Homeowners all across South Jersey benefit from the surety and safety that a standby generator provides. In fact, many feel that generators are downright necessary around here, where outages aren’t all that uncommon. But if you’re delaying an installation, one of your reasons might be because you’re not sure how it all works. Maybe you think a generator might be a bit complex, or maybe that your home won’t really benefit from it. Well the team at McAllister…The Service Company begs to differ!
What Is a Standby Generator?
A standby generator is a system that supplies backup power in the case of an outage by way of either natural gas or propane as a fuel source. They can come in a very wide array of sized, from systems that are capable of powering an entire home, to ones that just keep the lights on or the refrigerator running. What you choose is entirely up to you, your needs, and what you consider a vital part of your home.
Standby systems, as opposed to portable generators, are installed with a measure of permanence, meaning you don’t need to store them and that maintenance is simpler. Standbys also don’t need to be hooked up every time you need power, but we’ll get to that in a moment.
How a Standby Generator Works
Putting it into easily digestible words, a standby generator works with two major parts: it works with the generator itself and with a transfer switch. When the generator is engaged, it will consume fuel (gas or propane) to provide electrical power to your home. When the outage ends, the generator goes back into standby, and you resume the use of utility power for your home.
What’s a Transfer Switch?
Transfer switches are the devices that actually swap power from your utility to the generator. When an outage occurs, the switch is triggered (usually automatically in the case of an automatic transfer switch, but some models require a manual switch flip) and switches from utility power to the generator, which turns on automatically when the switch engages.
Transfer switches are the real value here, as they make swapping to generator power either entirely automated, or as easy as flipping a switch. Much faster, much safer, and much more effective than portable generators!
To sum up, when an outage occurs, the transfer switch triggers and BAM, you’ve got generator power. Although “presto” might be a better choice of words. If your generator “bam”s you should give us a call!
What Does a Generator Power?
Pretty much anything you want it to! A generator is wired directly into your home and goes straight to the predetermined functions of your home. You can wire them to run HVAC systems, refrigerators, lights, security systems—you name it. The only limitation is the size and strength of your generator, which you’ll determine according to your needs.
Generator Services in Somers Point, New Jersey
Thinking a standby generator might benefit your home? We think so, too! These days they are exceptionally cost-effective, and can preserve safety and avoid loss in the event of an outage. They’re a great deal, and we love offering generator installation to our clients here in South Jersey. Give us a call, or contact us online to learn more!
