There are four primary components to a natural gas standby home generator system, including the:
- Natural gas standby generator
- Automatic transfer switch (ATS)
- Natural gas meter
- Electric meter and breaker panel
If you plan to purchase a generator for your home, make certain to select a certified standby generator dealer and installer which has a Texas Electrical Contractors license, factory-trained technicians, and is fully insured to cover liabilities related to your home installation.
How Standby Generator Operating Systems Work
Generators are installed outside of homes (like an A/C units) and will automatically activate on if there’s a power outage, regardless of where you are. Here’s how they operate before and during a power outage:
Before Power Goes Out
The automatic transfer switch, or ATS, has 24/7 monitoring capabilities to track the electricity that’s coming into your home from the power utility company. You can generally find the transfer switch close to your home and the electric meter.
When the Power Goes Out
During an ongoing power outage, the automatic transfer switch (ATS) sends signals for the generator to activate. In a matter of seconds, the ATS relocates your home’s power from the utility to the generator.
Your Generator Powers Your Home
The generator then provides steady electricity to your home until power from your utility company is restored. After power restoration is complete, your generator seamlessly self-deactivates. You don’t have to take any actions.
Learn more about Home Energy Club’s electricity rates and plans from major Texas Electricity Providers.
