All home standby generator systems have a function known as exercise mode, which automatically turns the generator on at a scheduled time. Once on, the generator will typically run for 20 to 30 minutes and then shut off. This is important as it keeps everything lubricated and allows you to monitor the standby generator system for any issues.

The generator can be programmed so that it switches to exercise mode each week on a specific day and time. After the installation is complete, the electrician will set the system so that it turns on in exercise mode. During this time, the generator will run but the transfer switch will not activate. This enables the electrician to inspect the standby generator system and make sure that there are no leaks or other issues.
Once this is done, you can then program the unit so that it switches to exercise mode at a day and time of your choosing. It is always best to set it so that this happens when you will be home and can monitor the standby generator system for any signs of a problem. Most manufacturers recommend that you set it so that the generator runs once a week, but some say it is only necessary every two weeks or even once a month. Whatever the manufacturer recommends is what you should follow.

How is the generator connected to my electrical panel?

Learn how to connect a generator to an electrical panel:

Once the transfer switch is mounted, wires are run from the switch, fed through an inlet box, and then wired directly into the panel. The wires are connected to breakers within the panel. If no empty breakers are available, they will need to be installed.

However, sometimes there isn’t enough available space inside the panel. When this happens, an electrician may be able to combine some of your other circuits to free up space inside the panel. If this isn’t possible, you will either need to have a larger panel installed or move some circuits to a sub-panel.

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The location of the transfer switch depends on its type and the size of your generator. In most cases, the transfer switch is mounted on the wall next to your main breaker panel - this panel is inside a garage, the transfer switch will be inside the garage. Likewise, if the breaker panel is outside of the home, the transfer switch will also be installed outside of the home.

For smaller generators powering only essentials, the non-essentials may remain in the main panel, and essentials may be placed in a sub-panel. With this setup, the transfer switch is installed at the sub-panel to ensure that those essential appliances are powered by the generator in the case of an outage.

Whole-home generators can run off of either natural gas or propane. If you live in a residential area, it is always best to simply tie into your home’s existing natural gas line. This is done by using a tee to connect to the main gas line and then running an additional pipe to the generator.

In rural areas without access to natural gas, you will need to have a large propane tank installed if you don’t already have one. In this case, you will also require an additional concrete pad for the propane tank to sit on. Most regulations require that propane tanks be at least 10 feet away from any source of ignition, and this includes a whole-home generator. That being said, the tank shouldn’t be much more than 10 feet away if possible as manufacturers still recommend that the generator is as close as possible to the fuel source.

To get started with an access control system, simply contact Bo's Electric. Our team of experts will guide you through the process, assess your specific security needs, and recommend the best solution for your property. We will handle the installation of the access control system, ensuring that it meets your requirements and provides the level of security you desire.