# Standby generator

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Type of generator

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Standby generators

A **standby generator** is a back-up electrical system that operates automatically.[1] Within seconds of a utility [outage](/source/Power_outage) an automatic [transfer switch](/source/Transfer_switch) senses the power loss, commands the generator to start and then transfers the [electrical load](/source/Electrical_load) to the [generator](/source/Electric_generator). The standby generator begins supplying power to the [circuits](/source/Electrical_network).[2] After utility power returns, the automatic transfer switch transfers the electrical load back to the utility and signals the standby generator to shut off automatically. It then returns to standby mode where it awaits the next outage. To ensure a proper response to an outage, a standby generator runs weekly self-tests. Most units run on [diesel](/source/Diesel_fuel), [natural gas](/source/Natural_gas), or [liquid propane gas](/source/Propane).[3]

Automatic standby generator systems may be required by [building codes](/source/Building_code) for critical safety systems such as elevators in high-rise buildings, [fire protection systems](/source/Fire_suppression_system), standby lighting, or [medical and life support equipment](/source/Advanced_cardiac_life_support).[4]

In 2002, approximately 0.63% of homes in the United States had installed a backup generator; that figure rose to approximately 5.77% by 2023.[5] The [wattage](/source/Wattage) of typical whole-home generators varies from 7.5 [kW](/source/Kilowatt) to 26 kW.[5]

## See also

- [Diesel generator](/source/Diesel_generator)

- [Electric generator](/source/Electric_generator)

- [Emergency power system](/source/Emergency_power_system)

- [Uninterruptible power supply](/source/Uninterruptible_power_supply)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Hickey02_1-0)** Robert B. Hickey *Electrical Construction Databook*, [McGraw Hill](/source/McGraw_Hill_Education), 2002 [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-07-137349-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-07-137349-7), Chapter 14

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Jerry C. Whitaker (26 September 2006). *AC Power Systems Handbook, Third Edition*. Taylor & Francis. p. 325. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0849340349](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0849340349).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Zachariah Amela (December 8, 2014). ["Backup Power for the Individual and Volunteer, Part I: Generators"](https://www.disaster.com/backup-power-for-the-individual-and-volunteer-part-i-generators/). Retrieved January 6, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** James E. Allen (2010). *Nursing Home Federal Requirements: Guidelines to Surveyors and Survey Protocols* (7th ed.). [Springer Publishing Company](/source/Springer_Publishing). p. 304. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0826107909](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0826107909).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Daily2023_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Daily2023_5-1) Laura Daily, [What to know before investing in a standby home generator](https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2023/08/29/home-standby-generator-cost-power/), *Washington Post* (August 29, 2023).

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