Broiler House Backup Power Systems: Generators and Alarms

By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD · 2026-08-14

Key Takeaways

Generator sizing must account for the combined running wattage of all critical equipment (ventilation, heating, cooling, feeders, drinkers, lighting) plus a 25% safety margin and the significant startup surge (2-3x running wattage) of electric motors, particularly tunnel fans.
Diesel generators are the industry standard for broiler houses due to their durability for continuous duty, better fuel storage stability compared to gasoline, and robust engine design, though propane offers indefinite fuel storage and quieter operation.
Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) are crucial for restoring power within seconds, eliminating human error and ensuring continuous operation of life support systems like ventilation and heating, which is vital given broiler chickens' narrow thermoneutral zone.
A comprehensive alarm system must monitor utility power failure, generator status (running, failure to start), critical house parameters (high/low temperature), and generator faults, utilizing multiple notification paths (text, call) to ensure timely alerts even when off-farm.
Rigorous testing and maintenance are paramount: monthly full-load generator tests, weekly alarm system tests, and meticulous recordkeeping of all actions are essential for reliability and insurance purposes.
Fuel management is a critical failure point; plan for at least 48-72 hours of continuous operation, implement fuel rotation and treatment (biocides for diesel), and establish refueling logistics for extended regional outages.

Broiler production depends on a continuous supply of electricity to run ventilation fans, heating systems, cooling pads, feeders, drinkers, and lighting. A power failure that lasts even a few hours can cause catastrophic losses, especially during hot weather when birds are vulnerable to heat stress. This guide covers the full planning process for backup power in broiler houses, including generator sizing, transfer switches, fuel management, alarm systems, testing routines, and recordkeeping. It is written for broiler growers, farm managers, and poultry service technicians who need a practical framework for protecting flocks from power interruptions.

At a Glance

A properly sized generator should cover your full electrical load, not just the fans. Account for startup surge, which can be two to three times the running wattage of motors.
Automatic transfer switches restore power within seconds and remove the human error factor. Manual transfer switches are cheaper but require someone to be on site and awake.
Diesel generators remain the standard for broiler houses because diesel stores better than gasoline and the engines are built for continuous duty.
Fuel management is the most common point of failure. Plan for at least 48 hours of continuous operation, and factor in refueling logistics during a regional outage.
Alarm systems must monitor both utility power and generator output, and they must reach you when you are away from the farm. Multiple notification paths are essential.
Test your generator under full load at least once per month, and test your alarm system weekly.
Keep a written log of every test, every fuel delivery, and every maintenance action. This log is your defense during insurance claims and your tool for spotting problems early.

Why Broiler Houses Are Vulnerable to Power Loss

Broiler chickens have a narrow thermoneutral zone, and modern high-yield strains produce significant body heat. A house stocked with 25,000 birds at market weight can lose ventilation for only a short period before internal temperatures climb to dangerous levels. The exact time depends on bird age, outside temperature, house insulation, and stocking density, but the margin for error is measured in minutes, not hours.

The electrical systems in broiler houses are not optional conveniences. They are life support. Ventilation fans remove heat, moisture, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. Heaters maintain brood temperatures for young chicks. Cooling systems, including tunnel fans and evaporative cooling pads, manage heat load during warm weather. Feeder and drinker systems keep birds eating and drinking. Lighting programs influence bird activity and feed conversion. When any of these systems stop, bird welfare declines and performance suffers.

Power outages in rural areas are more common than many growers realize. Severe weather, vehicle accidents, equipment failure, and planned rolling blackouts can all interrupt service. Regional outages during a heat wave are especially dangerous because every broiler house in the area is affected at the same time, and utility crews are stretched thin. The cost of a single lost flock can exceed the cost of a well designed backup system, which makes the investment a matter of risk management rather than optional spending.

The planning process should begin before you need the system. Once birds are in the house, you do not have time to research generators, compare transfer switches, or arrange fuel deliveries. This article walks through each decision so you can build a system that matches your specific operation.

Assessing Your Electrical Load

The first step in planning a backup power system is knowing exactly what your house requires. You cannot size a generator by guessing or by matching the generator to the service entrance rating. You need a load calculation that accounts for every piece of equipment that must run during a power failure.

