Portable generators rated for 5,000 watts and above can connect to your home’s circuit breaker panel with a transfer switch—a small board that looks a bit like a circuit breaker panel itself.

An automatic transfer switch detects power outages and automatically switches to generator power. Standby generators typically run on natural gas, propane, or diesel.

A transfer switch is like a mini circuit breaker panel that allows you to draw electricity from your generator instead of from the power company.

A transfer switch is like a mini circuit breaker panel that allows you to draw electricity from your generator instead of from the power company.

Generators and transfer switches Whether it’s a hurricane, ice storm, even a wildfire, power outages seem to be happening more often and in more places.