Generators

Standby generators are permanently installed, run on natural gas or propane, start automatically within seconds of an outage, and power the whole house through a transfer switch. Portables run on gasoline (or dual fuel), you wheel them out and connect manually, and they cover selected circuits. If outages cost you comfort or business, buy standby; if they're an occasional inconvenience, a portable plus a manual transfer switch is the budget answer.

Add up what must run simultaneously. Essentials only (fridge, furnace blower, lights, sump pump): 5-7.5kW portable or 10-14kW standby. Most of a typical home with one AC: 18-22kW standby. True whole-home with large AC or electric heat: 24-28kW. When in doubt, size up one step — generators are happiest at 50-70% load, not pinned at maximum.

Home standby: natural gas if you have a meter (unlimited runtime), propane if you don't. Portables: gasoline for availability, dual-fuel propane models for long storage life (propane doesn't degrade like gasoline). Diesel dominates commercial and prime-power applications for fuel efficiency and engine longevity. Every product page lists the fuel options for that model.

For a standby generator, yes — an automatic transfer switch is what makes the system start and switch without you, and it's required by code for any generator feeding your panel. For portables, a manual transfer switch or interlock kit is the safe (and code-compliant) way to power hardwired circuits. Backfeeding through a dryer outlet is illegal and can kill a line worker — don't do it.

Permanently installed standby generators require an electrical permit, usually a gas-plumbing permit, and sometimes a zoning/setback review — your installer typically pulls all three. Inspection follows the install. Portable generators used as portables need no permits; the manual transfer switch they connect to does.

Portable generators ship parcel or LTL depending on weight. Standby generators (450-600 lbs) ship freight on a pallet with curbside delivery — you'll need equipment or a crew to move the unit to its pad, and liftgate service is available on request. Inspect the crate at delivery and note any damage on the freight receipt.