Identify Critical Loads

Start by listing every electrical load in your broiler house. Walk the house with a notepad or use your electrical panel schedule if you have one. Include the following categories:

Ventilation fans, both minimum ventilation and tunnel fans
Inlet machines and controllers
Heating systems, including brooders and forced air furnaces
Evaporative cooling pumps and pads
Feeder systems, including augers and pan drives
Drinkers and water pumps
Lighting circuits
Controller panels and sensors
Alarm systems
Any auxiliary equipment such as curtain machines or egg collection systems

For each item, record the running wattage and the startup wattage. Running wattage is the power required to keep the equipment operating. Startup wattage, also called surge wattage, is the extra power required to start a motor. Electric motors can draw two to three times their running wattage for a few seconds during startup. If your generator cannot handle the surge, the motor will not start, and the generator may stall.

Determine Simultaneous Operation

Not all equipment runs at the same time. During cold weather, you may run minimum ventilation fans and heaters together. During hot weather, you run tunnel fans and cooling pumps, but you do not run heaters. Your generator must handle the worst case scenario for the season, and the worst case is usually hot weather with all tunnel fans running, cooling pumps operating, and the controller cycling through its normal sequence.

You also need to account for the controller's starting sequence. If all fans start at once, the surge load is much higher than if the controller staggers the starts. Some controllers can be programmed to start fans sequentially during a power restoration, which reduces the peak load on your generator. Check your controller manual or ask your service technician about this feature.

Perform a Formal Load Calculation

Add up the running wattage for all equipment that operates simultaneously in your worst case scenario. Then add 25 percent as a safety margin. Then add the single largest startup surge. This final number is your minimum generator size in watts.

For example, if your total running load is 40,000 watts, add 25 percent for a margin of 10,000 watts, giving you 50,000 watts. If your largest motor has a startup surge of 12,000 watts, your minimum generator size is 62,000 watts, which means you need at least a 62 kW generator.

When in doubt, size up. A generator that is too small will struggle under load, may trip breakers, and can be damaged by sustained overload. A generator that is slightly larger than your minimum runs more comfortably, lasts longer, and gives you room to add equipment later. Fuel consumption increases with load, so an oversized generator that runs at low load will use more fuel than necessary, but this tradeoff is usually worth the reliability margin.

Generator Types and Fuel Options

Once you know your load requirements, you can choose a generator type and fuel. Each option has tradeoffs in cost, fuel storage, maintenance, and reliability.

Diesel Generators

Diesel is the standard choice for commercial broiler operations. Diesel engines are built for continuous duty, they last longer than gasoline engines, and diesel fuel stores better than gasoline. A diesel generator with proper maintenance can run for thousands of hours. Diesel fuel can be stored for six to twelve months with appropriate treatment and rotation, which makes it practical for standby use.

The main drawbacks of diesel are the higher initial cost, the noise level, and the need for regular maintenance. Diesel generators also require battery charging systems, and the batteries need attention to ensure the generator starts when you need it.

Propane Generators

Propane is a clean burning fuel that stores indefinitely without degradation. Propane generators are quieter than diesel and require less frequent maintenance. If your farm already uses propane for heating, you may already have a large storage tank that can supply a generator.

The drawback is that propane has a lower energy density than diesel, so you burn more fuel to produce the same power. You also need to ensure your propane supply is large enough for extended outages, and you need to confirm that your tank can deliver enough gas at the rate your generator demands. A large generator can vaporize propane faster than a small tank can supply it, especially in cold weather.

Natural Gas Generators

Natural gas generators connect directly to the gas utility, so you never run out of fuel as long as the gas line is intact. This is a major advantage for extended outages. Natural gas generators also require less maintenance than diesel because the fuel is clean.

The main risk is that some power outages are caused by the same events that interrupt natural gas service, such as earthquakes or major storms. If the gas line goes down, your generator is useless. Natural gas generators also have lower power output per unit of fuel, and they require a dedicated gas line sized for the generator's demand.

Gasoline Generators

Gasoline generators are common on smaller farms and for portable use, but they are not ideal for commercial broiler houses. Gasoline has a short shelf life, degrades quickly, and is dangerous to store in large quantities. Gasoline engines require more frequent maintenance and have shorter service lives than diesel engines. For a broiler house, where the generator may need to run for days, gasoline is a poor choice.

