Standby generators are the best choice in a home emergency power supply. The standby generator is a device that acts as an electricity source automatically. So, it provides reliable backup power in case of a power outage for your devices and appliances.
These generators start automatically when there is a loss of mains power and they transfer to run on their own fuel source. As you know that standby generators run on diesel fuel or natural gas, so they will automatically start running when the power goes off.
These devices have their own engines and tanks for fuel storage. They also include a battery, so that it includes all components needed to provide emergency electricity after a power outage. A standby generator is easy to install so can be simply connected to your existing electrical system.
Home Standby Generators
Standby generators can provide backup power for an entire house. They transfer to run on their own fuel source, so they will start automatically when the power goes off. These generators are known as automatic standby generators or home standby generators. These devices have their engines, tanks for storing the fuel and a battery, which includes all components needed to provide emergency electricity. A standby generator is easy to install so it can be simply connected to your existing electrical system.
How to choose the best standby generator
To buy the best home standby generator, you need to consider several factors such as installation cost, type of fuel used and power needed, size of space where you want to install the generator, etc. But the prime consideration is to match the standby generator with your current needs and future requirements. The size of the generator required for a home depends on the appliances, voltage level, and power requirement of your home.
Home standby generators are available in many different sizes ranging from 1 kilowatt (kW) up to 22 kW or more. A good size generator for a home is usually 7 kW or 10 kW, which is about enough to power your entire house.
Top 5 Best Standby Generators for Home Use
Generac 10 kW Guardian Series Home Standby Generator will keep your home up and running when the power goes out with 16 circuits of pure, clean electricity delivered by an engine that is both powerful and reliable. This generator has NEMA 3R indoor or outdoor rated transfer switch with an aluminum enclosure to protect electronics in any weather situation. Generators exposed to heat over 95 degrees Fahrenheit are at risk for unexpected shutdowns. The generator transfers this heat through a 12″ x 24″ polypropylene air shroud, which then vents it outside of the machine, eliminating the risk. GForce Engine provides power that is more reliable and requires less routine maintenance than any competitive engine; Mobile Link Wi-Fi technology allows you to monitor status remotely via smartphone, PC, or tablet.
With a Briggs & Stratton 10 kW Automatic Home Standby Generator, you can power your home with the comfort of knowing it’s always being stored even during a blackout. Rated for operation in areas with low natural gas pressures and rated for use near water sources. Unlike many generators on the market, this generator is made from Galvanneal steel that is used by car companies to ensure long-term durability. Featuring easy installation as close as 18 inches from your home per the National Fire Protection Agency 37 standards as well as a 5-year limited warranty, there really isn’t another backup generator worth considering over Briggs & Stratton’s 10 kW standby model 040375.
Generac’s Protector QS-22kw Standby System is the foundation for reliable, safe power. The liquid-cooled system was designed exclusively to help you keep your sensitive electronics running optimally no matter what life throws at them. The aluminum enclosure provides excellent durability and corrosion resistance, especially important in coastal or saltwater environments.
Microprocessor-based technology provides best-in-class power protection with less than 5% total harmonic distortion (THD). Finally, an evolution controller gives you the cutting edge of intuitive control with multilingual capabilities and two-line display screens with color-coded backlit buttons that are easy to read.
The 12 kWh Champion Power Equipment Home Standby Generator with 100-amp Load Center automatic transfer switch is the perfect choice for reliable backup power. The generator’s durable, maintenance-free engine starts quickly, produces clean electricity, and operates silently to save on peace of mind. In addition, the generator has a dual parallel capability so you can run two outside loads from one inside unit or two generators from one load center.
More importantly, this system automatically kicks in to keep your most important features running during a blackout: home automation, security systems, and more. Plus it includes advanced protection against surges and outages by continually monitoring the incoming voltage which results in a surge protector embedded within the generator itself—so smoothly transfers will resume as soon as power is restored. The generators feature a maintenance-free brushless alternator with an automotive-style, heavy-duty aluminum alloy bracket and a cast-iron engine crankcase for heat dissipation efficiency in even the most demanding conditions.
The DuroMax XP12000EH has plenty of power to take on your hefty power needs. It’s dual-fuel so can run off gas or propane, giving you the freedom and flexibility you need for any situation. Plus, it features a powerful engine that helps keep running costs down with its generous 12,000-watt capacity and 9,500 watts running power.
The DuroMax 457cc OHV engine is strong enough to handle high voltage appliances as well as heavy-duty tools like circular saws and air compressors without breaking a sweat (or feeling out). And since idle control reduces the RPMs when not in use, noise is minimized for peaceful operation too. With all these benefits–and at this affordable price–the DuroMax XP12000EH is a steal.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Standby Generator
A home standby generator is designed for backup power in case of outages. It’s easy to choose the best standby generator; you simply determine which appliances need electric power and how much power they require when there is a loss of main supply. Standby generators range from 1 kW up to 22 kW or more, but a good size generator for a home is usually 7 kW or 10 kW.
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the best standby generator for your home:
- Size of space where you want to install the generator
- The power needed by your appliances and devices
- Number of circuits required in a new installation, as well as how many existing circuits will need to be connected
- The type of fuel used for your standby generator is a key consideration when selecting which type of system is right for you.
There are three primary types of standby generators:
- Natural Gas Generators
- Liquid Propane Generator (LP)
- Diesel Generators
Automatic start /stop, self-testing, and low idle modes
Some standby generators have automatic start/stop features that allow the generator to switch on and off automatically in accordance with your home’s power supply. This feature allows the generator to run for as little time as possible while still supplying electricity when it is needed most. Other standby generators may include a self-test function, which automatically tests the generator each time it starts to ensure that it is in proper working order. This testing is done every two weeks or after a power outage. If you choose a standby generator with both automatic start/stop and self-test functions, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your system will operate reliably and safely for years to come.
Transfer switch
Some standby generators have a building’s transfer switch built in to them, but others require that you add it yourself. A transfer switch is a device that allows you to safely control the power flow into your house and acts as the main electrical disconnect between the utility power supply and your home wiring. So, it should be installed near an electrical panel or a distribution panel.
A transfer switch ensures that your electrical wiring is disconnected from the utility grid and connected to the generator when it is running. A transfer switch controls the power flow for emergency conditions only, such as loss of electricity due to storm damage, etc. When the electric utility service has been restored, the home’s main breaker or fuse switch is turned on, and the generator is shut down automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
In summary, standby generators are a great investment if you appreciate the benefits of having a backup generator for your home. They are excellent to have in cases of emergency situations or power outages. If the power goes out during the dead of winter months or on really hot summer days, it is best to stay as comfortable as possible with the use of a generator. A standby generator can make your life a lot easier and allow you peace of mind. Standby generators are designed to provide backup power during an outage and ensure that electric appliances like freezers, refrigerators, air conditioners, heating systems, sump pumps, well pumps and lighting circuits stay on for as long as necessary. When the electric utility service has been restored, the home’s main breaker or fuse switch is turned on and the generator automatically shuts off.