R&T Yoder

What Is A Backup Generator And How Does It Work?

How does it work?

Ever wonder what a backup generator really is and how it works? No one really knows what it is and no one really thinks about it, but backup generators are for sure one of the most practical items you could have! If you think about it, whenever there is a storm or even a hurricane, a backup generator is for sure something that you would need (especially for those working from home). So let’s see what a backup generator really is.

A backup generator is a backup power solution that provides power to business operations and homes. Backup generators are usually stationary and require a concrete pad used as a foundation usually situated outside a facility or home. Standby generators are a robust solution that can provide power for days during extended power outages, depending on the fuel type and configuration of the generator. Unlike prime or continuous generators, standby generators are only used for situations such as power outages due to inclement weather, natural or man-made disasters, or regular blackouts due to the aging power grid. Many feel that generators are downright necessary, 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.

Putting it into more simple words, a backup 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.

Commercial standby generators are directly connected to a facility’s electrical panel and are powered by using an external fuel supply such as diesel or natural gas. Commercial generators, the size of the generator, along with fuel type determines what can be powered and for how long. Backup generators are most commonly paired with an Automatic Transfer Switch, which prompts the standby generator to kick in within seconds of power loss due to power outage. How an Automatic Transfer Switch works is that the switch disconnects from a facility from the main utility power grid after a power outage. After the facility has been safely and completely cut off from the power grid, the switch prompts the generator to start and to start generating power to the facility’s electrical panel. When power to the main grid is restored, the automatic transfer switch prompts the generator to shut down and reconnects the facility to the main power grid. The single greatest safety feature of using a generator with an Automatic Transfer Switch is that it prevents back feeding electricity to the grid. Back feeding is a dangerous occurrence where the generator will send electricity to the main grid, which can result in fires, seriously injure, or even kill utility workers that are working on the power lines in efforts to restore power to your region. If you opt out of installing an Automatic Transfer Switch with your generator, the alternative is to use the default Manual Transfer Switch, which would require someone to physically be next to the generator and flip the switch. Additional contingency plans would need to be set in place in the event of a power outage, such as if an employee would be on call to turn on the generator when power goes out and turn off the generator once power is restored. Not only could this potentially put the employee in harm’s way (road hazards, inclement weather, natural disaster occurrence, etc.), but also raises the potential for back feeding to occur.

As you can see, a backup generator is used as a backup power solution, not only to keep the lights on, but it can also maintain safe working environments for employees and in general for people having a backup generator at home. This means that the AC or heat can continue to operate without failing due to power loss. Automated computer systems and equipment such as servers, manufacturing processing machinery, and even security systems can be kept up and running with a backup generator. Most importantly, having a backup generator that can keep your business operations going means keeping productivity up, even for people working at home.

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⚡ Electrical Reviews

📍 Central Columbus
★★★★★

“Matt & Dave were awesome! We had multiple light fixtures/ceiling fans we needed to update and they were professional and great about answering all of my questions and educating me along the way.”

— Tiffany Luckhaupt
📍 Delaware
★★★★★

“Had the electrical panels replaced in my home. Seth and his team were on time, courteous and did an excellent job in a very professional manner. Seth triple checked their work, fixed all issues in this 1980’s wired home and was so helpful. I was really impressed. R&T is my only company for electrical needs!”

— Scott Stevenson
📍 Dublin
★★★★★

“What a great experience with R&T Yoder Electric. From our estimator, Chase, to our installation crew, Jason and Aaron, we couldn’t be happier. Everyone was on time and the work completed professionally. We would highly recommend R&T Yoder Electric to anyone needing assistance with electrical projects in their home.”