Sizing the Fuel Supply

Your fuel supply must match your generator's consumption rate and your expected outage duration. Check your generator's specification sheet for fuel consumption at full load and at half load. Then calculate how much fuel you need for 48 hours of continuous operation. Many growers plan for 72 hours or more, especially in areas prone to severe weather.

For diesel, plan to store at least twice what you need for your target outage duration. This gives you a buffer for refueling delays and allows for the fact that diesel consumption increases as the generator works harder. Store diesel in a dedicated tank approved for fuel storage, and treat the fuel with a biocide to prevent microbial growth. Rotate your stored fuel by using it in tractors or other equipment and replacing it with fresh fuel on a schedule.

For propane, work with your propane supplier to confirm that your tank size and delivery schedule can support the generator. You may need a larger tank or a second tank dedicated to the generator.

Transfer Switches

A transfer switch connects your generator to your electrical system and disconnects the utility power when it fails. The transfer switch prevents backfeeding, which is a dangerous condition where electricity flows from your generator back into the utility lines. Backfeeding can electrocute utility workers and can damage your generator when utility power is restored. Transfer switches are required by electrical code and by most insurance policies.

Automatic Transfer Switches

An automatic transfer switch (ATS) monitors utility power and starts the generator automatically when the utility fails. When utility power is restored, the ATS transfers the load back to the utility and shuts down the generator. The entire sequence takes only a few seconds, and it does not require anyone to be on site.

An ATS is the best choice for broiler houses because it eliminates the human factor. If a power failure happens at 2 a.m. and everyone is asleep, the ATS starts the generator and restores power before the house temperature changes significantly. An ATS also protects the house during short outages that might not justify waking someone, and it ensures the generator runs during every outage, which keeps the engine exercised and ready.

The main drawback is cost. An ATS is significantly more expensive than a manual transfer switch, and it requires professional installation. For a commercial broiler operation, the cost is justified by the protection it provides.

Manual Transfer Switches

A manual transfer switch requires someone to physically move the switch from utility power to generator power. This means someone must be on site, awake, and able to respond during an outage. For a broiler house, this is a serious limitation. A power failure at night or during a storm when roads are blocked can leave the house without power for an extended period while someone tries to reach the farm.

Manual transfer switches are cheaper and simpler than automatic switches, and they may be appropriate for a small operation where someone is always nearby. But for most broiler houses, the cost difference is small compared to the value of the flock, and the automatic switch is the better investment.

Generator Interlock Kits

A generator interlock kit is a lower cost alternative to a transfer switch. It uses a sliding plate on the main electrical panel that prevents the main breaker and the generator breaker from being on at the same time. You must manually turn off the main breaker, start the generator, and then turn on the generator breaker.

Interlock kits are legal in many jurisdictions when installed by a licensed electrician, and they are much cheaper than a transfer switch. However, they still require manual operation, and they only allow you to power selected circuits, not your entire panel. For a broiler house with complex load requirements, a full transfer switch is the better choice.

Alarm Systems

A generator that runs but is not monitored is only half a backup system. You need alarms that tell you when power is lost, when the generator fails to start, and when conditions inside the house become dangerous. Alarm systems for broiler houses range from simple telephone dialers to sophisticated web based monitoring platforms.

What Your Alarm Should Monitor

Your alarm system should monitor the following conditions:

Utility power failure
Generator running status
Generator failure to start
House temperature, both high and low
Ventilation fan operation
Controller fault conditions
Generator fault conditions, such as low oil pressure or high coolant temperature
Fuel level, if you have a generator mounted fuel tank with a sensor

The most critical reading is house temperature. A rise of even a few degrees above the set point during hot weather is an emergency. Your alarm should have thresholds that you set based on bird age and outside conditions. For young chicks, a drop in temperature is also dangerous because they cannot regulate their body heat.

Notification Methods

Your alarm system must reach you when you are not at the farm. The most basic systems use a telephone dialer that calls a list of numbers until someone answers. More advanced systems send text messages, push notifications to a smartphone app, or emails. Some systems allow multiple recipients, so you can notify yourself, your employees, and your service technician simultaneously.

Do not rely on a single notification method. If your phone is out of range or your cellular network is down, you need a backup. Many growers use a system that sends both a text message and a phone call, and some add a second notification path through a different provider. Test your notification system regularly to confirm that messages are actually delivered.

