×

Subscribe Login

How Do Standby Generators Work?

created for

Produced for an organization or individual that has paid for and approved the content.

Share

Copy Link

✓ Link copied to clipboard!

Listen

Translate

Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.

Read original

Speed: 0.5xSpeed: 1xSpeed: 1.5xSpeed: 2x

🎙️ Voice is AI-generated. Inconsistencies may occur.

✖

"Storms, an unstable power grid and even accidents can cause outages. Often there's no way of knowing how long one will last. That's why it pays to be prepared with backup power, like a Kohler standby generator. The way a generator operates is relatively simple, but it can feel like magic."

main_kohler

This 20 kW Kohler home generator provides adequate backup power for most residences. This 20 kW Kohler home generator provides adequate backup power for most residences. KOHLER GENERATORS

Standby Generators 101

Standby generators are permanently installed outside of your home, connected to its electrical system, and are fueled by natural gas or liquid propane. They are also linked to an automatic transfer switch (ATS), which allows your home to shift automatically from utility power to backup power.

When the utility power goes out, your ATS signals your Kohler generator to start. In just 10 seconds, the ATS transfers your power from the grid to the generator, fueled by your home's natural gas or liquid propane system. And thanks to our PowerBoost technology, Kohler generators can handle large starting loads, such as central air conditioners, without dropping power to other appliances.

Your standby generator will run your home until grid power is restored. Your lights, air conditioners and/or heat, appliances and more will be fully powered to keep your family comfortable.

When utility power is restored, your generator will automatically turn off and your home will return to grid power. With a Kohler standby generator, backup power really is that simple.

2_kohler

With a Kohler standby generator, you can enjoy whole-home power, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way. With a Kohler standby generator, you can enjoy whole-home power, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way. KOHLER GENERATORS

3_kohler

Standby and portable generators are great options for backup power, but they serve different purposes. Standby and portable generators are great options for backup power, but they serve different purposes. KOHLER GENERATORS

When it comes to backup power, there are two types of generators: portable and standby. Both are great options for backup power, but they have some key differences and are meant for use in different situations.

We recommend portable generators for short-term use, outdoors, in a well-ventilated area so the exhaust can safely dissipate. Portable generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is dangerous when it builds up. Camping or tailgating are ideal for utilizing a portable generator.

As previously mentioned, standby generators are permanently installed outside of your home and routed to your home's natural gas or liquid propane systems. This makes them perfect for longer power outages. Standby generators are quieter than most portable generators. You don't have to worry about manually refilling your generator, using extension cords or even turning it on.

Thanks to its automatic transfer switch, your Kohler standby generator automatically turns on within 10 seconds of an outage. All of this adds up to unmatched peace of mind when you need it most.

newsweek logo

U.S.WorldScienceHealthRankingsOpinionEntertainmentFact CheckMy TurnEducationEventsSportsPodcastsBetter PlanetBetter WorkplacesMightierAutosNewslettersUnconventionalVantageExpertsLeadershipDev Pragad


Trending

Israel at War Vladimir Putin Russia-Ukraine War Donald Trump

Subscriptions


Membership Monthly $4.99 Membership Yearly $49.00 Membership+Print Monthly $9.99 Membership+Print Yearly $99


Newsletters in your inbox See all

The Bulletin (Daily)See Sample

The Gist of It (Daily)

Geoscape (Twice a Week)

The 1600 (Daily)

Inside Trump Policy (Weekly)

Newsweek AI (Weekly)

Sports Daily (Daily)

The Josh Hammer Report (Weekly)See Sample

For The Culture (Three Times a Week)See Sample

Discoveries (3 Times a Week)

Like & Subscribe (Daily)

Breaking News (As it Breaks)

The Debate (Twice a Week)

Pawsitively (Daily)

Better Planet (Weekly)

The Good Life (Weekly)

Newsweek Pulse (2x3 Times a Month)

Sign up now

You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

In The Magazine Newsweek magazine cover September 19
2025 Issue


Company

About UsMastheadDiversityAnnouncementsArchivePolicies and StandardsMission StatementLeadershipNewslettersPress Center

Editions:

U.S. Edition日本PolskaRomânia

Contact

AdvertiseCareersContact UsCorrections

Terms of Use

Cookie PolicyCopyrightPrivacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsTerms of Sale Privacy Settings

© 2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC