An automatic standby generator works by monitoring utility voltage 24/7 and runs off of your home's existing LP or natural gas supply. When your electricity is interrupted, the generator detects the problem and goes to work.

1. The controller in the generator monitors incoming voltage through the automatic transfer switch (ATS).
2. When utility power is interrupted, the controller waits 10-20 seconds, then signals the generator to start. Within seconds, the ATS transfers to generator voltage.
3. The ATS does this by safely closing the utility line and simultaneously opening the power line from the generator. This will stop any "back feed" of power to the utility line of neighboring houses.
4. Within 15 seconds the standby system begins supplying electricity to the circuits you have chosen to be powered by your generator. The controller continues to monitor the utility line in order to be ready to transfer back to utility power when it returns.
5. When the controller senses that utility line voltage has returned at a steady rate, it automatically transfers the electrical load back and resumes monitoring for another outage. The generator will continue to run for another minute to allow the engine to cool down.