How it Works
Our Standby Generators are completely automatic, helping to ensure that you
remain safe from the potentially harmful effects of power loss.
The Automatic Transfer Switch automatically and continuously monitors incoming
power from the utility line.
When utility power is interrupted, the control system in the Automatic Transfer
Switch automatically senses the loss of power and signals the generator to
start. Not all generators are "auto start ready" this means that the generator
start systems is connected to an ECU or Electronic Control Unit that will tell
the generator to start when it receives the signal from the Automatic Transfer
Switch
The automatic transfer switch safely closes off the utility line and
simultaneously opens a new power line from the generator. By closing the
utility line - power from your generator cannot travel back up the utility
lines. Backfeeding power to the utility lines can be deadly to utility
employees working on down power lines they assume to not be energized!
Your generator supplies electricity to the critical circuits you previously
chose to back up.
When utility line voltage returns, the system transfers the electrical load back
to the utility line. The generator continues to run for an engine cool-down
period of several minutes and the entire system stands ready for the next power
outage.
To ensure the system is always ready when you need it, your generator will run a
10-12 minute self-test cycle every week.
A simple system with a MANUAL transfer switch is illustrated below, the automatic transfer switch "automates" this procedure - you do not even to be home for the system to operate!