How Do Backup Generators Work?

A backup generator is a great option if you want whole-home backup power during an outage or if you need a reliable power source for a house in a remote location.

But how do backup generators work, exactly?

It’s a fairly simple process and learning how it works will help you decide whether a backup generator is the right choice for your home compared to other options like solar battery storage. Let’s dive in!

How Backup Generators Work Step by Step

Home backup generators work by converting a fuel source into electricity. Most whole-home backup generators run on natural gas, but you can also find propane, diesel, and gasoline-powered backup generators.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how they work.

Power outage detection – When a primary power source fails (like the electricity you receive from the electric grid), a backup generator detects the outage. This is typically done through an automatic transfer switch (ATS) which monitors the voltage of the main electric supply.
Generator activation – Upon detecting a power outage, the ATS switches the power source from the main grid to the generator. In manual systems, this switch must be done by hand.
Power generation – Inside the generator, an internal combustion engine converts the chemical energy from the fuel into mechanical energy. This mechanical energy then drives a generator, which converts it into electrical energy.
Electricity distribution – The electricity is then channeled through the ATS to your home’s electrical panel, powering the connected circuits and appliances.
Shut down – When the main power supply is restored, the ATS switches back to the electric grid. The generator then goes into a cooldown phase and shuts off.

Can a Generator Run Nonstop?

Air cooled generators are designed for temporary power outages and work best for occasional or short term use. Liquid-cooled backup generators can run continuously as long as they have a fuel supply. They often have large fuel tanks or are connected to a natural gas line for prolonged operation. If your generator is not connected to a natural gas line, you will have to make sure you keep your fuel tank full at all times so you’ll be ready whenever a power outage occurs.

Keep in mind that, during an emergency, fuel may become scarce. If you’re not able to refuel, you won’t be able to keep your generator running. This is one of the reasons why some homeowners choose to install solar panels with battery storage instead of a generator. Solar batteries provide backup power using energy from the sun, so they’re not susceptible to a fuel shortage.

Is a Whole House Backup Generator Worth It?

Extreme weather conditions put a major strain on the Arizona power grid this summer, and as our climate continues to change, it’s only going to get worse. Having a reliable source of home backup power is becoming increasingly important for Arizona residents, and an emergency generator is a great option. Generators provide instantaneous and continuous power during an outage so your life can continue as normal when the grid is down. They can power large loads, like an air conditioner, and if sized correctly, will keep your whole house running during a power outage.

Get the Best Emergency Backup Power for Your Home

SouthFace Solar & Electric installs standby generators from industry-leading brands, including Generac and Kohler. We can help you find the right size and type of generator for your home so you can keep your family safe and comfortable the next time the power goes out. With a standby generator installed by SouthFace Solar & Electric, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that you don’t have to worry about power outages ever again.