Where does a home generator get its power?

In addition to the generator and ATS, there are also power management options to help keep the generator from being overworked.

For select-circuit or whole home generator installations, there is no other interaction done with your backup power system. However, if you have a power management system installed and are operating a managed home, you may take additional steps during an outage depending on your needs.

One power management option is the Amplify power management system. This system lets you actively control and monitor the generator right from your smartphone using the Standby Generator Management app. This means that once your power goes out, you can use the system to monitor the generator and how it is running no matter where you are, home or away. During an outage, the app lets you communicate with your generator, which works with the transfer switch so you can even switch power from one circuit to another as needed. With up to 32 high-wattage appliances connected, this system offers more flexibility and control over your space while still protecting against overloading.

Another power management system option is the Symphony II Transfer Switch. It automatically manages the distribution of power for you by communicating with your generator and your home’s wiring. If you have the Symphony II transfer switch, then you select up to eight high-wattage appliances and prioritize them to set the system up. Then Symphony II powers the appliances you need in that order, ensuring the system won't overload and shut down. When you stop using certain appliances or shut them off, other appliances will kick in. For example: If you’re using a dishwasher and a stove, the air conditioning unit may not be on. But once you shut those appliances off, the air conditioner will kick on in seconds.

With all these options, home generators of any size can be customizable to fit your needs. From the moment your power goes out to the moment it is restored, your generator will be working hard to give you the power you need. Whether installed at a small or extra-large home, your home generator will turn on within seconds of a power outage, making sure you don’t miss a beat.

 So, you’ve made the all-important decision to invest in a generator, congratulations! Having a backup power supply in the event of an emergency truly is one of the most responsible things we can do as home or small-business owners.

Once you’ve decided that a generator is a necessary addition to your home, the next decision is typically “But what kind? Should I get a portable or standby unit?” And the answer is completely dependent on your needs and preferred comfort levels. You can check out our post here for more details on this topic.

But what does it really mean to have a ‘backup energy source’? Just HOW does the generator provide power to your home?

The answer, once again, varies depending on the type but is fairly simple either way.

Generators don’t actually create electricity. They convert mechanical or chemical energy into electrical energy. They do this by capturing the power of motion and turning it into electrical energy by forcing electrons from the external source through an electrical circuit.

A generator is essentially an electrical motor working in reverse.

Read on to learn how portable and standby generators make this work.