Local Audible Alarms

In addition to remote notifications, you need a loud audible alarm at the house. This alerts anyone who is on site or nearby, and it is especially important if you have employees who work at the farm. The alarm should be loud enough to hear over the noise of fans and equipment, and it should be connected to a backup battery so it works during a power failure.

Alarm System Power

Your alarm system needs its own backup power. Most systems use a battery that keeps the system running during a power failure. The battery should be sized to run the alarm for at least 24 hours, and it should be tested regularly. Some systems use a cellular connection that requires its own power source.

Integration with Your Controller

Many modern broiler house controllers have built in alarm functions. The controller can detect high or low temperature, fan failure, and other fault conditions, and it can trigger an alarm output. If your controller has this capability, integrate it with your alarm system so you get notifications for controller detected faults in addition to power related issues.

Installation and Setup

Proper installation is critical for both generator and alarm systems. This is not a do it yourself project. Hire a licensed electrician who has experience with agricultural installations and who understands the specific requirements of broiler houses.

Generator Placement

Place the generator outside the house, on a level concrete pad, with adequate clearance on all sides for cooling air and maintenance access. The generator should be protected from weather but not enclosed in a way that restricts airflow. If you install a sound enclosure, make sure it is designed for generator use and does not block intake or exhaust.

Keep the generator away from house air inlets. Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide and other combustion products that must never enter the house. Position the generator downwind of the house and direct the exhaust away from any air intake.

Electrical Connections

The generator must be connected through a transfer switch that is properly sized and installed. The transfer switch should be located near the main electrical panel, and all wiring must comply with local electrical codes. Have your electrician label the generator disconnect and the transfer switch clearly so anyone on the farm knows how to operate them.

Fuel Line Installation

Fuel lines must be installed by a qualified technician. Diesel fuel lines should be sized for the generator's fuel demand, and they should include a filter and a shutoff valve. Propane lines must be installed by a licensed propane technician and must comply with local codes. Natural gas connections require the gas utility or a licensed plumber.

Grounding

The generator must be properly grounded according to electrical code. A generator that is not grounded correctly can create a shock hazard and can damage connected equipment. Your electrician will verify the grounding during installation.

Initial Testing

After installation, run a full load test before you rely on the system. This means simulating a power failure by turning off the utility power and confirming that the generator starts, the transfer switch operates, and all critical equipment runs. Measure the voltage and frequency at the panel to confirm the generator is producing clean power. Run the test for at least one hour to confirm the generator handles the load without overheating or tripping breakers.

Developing a Testing and Maintenance Schedule

A backup power system is only reliable if it is maintained. Generators that sit unused for months can fail to start when needed. Batteries discharge, fuel degrades, and moving parts seize. A regular testing and maintenance schedule prevents these problems.

Weekly Checks

Verify the generator is in automatic mode and ready to start
Check the battery voltage and charge condition
Inspect for fuel leaks or puddles under the generator
Confirm the alarm system is powered and connected
Test the alarm system by simulating a fault condition

Monthly Tests

Run the generator under load for at least 30 minutes
Perform a full transfer test by switching to generator power and back
Check oil level and coolant level
Inspect air filters and replace if dirty
Check fuel level and confirm your fuel supply is adequate
Verify the alarm notification system by triggering a test alarm

Quarterly Maintenance

Change oil and oil filters according to the manufacturer's schedule
Replace fuel filters
Inspect the cooling system and clean the radiator
Check all belts and hoses for wear
Test the battery under load and replace if weak
Exercise the transfer switch

Annual Maintenance

Have a qualified technician perform a full inspection and service
Test the generator under full load for at least two hours
Test all alarm functions and notification paths
Review your fuel storage and rotation schedule
Update your emergency contact list

Recordkeeping

Keep a written log of all tests and maintenance. Record the date, the action taken, the results, and any problems found. This log serves several purposes. It helps you spot developing problems before they cause a failure. It provides documentation for insurance claims if you experience a loss. And it demonstrates due diligence if you are ever questioned about your management practices.

Use a simple notebook or a spreadsheet. The important thing is consistency. Record every test, every fuel delivery, every oil change, and every repair. Note the outside temperature and the load level during each test, because a generator that runs well in cool weather may struggle in summer heat.

