How They Work


A Standby Generator System consists of the Generator and an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS).

The Generator produces AC power, and runs on either Liquid Propane (LP) gas, Natural Gas (NG), or Diesel fuel. The Generator is installed on the outside of your home (or business). The ATS is installed next to your main power distribution panel.

When utility power to your home goes out, the ATS detects the power outage and signals the Generator to turn on. Then, the ATS safely closes off the utility power line and opens the power line from the Generator, thereby transferring the source of power from the utility line to your home Generator.

As a result, within seconds after a utility power outage your Generator is running and supplying power to your home. The customer selects which circuits connect to emergency power during the design process. View list of circuits here (Note: this is a PDF file, and requires that Adobe Reader be installed on your computer). Depending on the design of your Standby Generator System, the Generator powers your entire home or powers essential items that you designated, like your refrigerator, lights, and hot water heater.

Once utility power returns to your home, the automatic transfer switch (ATS) transfers the source of power back to your utility line and signals the Generator to cool down and return to standby mode. Your Standby Generator System is always ready for the next utility power outage.