---
id: how-do-whole-home-standby-generators-work
title: "How do whole-home standby generators work?"
category: faq
subtopic: how-standby-generators-work
page_type: faq
source_url: "https://www.budsusa.com/generators"
tags: ["generator basics", "how it works", "outage protection"]
questions:
  - "What is a standby generator?"
  - "How does a whole-home generator turn on?"
  - "What powers a standby generator?"
related: [generator-services, emergency-power]
dealer: None
---

A whole-home standby generator is a permanently installed system powered by propane or natural gas. It's connected directly to your home's electrical panel and automatically detects when utility power fails. Within seconds of sensing an outage, it turns itself on and supplies power to keep your essential home needs running. This means no manual startup needed-your backup power activates instantly during storms, bad weather, or grid failures. Bud's installs and maintains these systems so your family stays safe and comfortable when the power goes down.