Understanding the term Home Standby Generators

Residential use generators supply power to homes once the electric utility supply is lost. Utility power interruptions occur due to weather related events including high winds, ice buildup on wires, wild animal damage, motor vehicle collisions, and damage caused by many other acts of nature or man. Devices and systems that depend upon electrical power cannot function throughout an outage unless a supply of emergency power is available.

Permanent Installation

Standby generators are invariably able to operate, 24 hours a day, seven days weekly. They may be permanently wired to the home’s electrical system using an automatic transfer switch, and attached to the home’s natural or LP gas supply pipes. A Natural or LP gas hookup ensures the generator has always a sufficient supply of fuel available and does not require frequent refueling throughout an extended outage.

Automatic Transfer Switch

Automatic Transfer Switches work alongside the standby generator’s controller. After the generator starts and is able to accept the electrical load, the automated transfer switch disconnects the electrical system from the utility supply and connects it to the home standby generator. The change in power from one supply source to another is automatic and controlled by electronic switches inside the transfer switch. If the electric utility restores power, the transfer switch reconnects the utility supply and disconnects the generator.

Automatic transfer switches usually are made by the generator’s manufacturer to meet the requirements of a particular standby unit, since they work directly together with the standby generator’s controller. They also provide different alternatives, including power management, with respect to the needs of the consumer.

Some transfer switches install between your utility meter as well as the main service panel to supply power to the whole panel. Others install as a subpanel from the main service panel and just supply selected critical circuits, including pumps, refrigerators, furnaces, and medical equipment.

Operation

Standby generators are automatic, permanently installed equipment that do not require frequent refueling with liquid fuels. They operate without operator intervention, except for regular, scheduled maintenance. Unlike portable models which should be connected and started when power is needed, the standby home generator operates in a fully automatic mode, whether or not the homeowner just isn’t present.

Standby power means the generator is able to operate always. When an outage occurs, the generator starts following a short delay, then this transfer switch moves your home onto emergency backup power. It happens quickly and without intervention, but it is possible to find a short time when the home is without electrical power. Some electronics may require an uninterrupted supply that operates off battery power before standby generator will be able to start and connect to the home’s electrical system.

Installation

Installation requires building permits and the services of a qualified electrician to set up the transfer switch and make the mandatory electrical connections, and also a plumber in order to connect the generator for the home’s gas supply. Inspections from the prepared gravel bed or concrete slab usually are required before installation, as well as the finished work after installation. Adherence to National Electrical Codes, Plumbing Codes, National Fire Protection Association Codes, and native ordinances is essential.

The location chosen for installation must be sure that exhaust gases will not likely enter in the home and using CO detectors is additionally required.

Home standby generators complete when electric utility power becomes unavailable to guarantee the safety of homes, property, and families.

To find out more, go to: www.BackupHomePower.com