Backup Power When the Grid Goes Down

Empire Electric Co installs generators and transfer switches for homes and businesses in Rancho Cucamonga or a surrounding area.

When a power outage hits Rancho Cucamonga, Claremont, Fontana or a surrounding area, your refrigerator stops cooling, the heating system shuts off, and medical equipment that requires electricity becomes inoperable. A standby generator automatically starts when utility power fails, restoring electricity to circuits you designate as essential. Empire Electric Co installs the generator, runs a natural gas or propane fuel line, and wires the transfer switch that prevents backfeeding into the grid while keeping your home or business powered in Rancho Cucamonga.


This service includes evaluating your electrical panel to calculate the load you need to support during an outage, selecting a generator with adequate wattage, and installing an automatic transfer switch that monitors utility power and switches to generator power within seconds. We also handle permitting and coordinate gas line installation with licensed plumbers if your generator runs on natural gas. Load planning ensures the generator can run critical systems without overloading.


Contact Empire Electric Co to review your backup power needs and plan generator installation for your property in Rancho Cucamonga and the neighboring communities.

Transfer Switches and Load Planning Basics

We start by calculating the total wattage of circuits you want to keep powered during an outage, such as refrigerators, heating systems, well pumps, and lighting. In Rancho Cucamonga, this typically involves installing an automatic transfer switch between the utility meter and your main panel. The switch monitors incoming power and activates the generator when voltage drops, then switches back to utility power once service is restored.


After installation, you will notice the generator start automatically within ten to twenty seconds of a power failure, with lights, appliances, and HVAC systems resuming operation as if nothing happened. The generator runs on natural gas or propane, refueling automatically from your existing gas line or propane tank without requiring gasoline refills.


We also perform load calculations to ensure the generator can handle the combined startup surge of multiple motors, such as air conditioners and refrigerators turning on simultaneously. Generators are installed on concrete pads outside the home, positioned to meet setback requirements and minimize noise. This service does not include ongoing generator maintenance, which should be scheduled annually with a qualified technician to check oil levels, battery voltage, and automatic start functions.

Addressing What You Need to Know First

Generator installations involve sizing the unit correctly, planning which circuits to back up, and understanding how the transfer switch operates during outages, so it helps to clarify these details before committing to a system that may run for days during extended power failures.

What size generator do I need for my home?
It depends on which circuits you want to power during an outage. A typical home needs a 12- to 20-kilowatt generator to run essential systems like heating, refrigeration, and lighting, while whole-house backup requires larger units.
How does the transfer switch prevent backfeeding?
The transfer switch isolates your home from the utility grid before the generator starts, ensuring generator power does not flow back into power lines. This protects utility workers and prevents damage to the generator.
What fuel source is best for standby generators?
Natural gas provides an unlimited fuel supply through your existing gas line, while propane requires a storage tank but offers portability if you move. Both fuels are cleaner and quieter than gasoline-powered portable generators.
How long can a generator run during an outage?
Standby generators connected to natural gas or propane can run indefinitely as long as fuel is available. The generator manufacturer recommends periodic shutdowns for oil checks if the outage lasts more than a few days.
What permits are required for generator installation?
Electrical and gas permits are typically required, and the installation must pass inspection before the generator is commissioned. We handle permit applications and coordinate inspections to ensure compliance with local codes.

Empire Electric Co has installed standby generators for homeowners and businesses across Rancho Cucamonga, sizing systems to support critical loads and integrating transfer switches that activate automatically when utility power fails. Get in touch to evaluate your backup power requirements and plan your generator installation.