, checked 22 October 2026. They don't include fitting, which must be done by a licensed electrical contractor, and Sparky Direct's listing says the SF263's warranty is void if it isn't installed by a licensed electrician. The electrician chooses the right parts for your switchboard.

Installed changeover switch estimates

A generator supplier's own estimate, published without a date and checked 22 October 2026. It doesn't say whether GST is included. We found no WA electrician publishing a changeover switch or inlet installation price, so treat this as a rough national guide; the price for your home comes from the electrician who sees your switchboard.

Bunnings doesn't list changeover switches or generator inlets; they're sold through electrical wholesalers and online electrical retailers. What the job costs depends on your switchboard, where the inlet goes and whether there's room on the board. If the board is old or full, it may make sense to fit the changeover switch as part of a switchboard upgrade.

Is a changeover switch worth it for a Busselton home?

DFES says storms are most frequent in WA's south west from May to October. On 31 May 2026, 1News reported wind gusts of 107 km/h at Busselton Jetty as storms cut power to thousands of homes across the state. Western Power administers a one-off $120 payment for an outage lasting longer than 12 consecutive hours, but that doesn't keep the fridge cold: see power out in Busselton for what to check and who to call.

In our view, a changeover switch is most worth considering if you already own a generator, or if a long outage would cost you, such as a full fridge and freezer or a business run from home. If you only need a few appliances for a few hours, extension leads from a generator outdoors may be enough.

What needs a licensed electrical contractor

Fitting the changeover switch and inlet, and any connection to the house wiring. Building and Energy says not to do this yourself, and that a licensed electrical contractor must install the changeover switch. The Australian Standard for connecting generating sets is AS/NZS 3010.

Fitting a changeover switch is installing work, so the contractor should give you an Electrical Safety Certificate within 28 days. See the Electrical Safety Certificate in WA.

Common questions