— Brett Wingart
📍 Gahanna
★★★★★

“Chase came out to take a look at some work being suggested by a different electrician on our panel and one circuit. I really appreciated his thorough and transparent visit today as he looked over some of the issues we have been having…”

— Conor
📍 Grove City
★★★★★

“First time using Yoder Electric and technician Evan Freitas to change batteries in 7 smoke detectors. Evan was very personable. He explained that while regularly changing the batteries is always an option, I might want to consider…”

— Linda Rhoades
📍 Hilliard
★★★★★

“Very thankful to have your company help take care of the problem. My brother was in desperate need to have the electric fixed to be able to use his hospital bed. And able to use his recliner. He was so happy with the…”

— Linda Stump
📍 London
★★★★★

“These guys figured out my issues FAST! For transparency, I had another electrician come out a couple weeks prior who was here for almost 8 hours and still didn’t figure out why my four outlets weren’t working. Evan clocked it immediately…”

— Sarah Thomas
📍 Marysville
★★★★★

“Installation of electrical services in our basement completed within 1 day. Efficient, knowledgeable, and great customer service. Easy to work with and didn’t make a huge mess! Very tidy and clean work. Would recommend Evan for future jobs as well as R & T Yoder electric.”

— Al Salah
📍 Pickerington
★★★★★

“Had a new foyer chandelier installed in a 2 story foyer. Very pleased with the installation! Matt DeVore and Andrew Hudson did a great job and were very professional. We would definitely use this company again for any electrical work we need done.”

— Janet Herring
📍 Plain City
★★★★★

“Micah and team did a great job on our entire house outlet/light switch replacement/update and our panel box replacement (NW Columbus). Punctual, knowledgeable, competent, polite and great customer service. It was scheduled as a one and a half day job and that is exactly what it took. Yoder is my go-to electrician without a doubt.”

— Ed H.
📍 Reynoldsburg
★★★★★

“Absolutely the best electrician I have dealt with. John Snook came to our home and handled our breaker and water heater with no issues. Respectful of our home and time. Thank you John and Thank you R&T Yoder. You need an electrician this is the place to call.”

— Balinda Cole
📍 Westerville
★★★★★

“Guys did a great job. And quote was literally 60% less than one of the “big name” Columbus electrician outfits that drives vans around with a bear on it.”

— Nathan Arnett

🔧 Plumbing Reviews

📍 Columbus
★★★★★

“Very satisfied Cameron Rung our Service Tech was prompt, thorough, and courteous. We will definitely be using your services in the future and passing your name to family and friends. Cameron solved and our 1 year problem in just a few hour’s very awesome 👌”

— Rick Naus
📍 Delaware
★★★★★

“Brian Brown was the best! Very knowledgeable and patient answering all of our questions. He was quite persistent in finding a lid for our 20 yr old ejector pit in the unfinished half bath in the basement. The wrong size was sent by the…”

— Nancy HJohns
📍 Dublin
★★★★★

“Cameron Rung did an amazing job! He really knows his stuff and explained everything in a way that was easy to understand. I could tell he paid attention to the details and made sure everything was done right. Super helpful, professional,…”

— Michael Boes
📍 Plain City
★★★★★

“Very efficient and professional work, same-day water heater replacement, patient and courteous every step of the way. Chris and Patrick did an excellent job.”

— Seth Knaebel
📍 Springfield
★★★★★

“Cameron, Sam and Chris came in and knocked out the job with minimal stress. They helped lift a stress off My Family’s back and I can’t thank them enough. We will absolutely be calling again if anything comes up in our home going forward, it’s hard to find an honest crew like this one!”

— Nicholas Wheeler

❄️ HVAC Reviews

📍 Columbus
★★★★★

“R&T Yoder is an excellent company for all your electrical and hvac needs. I’ve never used their plumbing service as yet. They are always on time, they call before they come. Zack was very knowledgeable concerning my furnace and heat pump.…”

— sheila Gressett
📍 Dublin
★★★★★

“Fantastic overall experience provided the R & T Yoder HVAC team! Jace and Danny insured our installation was completed and tested. Thank you as well to Tech Jonathan for the home visit prior to our repairs. Outstanding team work!”

— Harold Roskoski
📍 Plain City
★★★★★

“Very friendly, punctual, professional, respectful of property. Very knowledgeable and answered any questions I had and took the time to help me with the Ecobee thermostat app. I love the 2 stage furnace. There’s no blast of hot air. It…”

— Scarlett