Monitoring grid power while on a backup generator

How can a standby generator be monitored?

Depending on the age and type of the available control system, a standby generator can be monitored via a building automation system (BAS) whereby critical parameters are captured, tracked, and trended. These metrics may include run hours, exhaust temperature and composition, and fuel rate.

Should you install a backup power source?

Installing backup power sources like generators or solar panels enables continued functioning but still leaves transitioning to supplemental supply dangerously manual after grid electricity cuts.

How does a Generator controller work?

When the generator controller determines that the utility power has returned to acceptable levels and has stabilized, the controller signals the ATS to switch back to utility power, then prepares the generator for shutdown by operating a cooling cycle.

How does a backup switch work?

Once the backup current stabilizes, the automatic switch then seamlessly transfers facility load connections from disabled main lines onto supplementary power without human intervention to maintain continuous performance. Facilities then keep operating off-grid on backup supplies until generators run low on fuel or daylight fades for solar arrays.

Should you activate a standby generator during a power loss event?

While activating even standby generators or solar banks manually during sudden power loss events keeps basic functions temporarily online, delayed response times risk disruptions, introducing shutdowns that span seconds to minutes as onsite teams scramble reactively.

What is utility grid power restoration?

Utility Grid Power Restoration: When grid monitors finally detect public power restored and stabilized based on sustained voltage/frequency readings at specification, the automated sequence begins preference re-transfer.