In the event of a power outage, the ideal emergency solution for a home or business is an automatic standby generator. These systems automatically transfer the power load to the generator when an outage occurs.

If you plan to use a portable generator to back up your home or business, it should be used in conjunction with a manual transfer system, which consists of a manual transfer switch, power inlet box and power cord.

The switch is connected to the main electrical panel so that only the circuits to be powered by the generator are active during an outage.

The power inlet box is mounted outside the home or business. It is hardwired to the transfer switch and connected to the generator by a power cord.

When the lights go out, you first shut off the power from the utility at the manual transfer switch, then start the generator to energize the selected circuits wired to it.

This will prevent your generator from backfeeding power into utility lines and possibly injuring the repair crews.


 

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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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