How a Home Standby System Works

When the utility power to your home fails - - because of a storm, accident, or brown-out conditions, the generator set automatically starts and, within seconds, produces electricity. The transfer of power is seamless and automatic, and allows you to continue your daily routine without interruption.

Below is a more detailed description of how these components operate to provide you with the comfort and convenience your family depends on. Please note that this is an overview only. For specific questions about operation and maintenance, please refer to the operators manual or contact an Cummins Onan dealer or distributor.

Normal Utility Power Mode:

Under normal circumstances when utility power is available, utility power runs through the transfer panel contractors, and connects the power to the distribution panel and then to all the electrical loads in a home. The existing electrical system is not compromised in any way by integrating an automatic standby power system in a home. A battery charger installed in the transfer panel enclosure is powered by the utility to keep the starting battery in the generator set charged.

Power Outage Occurs:

When utility power voltage falls to less than 85% of nominal, or fails entirely, the standby power system will automatically go through a start sequence and connect to a home. The transfer panel control constantly monitors the power quality from both the utility source and the generator set. When the transfer panel control senses unacceptable utility power, the control waits for 3 seconds and then sends a signal to start the generator set engine. If the utility power returns before 3 seconds has passed, the generator set engine will not be signaled to start. When the start signal is received, the engine starts and reaches the proper operating speed and AC power is available at the generator set. The transfer panel control senses this, waits for 3 seconds and will then transfer generator set power to the home through the transfer panel contractors. This sequence of operations will usually occur in less than 10 seconds from the time the power outage occurred to the time when generator set power is connected.

Utility Power Returns:

When utility power comes back on and returns to your home, the transfer panel control senses this and will watch for acceptable voltage. After checking for acceptable utility voltage for five minutes, the transfer panel control will signal the transfer panel contractors to re-transfer the load back to the utility source and disconnect the generator set source. At this point, the generator set is "off-line" and will be operated automatically another five minutes to properly cool down. After the cool down cycle, the generator set will be turned automatically off and reset to standby mode.

Automatic Exercise Cycle:

The generator set should be exercised monthly for system readiness. The time of day can be set for the system to operate and it will automatically start and run for a preset period of time. During this exercise period, the power available from the generator set WILL NOT be connected to the home, and utility power will not be interrupted.

Manual Exercise Operation:

The generator set can be operated at anytime from the generator set control panel behind the service access door. Simply move the "RUN/OFF/AUTO" switch to 'RUN", and the generator set will start and run. Power available from the generator set WILL NOT be connected to the home, and utility power will not be interrupted. The switch must be returned to the "AUTO" position for fully automatic operation.

System Testing:

The entire system can be tested manually by simulating a power failure. This can be done by manually opening the main circuit breaker ahead of the transfer panel. The standby power system will then go through the start sequence and pickup the home electrical loads. Manually re-closing the main utility breaker will then signal the standby power system to go through the retransfer sequence and return to standby mode.