Backup Power Options for Wisconsin Homes: Portable vs. Standby Generators

Power outages are a fact of life in Wisconsin. Winter storms can leave homes without electricity when heating systems are needed most, while summer thunderstorms and high winds can knock out power with little warning.

A backup generator can keep essential electrical systems running until utility power is restored. For homeowners considering backup power, the two main options are portable generators and standby generators.

The biggest difference isn't simply the size of the generator. It also comes down to how the generator connects to your home's electrical system, which circuits it can power, and how much work is required when the power goes out.

Portable vs. Standby Generators at a Glance

Neither option is right for every home. The best fit depends on how much of the house you want to keep running, how frequently you experience outages, and how much hands-on operation you want during an emergency.

Here’s a quick comparison between the two: 

How Does a Portable Generator Work?

A portable generator is designed to be moved and operated when you need it. It can provide electricity for selected equipment during an outage, but it needs to be set up correctly and operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.

One important consideration is how the portable generator connects to the home.

A portable generator should never be connected to a household wall outlet as a way to energize the home's wiring. That can create dangerous backfeeding, which can put utility workers and others at risk.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommends using generators safely and keeping portable generators outdoors and away from the home because of carbon monoxide hazards.

For homeowners who want to connect a portable generator to selected household circuits, an electrician can install the appropriate equipment, such as a manual transfer switch and power inlet box. A manual transfer switch is designed to prevent utility and generator power from feeding the home's electrical system at the same time.

That gives homeowners a safer, more organized way to provide backup power to selected circuits without running extension cords throughout the house.

How Does a Standby Generator Work?

A standby generator is permanently installed outside the home and connected to the home's electrical system.

Unlike a portable generator, a standby system can monitor the home's utility power and respond automatically when an outage occurs. Depending on the system, the generator starts, reaches operating conditions, and transfers the selected electrical load to generator power.

When utility power is restored, the system transfers the load back to the utility and the generator shuts down according to its programmed sequence.

That automatic operation is one of the biggest differences between standby and portable generators. You don't have to be home to move a generator into position and start it when the power fails.

What Is a Generator Transfer Switch?

A transfer switch is a key part of a properly connected generator system.

Its job is to control which power source supplies the home's connected electrical loads: the utility or the generator.

For a standby system, an automatic transfer switch can detect a utility power failure and transfer the connected loads to the generator. When utility power returns, it transfers them back. Generac describes its automatic transfer switches as equipment that switches between utility and generator power while preventing electrical feedback between the two sources.

A portable generator typically uses a manual transfer switch when it is connected to selected household circuits. The homeowner operates the switch when backup power is needed.

The transfer equipment needs to be properly selected, installed, and connected for the home's electrical system and the generator being used.

What Are Dedicated Generator Circuits?

Not every home needs to power every electrical load during an outage.

Depending on the generator and transfer equipment, backup power can be configured around specific circuits or electrical loads. These might include:

• Furnace or heating equipment

• Refrigerator and freezer

• Sump pump

• Essential lighting

• Garage door opener

• Internet and networking equipment

• Security systems

• Selected kitchen circuits

• Other critical household equipment

For example, a portable generator connected through a properly installed manual transfer switch may be configured to supply several essential circuits rather than the entire electrical panel.

Some standby systems can also use designated essential circuits. Others are designed for broader or whole-home coverage. The generator and transfer equipment must be sized and configured for the electrical loads they are expected to support.

Why Generator Sizing Matters

A generator's advertised output doesn't necessarily mean it can run everything in your home simultaneously.

Electrical loads have different power requirements, and some equipment can require additional power when starting. Heating and cooling equipment, pumps and other motor-driven appliances can be particularly important when determining generator capacity.

That's why generator installation should start with an assessment of the home's electrical needs rather than simply choosing a generator based on its physical size or a list of appliances.

A qualified electrician can help determine which circuits should receive backup power and what generator and transfer equipment are appropriate for the installation.

Why Backup Power Matters During Wisconsin Winters

Winter outages can create more than an inconvenience.

If a heating system depends on electricity, a prolonged outage can mean losing heat during freezing temperatures. A sump pump may also be important during periods of snowmelt or heavy precipitation.

Having backup power available can help homeowners keep essential electrical systems operating while utility crews work to restore service.

Portable generators can provide temporary backup, but they require the homeowner to be present and able to safely set up and operate the equipment.

A standby generator offers a different approach: the system can remain installed and ready to respond when utility power fails.

What About Summer Storms?

Winter isn't the only time Wisconsin homeowners need to think about backup power.

Severe thunderstorms, high winds, and other summer weather can cause power outages as well. That means a generator can be useful year-round rather than being exclusively a winter emergency system.

For homeowners who travel frequently or may not be home when an outage begins, automatic standby operation can be extremely useful. The generator can respond to a loss of utility power without requiring someone to move and start a portable unit.

Portable or Standby Generator: Which Should You Choose?

The right option depends on your home's needs and how you want your backup system to work.

A portable generator may be appropriate if you want a lower-cost option for powering selected equipment and are comfortable with the setup and operation required during an outage.

A standby generator may make more sense if you want a permanent backup system, automatic operation, or broader electrical coverage.

Before choosing, consider:

How much of your home needs backup power?
Powering a refrigerator and a few lights is a different requirement from powering heating, cooling and multiple household systems.

How long do your outages typically last?
Longer outages may make fuel supply, convenience and automatic operation more important considerations.

Do you need the system to work when nobody is home?
A portable generator requires someone to set it up and start it. A standby generator can be configured for automatic operation.

Which electrical systems are essential?
Your furnace, sump pump, refrigerator, security system or other equipment may affect how the generator should be sized and connected.

How will the generator connect to your home?
This is an important part of the installation. A qualified electrician can determine whether a manual transfer switch, automatic transfer switch or another approved configuration is appropriate.

Generator Installation Is More Than Connecting the Generator

The generator itself is only one part of a backup power system.

A safe installation may involve:

1. Evaluating the home's electrical service and anticipated loads.

2. Determining which circuits need backup power.

3. Selecting a properly sized generator.

4. Installing the appropriate transfer equipment.

5. Installing the necessary wiring and electrical connections.

6. Testing the system to verify that it operates correctly.

7. Making sure the installation complies with applicable electrical requirements and manufacturer instructions.

For standby generators, the transfer switch and generator also work together as a system. Generac's installation documentation emphasizes that generator installations need to be properly performed and meet applicable laws and codes.

Generator wiring is not a good place for improvised connections or DIY work. An incorrectly connected generator can create electrical hazards, damage equipment, or energize wiring that should not be energized.

Preparing Your Wisconsin Home for the Next Outage

You don't have to wait until the next storm to decide how your home will handle a power outage.

If you're considering a portable generator, an electrician can help you determine the safest way to connect it to the circuits you need. If you're considering a standby generator, professional installation can ensure the generator, transfer switch, and home electrical system are designed to work together.

One Mechanical Solution provides residential electrical services, including generator installation and backup power solutions. If you're considering a generator for your Wisconsin home, we can help you determine what type of system makes sense for your home and electrical needs.

Ready to plan for your next outage? Contact One Mechanical Solution to discuss your generator options.