A storm rolls through Greenwich, and within moments, the power cuts out. You’re left in the dark, uncertain of how long the outage will last. Without power, daily life grinds to a halt—refrigerators warm up, security systems go offline, and heating or cooling becomes unavailable. But for homeowners with a standby generator, this situation unfolds differently. Within seconds, the generator detects the outage, switches on automatically, and restores electricity without requiring any action from you.

Power Outages in the Northeast: Why They Happen and Their Impact

The Northeast experiences frequent power outages due to extreme weather, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and an aging power grid. Heavy snowstorms, nor’easters, and summer thunderstorms can bring down power lines, leaving thousands without electricity for extended periods. Homeowners in Greenwich, Stamford, and the surrounding areas are no strangers to these disruptions.

When an outage strikes, homeowners face a range of problems beyond the inconvenience of darkness. Loss of heating during winter can lead to frozen pipes and dangerous indoor temperatures. Without refrigeration, food spoils quickly. Security systems become ineffective, leaving homes vulnerable. And for those who work remotely, productivity is instantly disrupted.

The 4-Step Process of Standby Power Restoration

Step 1: Detecting the Power Loss

Standby generators are designed to monitor your home’s power supply continuously. The moment an outage occurs—whether from a downed power line, grid failure, or storm-related damage—the generator’s system detects the disruption. This happens within seconds, far faster than a homeowner could manually react with a portable generator.

Step 2: Activating the Generator

Once the power loss is detected, the generator’s internal control panel initiates the start sequence. The engine revs up, fueled by either natural gas or propane, and reaches full operating capacity almost immediately. Because standby generators are permanently installed and connected to your home’s electrical system, this process requires no intervention on your part.

Step 3: Transferring Power with the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)

The Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) plays a critical role in the transition from grid power to generator power. As soon as the generator is running, the ATS disconnects your home from the grid, preventing dangerous backfeeding that could endanger utility workers. Then, it safely reroutes power from the generator to your home’s electrical panel, restoring function to critical appliances and systems.

In locations like Stamford and Darien, where prolonged outages are common, this seamless transition ensures that homeowners can continue their daily lives without interruption. Heating, lighting, refrigeration, and even Wi-Fi remain operational, making power loss virtually unnoticeable.

Step 4: Restoring Grid Power and Shutting Down the Generator

Once the utility company restores power, the generator recognizes the return of the grid supply. The ATS then shifts your home back to the main power source, seamlessly disconnecting the generator and allowing it to shut down automatically. This ensures that the generator is ready for the next outage, requiring no further action from the homeowner.

Why Homeowners Trust New England Total Power

New England Total Power specializes in providing homeowners with reliable standby power solutions through Generac and Kohler generators. Our Westchester County generator experts ensure that every installation is tailored to the unique challenges of the Northeast, where extreme weather and frequent outages make backup power essential.

Our services include:

• Expert Installation: We handle everything from consultation to installation, ensuring a seamless setup.
• Reliable Maintenance: Regular service ensures your generator remains in peak condition.
• 24/7 Support: In the event of a generator issue, we provide rapid response and repair services.

Frequently Asked Questions About Standby Generators

Q: How quickly does a standby generator activate?
A: Most generators start within 10-30 seconds after detecting a power loss.

Q: Do I need to manually start my generator? 

A: No, standby generators start automatically when they detect an outage.

Q: How often should I service my generator?

A: Annual maintenance is recommended to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Professional Support from Your Local Experts

At New England Total Power, we’re more than just generator installers—we’re your neighbors committed to keeping our community safe and powered. Our team of licensed technicians understands the unique needs of Greenwich, Stamford, and Westchester homes, from local building codes to specific installation requirements for historic properties.

Take the first step in protecting your home from winter power outages by scheduling a consultation with New England Total Power today. As your trusted Westchester County generator experts, we’ll guide you through every aspect of generator selection, installation, and maintenance, providing the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is prepared for whatever winter brings.

Ready to protect your home this winter? Contact your local generator experts at New England Total Power to schedule your free consultation and ensure your family stays warm and safe all season long.