An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is the device that connects your Generac standby generator to your home's electrical system. When the grid drops, the ATS detects the outage in under a second, signals the generator to start, and transfers your load once the generator stabilizes — all in about 10 seconds. When PG&E restores power, the ATS transfers back and signals the generator to run a brief cool-down cycle before shutting off. Everything happens automatically.
Peak Power Systems installs Generac's full ATS lineup — 100A, 200A, and 400A service-entrance-rated switches; 16-circuit sub-panel switches for essential-circuits configurations; and open-transition (standard automatic) or closed-transition switches depending on your application. Every install is C-10 licensed, permitted, inspected, and code-compliant with NEC 700 and 702.
Problems We Solve
The specific power reliability challenges Sacramento Foothills homeowners face — and exactly how we address them.
Manual transfer hassle
Manual switches require you to be home, awake, and outside during an outage. Automatic switches do everything for you.
Backfeed risk
An improper generator connection can backfeed the grid and injure PG&E lineworkers. A code-compliant ATS makes backfeeding physically impossible.
Slow transfer times
Modern Generac ATS units transfer in about 10 seconds — fast enough that computers stay on and freezers don't defrost.
Partial-house coverage
Whole-home switches power everything; essential-circuits switches cover 10-16 critical loads at a lower installed cost. We help you pick.
Meter-integrated compatibility
We handle both service-entrance-rated switches (mount at the meter) and load-center switches (mount at the panel).
Existing generator upgrades
Upgrading from a manual to an automatic switch, or adding a transfer switch to a legacy portable generator setup? We handle it.
Benefits
Fully automatic operation
Detects, starts, transfers, and returns — all without you doing anything. Sleep through the outage.
Code-compliant safety
NEC-compliant, prevents backfeed to PG&E lines, protects lineworkers, keeps your warranty valid.
10-second transfer
Fast enough that most electronics stay on, refrigerators don't defrost, and Zoom calls don't drop.
Weekly self-test
Your ATS and generator run a coordinated weekly self-test to verify readiness — reported via Mobile Link.
Whole-home or essential
Choose whole-home coverage or essential-circuits based on your generator size and budget.
Load management
Generac Smart Management Modules can prioritize loads (AC, EV charging, pool) so a smaller generator handles more.
Our Process
Free Consultation
On-site load calculation, gas and electrical assessment, and generator sizing — no charge, no pressure.
Fixed-Price Proposal
Line-item quote covering equipment, transfer switch, concrete pad, gas run, permits, and PG&E filing.
Permits & Scheduling
We file with the county, coordinate PG&E interconnection, and schedule around fire-season priority.
Installation & Startup
1–3 day install by our W-2 crew, full commissioning, homeowner walk-through, and warranty registration.
Why Homeowners Choose Peak Power Systems
- Authorized Generac Dealer and Generac PowerPro certified installer
- California C-10 Electrical Contractor License #789456, held since 1986
- $2M general liability plus full workers' comp — every crew member is a W-2 employee
- 1,200+ Generac installations completed across the Sacramento Foothills
- Fixed-price proposals with line-item detail — no change-order surprises
- 24/7 emergency service for existing maintenance customers
- 5-year Generac manufacturer warranty registered on every install
Whole-home vs. essential-circuits switches
A whole-home ATS transfers your entire electrical panel to generator power. Every breaker stays live during an outage — AC, kitchen, laundry, pool, EV charging, workshop. This requires a generator sized for peak home load (typically 22-26kW) and costs more to install. An essential-circuits ATS is a smaller sub-panel switch that powers 10-16 critical circuits — refrigeration, HVAC, lights, garage door, internet, medical equipment. It's cheaper to install and allows a smaller generator (14-18kW) but leaves non-essential loads dark during outages.
Smart Management Modules for load balancing
Generac SMM devices let you install a smaller, less expensive generator while still powering large loads (like a second AC compressor, pool pump, or EV charger) — the SMM prioritizes essential loads and cycles high-draw circuits based on available capacity. On a properly sized system this can save $2,000-$4,000 vs. simply oversizing the generator.
Service-entrance vs. load-center switches
Service-entrance-rated (SER) ATS units mount at your meter and act as the main disconnect for your home. They're required for whole-home coverage and simplify the interconnection. Load-center switches mount next to your existing panel and require a main breaker retrofit or subpanel installation. Both are code-compliant; we'll spec the right one based on your existing panel and PG&E service configuration.