---
title: "What Is Standby generator? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "A standby generator is a permanently installed generator that starts on its own or on command to power selected circuits during an outage."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/standby-generator
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Power and utility

# Standby generator

A standby generator is a permanently installed generator that starts on its own or on command to power selected circuits during an outage.

Unlike a [portable generator](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/portable-generator), a standby unit is fixed outdoors on a pad and wired into the electrical system through a [transfer switch](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/transfer-switch). CoServ says standby generators shall not export power to its distribution system and shall use an open transition transfer switch.

CoServ also says member generator installations must meet all local, municipal, NESC and NEC regulations. Ask your city about permits and your utility about its rules. A licensed electrician should size the unit to your [load](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/load-calculation) and make the connection. See [emergency electrical help](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/emergency-electrical-help).

[Daniel Electric can helpResidential electrician](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrician)

## Related terms

-   [Whole-house generator](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/whole-house-generator)
-   [Transfer switch](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/transfer-switch)
-   [Portable generator](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/portable-generator)
-   [Load calculation](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/load-calculation)

## Sources

1.  [CoServ: Standby Generation](https://www.coserv.com/energy-solutions/standby-generation/)
2.  [CoServ: Standby Generation](https://www.coserv.com/energy-solutions/standby-generation/)

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