How Standby Generators Work
See how the generator, transfer switch, fuel supply, and home electrical system work together
Hover or tap any part to learn what it does.
Switch feeds the home
The main components
- Utility grid
- Normally supplies your home through the power lines.
- Automatic transfer switch
- Chooses the power source — utility or generator — and keeps them safely separated.
- Home electrical system
- Your panel sends power to the whole home or selected essential circuits.
- Standby generator
- A permanently installed unit outside the home that supplies backup power.
- Natural gas or propane
- A fixed fuel line or tank keeps the generator running without manual refueling.