How Standby GENERAC Generators Work During a Power Outage

During any season, but especially during summer’s tumultuous storm season, power outages can happen unexpectedly. Lightning strikes, high winds, grid failures and other natural forces can cause homeowners and businesses to be left without necessary and life-saving utilities. But when you have a standby generator on deck, you have an automatic backup power solution that helps to keep things running, come what may. Maybe you’ve wondered just how the process plays out and what exactly happens that allows a generator to switch on after an outage? We’ve got you covered, and we’re here to help, with a simple rundown of the processes and equipment involved.

What Is A Standby Generator?

First off, let’s start by defining terms and differentiating between products. Many folks are familiar with the portable generators that you take on camping trips or store in the garage. They’re on wheels, and while hefty, you can move them to the safest place for operation. This is not that. 

We’re talking about standby generators, which are permanently fixed in place on a concrete pad once installed. They typically have a direct line to a fuel source, or a tank for fuel storage, and instead of having to drag out a portable model in a storm, standby models–like GENERAC generators–kick into action moments after the power cuts out. While portable generators are safely used with extension cords, a standby generator is directly connected to your home’s electrical system. They’re most often powered by natural gas or liquid propane, whereas the portable generators typically use standard gasoline. Now that we’re on the same page, let’s get into what happens when the power goes out.

Standby Generators and Power Outages

When the utility power fails, a standby generator is wired to sense the outage immediately. Next, the automatic transfer switch activates, disconnecting the building from the utility power source. This enables the electrical system to safely switch to generator power. A standby generator automatically detects when your utility power goes down and in a span of time as short as 10 to 30 seconds, it’s started up and is actively restoring electricity to your home or business. 

Now that the essential circuits programmed to receive power through the automatic transfer switch are fully electrified, appliances and normal home systems–like air conditioning, heat, light and water supply–continue running. But this isn’t just a bare-bones operation. As long as the correct size of standby generator is purchased and installed, a home or office can keep functioning as if nothing happened, even after total grid power loss. The trick is in understanding generator load management and sizing.

How the Standby Generator System Works

The automatic transfer switch is the heart and soul of how your standby generator communicates with your electrical system. It acts as the “brain” of the system, ensuring that your system is isolated from the grid. This allows you to generate power in a closed system, preventing dangerous backfeeding into utility lines that could harm line workers and cause other issues. The automatic transfer switch also enables seamless switching between power sources–you don’t even have to lift a finger. The power could go out in the middle of the night, while everyone is asleep, or while you are away, and your home systems will safely continue to work. 

Beyond the automatic transfer switch, there is a lot going on inside the standby generator itself that interacts with the switch to set things in motion and start supplying energy to your home or business. When the automatic transfer switch senses a power outage, it starts the internal combustion engine. The engine then turns an alternator, which converts this mechanical energy into electrical power. The generator draws fuel directly from a natural gas line or an external propane tank, most commonly. This enables the standby generator to run for hours and days at a time without a need for constant refueling, like is common with portable models.  

But the magic of the automatic transfer switch doesn’t stop there. Once the grid is restored and the utility company can offer stable grid power once again, the switch detects this, too. It then transfers the power source back to the utility, puts the generator through a brief cool-down cycle, and shuts off. It then lives up to its name and stands by until the next outage.

What Can a Standby Generator Power?

GENERAC generators and other standby models can power most if not all of the systems in your home or business. This can include things like:

• Refrigerators/freezers
• HVAC systems
• Lights
• Medical equipment
• Sump and well pumps
• Internet and security systems
• POS systems
• General electrical accessories

That said, each system, appliance and utility will require its own amount of startup and running power. You can work with the Generator Pros to find the right model to supply power to meet your needs. Whether you want to power just the basics or opt for whole-home or -office coverage, GENERAC generators offer a model that can handle your desired capacity.

Why Choose a Standby Generator?

As you can see, there is nothing more convenient than the service that a standby generator offers to homeowners and businesses. All of the preparation and legwork is done ahead of time, and then, when a backup power supply is needed, a standby generator kicks into gear with no work from you. There is no need to dig out equipment during a dangerous storm or manually start up a system, just sit back and enjoy.

Beyond the convenience, standby generators are also safer, because they are professionally installed in a proper location that allows for ample ventilation. You can rest assured that your portable generator is compliant with electrical code, that fuel connections are safe, that the transfer switch is set up properly, and that your unit will operate reliably, come what may. Unfortunately, every year we hear tragic stories of individuals who lose their lives due to improper placement of portable generators. But there’s no need to take that risk.

Using a standby generator also prevents the risks associated with candles and other open flames often used during power outages. It also offers a lifesaving alternative for folks who rely on consistent access to electricity for medical devices or temperature-sensitive medication. During periods of severe weather and extreme temperature swings, maintaining heating, cooling, refrigeration, and lighting are vital to safety and wellbeing.

In the end, peace of mind is priceless, and that is what you get when you choose one of the many GENERAC generators that Generator Pros installs, maintains and repairs. When you work with an experienced, professional team, you can trust that your standby generator will serve your family and workforce well for years to come. Our annual maintenance services paired with your regular, seasonal checks ensure that your unit is always in good working condition.

Professional Generator Installation and Maintenance From Generator Pros

GENERAC generators are durable pieces of equipment, but they still require regular oil changes, battery inspections, routine testing, and various other forms of professional servicing. Make the process truly hands-off with generator installation and maintenance from the professional electricians at Generator Pros and Shepp Electric Company, Inc.

For the utmost comfort, safety, and convenience along with seamless access to critical home systems, standby GENERAC generators are a must-have. You know the next outage is coming–now is the time to prepare. Contact Generator Pros today to schedule a consultation and get started on your journey to self-sufficiency and greater peace of mind.