The Complete Guide to Residential Standby Generators

If you've ever sat in the dark during a power outage, watching your phone battery tick down and wondering when the lights will come back on, you've probably thought about getting a generator. But there's a big difference between a portable unit you wheel out of the garage and a permanently installed standby generator that handles everything automatically. Here's what you need to know.

What Is a Standby Generator — and How Does It Work?

A residential standby generator is a permanently installed unit that sits outside your home, typically on a concrete pad, and connects directly to your electrical panel. It runs on natural gas or propane — the same fuel that powers your furnace or water heater — so there's no gasoline to store or refill.

The key component is the automatic transfer switch (ATS). This device monitors your utility power 24/7. The moment it detects an outage, it signals the generator to start. Within about 10 seconds, power is transferred from the utility to the generator, and your home is back up and running — lights, HVAC, refrigerator, sump pump, everything you've chosen to protect.

When utility power returns, the transfer switch automatically shifts the load back to the grid and shuts the generator down. You don't have to do anything. In fact, many homeowners sleep through outages without realizing the power ever went out.

Who Needs a Standby Generator?

Honestly, anyone who values uninterrupted power. But here in Indiana, there are some situations where a standby generator goes from "nice to have" to "essential":

• Severe weather exposure. Ice storms, thunderstorms, and high winds knock out power regularly in northern Indiana. Rural areas with overhead lines — from Rochester to Knox — can lose power for days. (See our spring storm preparedness guide for more.)
• Medical equipment at home. If someone in your household relies on a CPAP machine, oxygen concentrator, or other powered medical devices, an outage isn't just inconvenient — it's dangerous.
• Sump pump dependency. Many Indiana homes have basements that flood without a working sump pump. A generator keeps it running when the power's out and the rain is coming down.
• Lake houses and second homes. If you're not always there to respond to an outage, a standby generator protects against frozen pipes, spoiled food, and security system failures.
• Home offices. With more people working from home, losing power means losing income. A generator keeps you connected.

Sizing Your Generator: What Can Different kW Ratings Power?

Generator size is measured in kilowatts (kW), and choosing the right size is one of the most important decisions. Here's a rough guide:

The right size depends on your home's electrical load, what appliances you want to run during an outage, and whether your home uses gas or electric heat. That's why we always do an on-site load calculation — it's the only way to size a generator accurately.

Cummins vs. Kohler: A Quick Comparison

As an authorized dealer for both Kohler and Cummins, we install and service both brands. They're both excellent — here's how they compare:

Cummins is known for the QuietConnect series, which lives up to its name. These units are among the quietest on the market. Cummins also offers strong remote monitoring through their connected dealer network, and their residential units range from 13 kW to 24 kW. The Power Command controller is intuitive and reliable.

Kohler has been a trusted name in power for over a century. Their residential generators feature corrosion-resistant enclosures that hold up well in Indiana weather. The OnCue Plus monitoring system lets you check generator status from your phone. Kohler's residential lineup runs from 10 kW to 26 kW, and their commercial units go much higher.

Both brands carry 5-year limited warranties on residential units. We don't push one brand over the other — we help you pick the one that fits your situation, budget, and preference.

What Does the Installation Process Look Like?

Here's what to expect when you decide to move forward:

1. Site assessment. We visit your property to evaluate your electrical panel, determine the best location for the generator, check fuel availability, and perform a load calculation.
2. Proposal and approval. You'll receive a detailed, written quote covering equipment, installation, permits, and timeline. No surprises.
3. Permit and fuel coordination. We pull the necessary electrical permits and coordinate with your gas or propane provider to ensure fuel supply to the generator location.
4. Concrete pad. A level concrete pad is poured (or a composite pad is placed) to support the generator. This needs to be the right size and in the right location per manufacturer specs and local codes.
5. Electrical installation. We install the automatic transfer switch at your main panel, run the wiring between the panel and the generator, and make all connections per code.
6. Startup and testing. The generator is commissioned, tested under load, and programmed for weekly self-tests. We walk you through the controls and set up monitoring if available.

Most residential installations take 1–2 days of on-site work, though the total project from initial call to power-on typically takes 4–8 weeks depending on equipment availability and permit timelines.

Why Professional Installation Matters

You might see generators sold online and wonder about DIY installation. Here's why that's a bad idea:

• Electrical permits are required. In Indiana, generator installations require permits and inspections. An unpermitted installation can void your homeowner's insurance and create liability issues.
• Transfer switch installation is complex. An improperly installed transfer switch can backfeed power onto utility lines, creating a lethal hazard for utility workers and neighbors.
• Gas line connections require licensing. Running gas to the generator must be done by licensed professionals, sized correctly, and inspected.
• Manufacturer warranty requires authorized installation. Both Kohler and Cummins require installation by authorized dealers to maintain their factory warranty.
• Proper sizing requires expertise. An undersized generator will overload and shut down when you need it most. An oversized one wastes money. Getting it right takes experience.

Ready to Explore Backup Power?

If you've been thinking about a standby generator, the first step is a conversation. We'll ask about your home, your priorities, and your budget, then schedule a free site assessment if it makes sense. No pressure, no hard sell — just straight answers from a team that's been doing this for 60 years.

Call Banner Electric at (574) 936-9715 or request a free quote online. We serve Plymouth, Indiana and a 40-mile radius including South Bend, Elkhart, Warsaw, and surrounding communities.