Licensed disconnects
Electrical disconnection must be done by a licensed electrician, and gas lines by a licensed gas fitter. Technical Safety BC regulates both.
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BC rules
Selling a Generator in BC: What to Sort Out
Most generators aren't registered vehicles, so there's no ICBC transfer. A few other things do matter.
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- A safe disconnect
- Diesel engine rules
- Proof of ownership
Fastest way to a firm number
- Nameplate photokW, voltage and serial in one shot.
- Control panelInclude the hour meter if there is one.
- The route outGate, stairs, roof hatch or driveway.
Disconnect
Who does what
- Electrical: a licensed electrician disconnects the set and transfer switch.
- Gas: a licensed gas fitter shuts off and caps natural gas or propane lines.
- Permits: Technical Safety BC oversees both kinds of work.
- Us: we load and haul once it's safe.
Paperwork
What shows you can sell it
Invoice or bill of sale
Enough for most skid and pad units.
ICBC registration
Only if the trailer is plated, signed by every owner.
Transfer/Tax Form
ICBC's APV9T, signed after payment, for plated trailers.
Lien check
BC's Personal Property Registry, by serial number.
Company or strata authority
When an organization owns it.
Generator sitting idle? Get a number today.
Worth knowing
Metro Vancouver's diesel bylaw
Non-road diesel engines of 25 hp or more, generators included, have to be registered to operate in Metro Vancouver under Bylaw 1329. Emergency-only standby sets and machines used in farming are exempt. Unregistered Tier 3 engines can't operate from February 1, 2027. If you paid registration fees and the engine is permanently retired, Metro Vancouver may refund part of them. Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission are outside the region.
Sources: Metro Vancouver engine registration, Metro Vancouver Bylaw 1329 guide, Technical Safety BC permits, BC Personal Property Registry. General information, not legal advice.
BC details
Selling a generator in BC, in more detail
A few rules and steps are specific to BC and Metro Vancouver.
Bylaw 1329
In Metro Vancouver, non-road diesel engines of 25 hp and up need to be registered and meet emissions rules, with emergency-only standby units exempt. Unregistered Tier 3 engines face restrictions from February 1, 2027.
Outside Metro Vancouver
Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission are outside the Metro Vancouver region, so Bylaw 1329 doesn't apply there.
Registered trailers
Trailer-mounted generators with ICBC registration need the registration transferred. You keep the plate.
Liens
Financed equipment may have a lender's interest at the BC Personal Property Registry. It has to be released first.
Proof of ownership
A purchase invoice, lease buyout or bill of sale shows the generator is yours.
Questions
Common questions
Does a generator need an ICBC transfer?
Only if it's on a trailer registered with ICBC. A skid or pad unit doesn't.
Do I have to register a diesel generator before selling it?
The registration rules cover operating a non-road diesel engine in the region. If you're unsure about your set, Metro Vancouver's non-road diesel team can tell you.
Can I sell a generator that came with a building I bought?
Yes, if it's yours. A purchase contract or strata records listing the equipment help show that.