How Do Backup Generators Work?

Go to Home
How Do Backup Generators Work?

Residential backup generators have become increasingly sought-after, especially in Florida — a state that routinely deals with power outages from severe weather like hurricanes and tropical storms. Lost power is not merely an inconvenience — it is a safety hazard that can cause food spoilage and endanger people who rely on powered medical equipment. If you have a permanent backup generator, you can power your home until the electric company restores the utilities. 

But how do home backup generators work, and is it safe to have one? This guide will answer your questions and help you decide whether your household should be “on” all the time.

Contact Us

What Is a Backup Generator?

A backup generator is a secondary electrical system that automatically provides power to your home during a power outage or failure. It ensures continuous electricity, allowing your HVAC, lights and other critical technology to keep working even when the power grid goes down in inclement weather. When something interrupts the power supply, the backup generator will kick in and supply electricity to predetermined circuits or your entire home, depending on its capacity. 

This equipment comes in different sizes and capacities. Residential models are small but mighty, powering essential appliances like your refrigerator or air conditioner. Large commercial and industrial models maintain operations for businesses, hospitals, data centers and other critical facilities.

A standby generator offers priceless peace of mind by providing a reliable and immediate power source in emergencies like floods and storms.

What Are the Components of a Backup Generator? 

Several mechanical parts comprise most generators. These will vary in size and power depending on what you get.

  • Engine: The engine is the power source in a backup generator. It converts the energy from the fuel into a mechanical force. The engine size and fuel type will determine its capacity and application. 
  • Alternator: The alternator has rotors and stators to produce alternative current electricity. In industry jargon, many people refer to the alternator as the “genhead.”
  • Fuel system: This system includes a storage tank, pumps, filters and pipes to maintain a steady fuel supply to the engine.
  • Cooling and exhaust systems: As you can imagine, engines create a lot of heat. The cooling system regulates this by circulating air flow over cooling fins or a liquid coolant, while the exhaust system safely expels the combustion gases generated by the engine.
  • Voltage regulator: This component controls the voltage output and maintains a consistent and safe level of electricity. Fluctuations from unregulated voltage could damage electrical appliances connected to the generator. 
  • Control panel: The control panels let you turn your generator on and off. Some models automatically start as soon as the electricity shuts off.

Fuel Choices

The choice of fuel for the generator often depends on availability, cost and storage considerations. For example, natural gas generators are popular because they connect to existing gas lines, eliminating the need to store fuel. Some other common types of fuel include:

  • Diesel
  • Natural gas
  • Propane

The Automatic Transfer Switch

The Automatic Transfer Switch

The automatic transfer switch monitors the power source and switches the load from the main supply to the generator and vice versa. There are two primary types — the whole-house transfer and the load center transfer.

The whole-house transfer provides backup power to your entire house, which is ideal for larger homes that need to handle full loads. Every appliance, outlet and light will work as if the outage never happened. 

A load center transfer switch integrates with your home’s main electrical panel. It contains a sub-panel with essential circuits and selections for backup power. The generator will only power the connected circuits when the electricity goes out. Usually, these include crucial appliances such as fridges, freezers and medical devices. 

How Backup Generators Work

Generators have a switch called the ATS, which links to your home’s electrical panel. It collaborates with the backup generator and observes the connection to the utility power. It will quickly activate the generator if the electricity goes out, offering a power source. Once the power comes back on, the switch will automatically transfer the load.

Are Generators Safe for Homes?

Yes. Generators are safe for residential use when installed and operated correctly. You and your installer can follow these safety guidelines.

  • Ventilation and location: Generators can emit carbon monoxide, so professionals usually place them outdoors. 
  • Regular maintenance: As with all engines, it is a good idea to get it serviced once or twice a year, depending on the usage. Technicians can check the fuel lines, oil levels and batteries for any signs of wear and tear.
  • Fuel safety: If you opt for a generator that requires fuel storage, keep it in an appropriate container and away from living areas. Don’t put it anywhere near a heat source. 
  • Noise considerations: Generators can be loud, so think about your neighbors. 
  • Capacity: Each generator type will have a capacity limit. Overloading can damage the generator and the appliances it connects to.

How Do I Know Which One Is the Right Size?

There are a few ways to determine your home’s power capacity. You can review your utility bills to learn about your peak usage days and times. Another idea is to use an online sizing calculator. For the most accurate information, request a professional quote. An experienced technician can assess your square footage and appliances to determine how much power you need. Then, they will recommend a generator to fit your household.

Get Your Generator Installed With Strada Electric, Security, Air Conditioning & Heating

Get Your Generator Installed With Strada Electric, Security, Air Conditioning & Heating

Strada Electric, Security, Air Conditioning & Heating is a family-owned company that has served our community since 2003, providing extensive repair, maintenance and installation of power supply systems. We are a Generac Authorized Dealer. We offer a free 10-year manufacturer’s parts warranty and 24/7 phone support or online scheduling for unexpected breakdowns. Learn about our backup generator and electrical service.


Additional Articles and Resources:

Strada Services CEO, Joe Strada

Joe Strada, owner of Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning, started working at the young age of 14. He’s never attended college, but he has spent his life dedicating his time and energy to his trade and providing high-quality services to his customers. At 19, Joe started working at a well-known air conditioning company and developing his commitment to excellence. He has state certifications in electric, plumbing, air conditioning, residential building and general contracting. During his years of training and experience, Joe noticed a sincere need for a dependable electrical contractor in Florida who embodied the same dedication to customer service in which he believed. In 2003, Joe co-founded Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning. Since then, the company has been in the business of providing peace of mind to customers. We offer expert electric, security and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses, leveraging our experience to deliver professional and responsive service with reliability and respect.

Previous ArticleWhat Uses the Most Electricity in a Home? Next ArticleWhat Does HVAC Service Include?

Strada Services CEO, Joe Strada

Joe Strada, owner of Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning, started working at the young age of 14. He’s never attended college, but he has spent his life dedicating his time and energy to his trade and providing high-quality services to his customers. At 19, Joe started working at a well-known air conditioning company and developing his commitment to excellence. He has state certifications in electric, plumbing, air conditioning, residential building and general contracting. During his years of training and experience, Joe noticed a sincere need for a dependable electrical contractor in Florida who embodied the same dedication to customer service in which he believed. In 2003, Joe co-founded Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning. Since then, the company has been in the business of providing peace of mind to customers. We offer expert electric, security and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses, leveraging our experience to deliver professional and responsive service with reliability and respect.