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What Happens During a Power Outage?

Follow the sequence from utility power loss to automatic backup power and restoration.

Seven-stage power outage sequence

  1. 1 · Outage

    Utility power fails

  2. 2 · Outage

    Transfer switch detects outage

  3. 3 · Backup power

    Standby generator starts

  4. 4 · Backup power

    Backup power supplies the home

  5. 5 · Restored

    Utility power returns

  6. 6 · Restored

    Home switches back to utility power

  7. 7 · Restored

    Generator cools down and returns to standby

Helpful note: The transition usually takes only a few seconds, and most systems exercise themselves periodically to stay ready.

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