The Sequence During an Outage
- Utility power drops. The automatic transfer switch watches the voltage coming from the utility.
- Short delay. The switch waits a few seconds so a momentary flicker does not start the engine.
- Engine starts and warms up. Fuel comes from your gas line or propane tank, so there is nothing to pour in.
- Transfer. The switch disconnects the house from the utility and connects it to the generator. Your lights come back.
- Utility returns. The switch moves the house back to the grid, and the engine runs a short cool-down before shutting off.
The disconnect in step 4 is the safety point. It keeps generator power from flowing back out onto PSO’s lines, where line crews could be working.
The Weekly or Monthly Exercise
Most units are programmed to start on their own for a short test run on a schedule. You will hear it. The test keeps the engine lubricated and the battery charged, and many controllers report a fault if something is wrong. Ask the installer to set it for a time that will not bother you or the neighbors.
Air-Cooled vs. Liquid-Cooled
| Air-cooled | Liquid-cooled | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical use | Most homes | Large homes, heavy loads, long run times |
| Size range | Smaller to mid-size home units | Larger units |
| Sound and maintenance | Simpler, usually louder | Quieter, more like a car engine to maintain |
HomeGuide lists 30 to 48 kW units at $10,000–$16,000 for the unit alone. Ask whether a given model in that range is air- or liquid-cooled, since it varies by brand.
Fuel: Natural Gas or Propane
Many Broken Arrow neighborhoods have natural gas service, and a generator on natural gas has no tank to watch. Propane is the answer on acreages without a gas main. HomeGuide prices natural-gas units at $3,000–$6,000 and propane (LP) units at $2,000–$6,000 before installation, plus $400–$1,800 for a propane tank. A generator also needs enough gas volume at the meter, which the installer checks against the unit’s fuel demand.
How Long They Run
HomeGuide says a home standby unit can run up to about 500 hours continuously and lasts 15 to 30 years with maintenance. Long outages still call for oil checks, so read the manual or ask the installer how often during an extended run.
Next Steps
Start with sizing, then read about transfer switches. The cost guide pulls the numbers together.
Request a Generator Installation Quote
Answer two quick questions. An independent installer that serves Broken Arrow will contact you to schedule a site visit and a written estimate.
Please note: Broken Arrow Generators connects homeowners with independent local generator installers. We are not a contractor and do not do the work.