Switch for Generator to Prevent Asking a Gentile
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Question
It is common for the electricity from the generator to go out on Shabbat or a holiday, and sometimes it is necessary to call a gentile to turn on the electricity. Is it appropriate to install a special device that, when the generator goes out, switches the electricity to regular electricity?
Answer
Hello,
If the situation where you need to call a gentile to turn on the electricity is constant, such as if there is a disabled person in the house who requires light for care, it is permissible to install an automatic switch. So that the disabled person is not left in the dark.
However, if the situation that permits calling a gentile is not constant, one should not install a switch that automatically connects to the power grid, because if there is no special need, it is forbidden to use electricity produced on Shabbat in violation.