Power outages are quickly becoming the norm in Southern California because of the huge strain on the grid, extreme weather, and preventive shutoffs for wildfires. As an Escondido homeowner, it is not a luxury to have a power supply when these outages occur, but a necessity.
At Electrical Insight, we specialize in helping homeowners select the right generator or backup power solution to keep their lights on and their family safe. So what exactly separates a portable generator from a standby, backup generator? Let’s break it down.
The Need for Backup Power in Escondido
People in Escondido and all over San Diego County have experienced either a planned ‘Public Safety Power Shutoff’ (PSPS) or an unplanned outage that stops their daily routine. Spoiled food due to a loss of power in refrigerators, and critical medical devices rendered useless without power: this is when a backup source of power makes all the difference in the world.
Generally, when considering your options, you’ll be choosing between a portable generator and a standby backup generator. They are both created to provide power when the grid goes down, but they do so with important differences in performance, safety, and convenience.
Portable Generators: Flexible but Manual
Portable generators represent a worthy first step for homeowners who require power on a temporary or limited basis.
Advantages:
- Relatively inexpensive up front
- Portable and easy to transport and store
- Great for occasional use, such as while camping, or for small power needs
Disadvantages:
- Manual setup and fueling
- Low power output (most of the house cannot be run)
- Has to be operated outdoors because of the risk of carbon monoxide
Those who make regular use of portable generators must ensure safe operation as well as the correct connection of power. Hire a licensed electrician to install a dedicated generator inlet and transfer switch.
Learn more about our generator services for safe and compliant installations.
Standby Backup Generators: Reliable and Automatic
A standby generator is a whole-home backup generator that gets permanently installed and directly connected to the electrical panel of your home. It senses an outage automatically and restores power within seconds.
Advantages:
- Automatic disconnection during outages
- Can power the entire home (including HVAC and appliances)
- Quieter, more efficient operation
- Runs on natural gas or propane—no refueling is needed.
Disadvantages:
- Higher initial investment
- Professional installation and permitting
Due to the electrical complexity, standby systems should always be installed by a certified electrician who knows electric panels and upgrades.
Safety and Code Compliance
Nothing is above safety when dealing with electrical systems. Electrical Insight’s licensed technicians ensure installations performed are up to standard with both the California electrical code and local Escondido permitting requirements.
We would also suggest adding a whole-home surge protection system to provide protection for surges coming in on the utility lines against your appliances and sensitive electronics.
Choose Electrical Insight
Portable and standby generators provide valuable protection against electrical power interruptions, but the right choice varies with your home’s needs, electrical capacity, and budget. Whether you need a simple generator hookup or a fully automated backup power system, trust Electrical Insight to give you professional guidance and installation.
Whether you are looking for a simple generator hookup or a totally automated backup power system, trust Electrical Insight to provide professional guidance and installation.
Contact Electrical Insight today to schedule a backup power consultation for your Escondido home so you will be ready for the next outage.
