Note the key in the above picture. My generator has an electric start. I run it for 30 minutes once a week in the cold weather to keep the battery charged.

The above unit is the transfer switch. It allows the generator to power six circuits in my home electric panel. When the power goes out, I start the generator then move the switches from the LINE position to the GEN position. This then powers my furnace, refrigerator, freezer well pump, sump pump and microwave. along with selected outlets throughout my home. The switch also isolates the powered circuits from the line so that I am not feeding electricity back into it. This is a safety issue for any AEP technicians who may be working to restore power.