Fuel Management

Fuel management is the most overlooked aspect of backup power planning. A generator that is well maintained but out of fuel is useless. Fuel management involves three tasks: storing enough fuel, keeping the fuel fresh, and ensuring you can refuel during an extended outage.

Storage Capacity

Your fuel storage should cover your target outage duration plus a safety margin. If you plan for 48 hours, store at least 72 hours of fuel. If you plan for 72 hours, store at least 96 hours. The extra margin covers refueling delays and the fact that generators consume more fuel under heavy load than their rated consumption at half load.

Fuel Rotation

Stored fuel degrades over time. Diesel fuel can develop microbial growth, which clogs filters and damages injectors. Gasoline degrades even faster and can become unusable within a few months. Propane does not degrade, but you still need to monitor your tank level and ensure your supplier can deliver during a crisis.

Rotate your diesel fuel by using it in other equipment. Many growers keep a fuel tank that supplies both the generator and their tractors, so the fuel is constantly being used and replaced. If you do not have other diesel equipment, you may need to have a fuel supplier pump out and replace your stored fuel on a schedule.

Refueling During an Outage

During a regional power outage, fuel suppliers are overwhelmed. Diesel fuel may be in short supply, and delivery trucks may not be able to reach your farm if roads are blocked. Plan for this in advance.

Identify your fuel supplier and confirm they can deliver during an emergency. Keep a list of backup suppliers. Consider installing a larger fuel tank than you need for a single outage, so you have a buffer. If you use propane, confirm that your tank is large enough and that your supplier prioritizes agricultural customers.

Fuel Additives

Use a fuel additive that stabilizes diesel and prevents microbial growth. Add the treatment when you fill the tank, and follow the manufacturer's dosage recommendations. These additives are inexpensive compared to the cost of a fuel system failure.

Common Mistakes in Backup Power Planning

Many growers make the same mistakes when planning backup power systems. Learning from these mistakes can save you from a costly failure.

Undersizing the Generator

The most common mistake is buying a generator that is too small. Growers often size the generator based on the fan load and forget about startup surge, or they forget about heaters, pumps, and other loads. The result is a generator that cannot handle the full load and trips breakers or stalls when multiple motors start at once.

Always perform a formal load calculation and add a safety margin. When in doubt, buy a larger generator.

Ignoring Startup Surge

Electric motors draw two to three times their running wattage during startup. A generator that can handle the running load may still be too small for the surge. This is especially true for tunnel fans, which have large motors. Confirm that your generator can handle the surge from your largest motor while also carrying the running load of everything else.

Forgetting About the Controller

The house controller is a critical load that must be powered during an outage. The controller operates the fans, heaters, inlets, and alarms. If the controller loses power, the house is blind. Include the controller in your load calculation and make sure the generator powers it.

Not Testing Under Full Load

A generator that starts and runs with no load is no proof that it can handle your house load. You must test under full load, which means actually running your fans, heaters, and pumps from the generator. Some growers test the generator but only run a few fans, leaving the generator untested for its real job.

Relying on a Single Alarm

A single alarm system can fail. The phone line can be down, the battery can be dead, or the sensor can malfunction. Use multiple alarm paths and test them regularly. Your alarm is your only warning that something is wrong, and it must be reliable.

Not Planning for Extended Outages

Many growers plan for a 24 hour outage and then find themselves without fuel after day two. Regional outages can last for days, and fuel deliveries may be delayed. Plan for at least 48 hours, and preferably 72 hours or more.

Forgetting About Batteries

Generators need batteries to start, and alarm systems need batteries to operate during a power failure. Batteries fail without warning, and they fail more often in hot weather. Test your batteries regularly and replace them on a schedule, not when they fail.

Skipping Professional Installation

A generator that is wired incorrectly can backfeed into the utility lines, creating a deadly hazard for line workers and damaging your equipment. Transfer switches and electrical connections must be installed by a licensed electrician. This is not an area for shortcuts.

When to Call a Professional

You should call a licensed electrician for any work on your electrical system, including generator installation, transfer switch installation, and any wiring changes. You should call a generator service technician for engine maintenance, fuel system service, and repairs. You should call your fuel supplier for fuel delivery and fuel system maintenance.

You should also call a professional if your generator fails a test. Do not assume the problem will resolve itself. A generator that fails to start once will likely fail again, and the next failure may be during a real outage.

Call your extension agent or poultry service technician if you have questions about the electrical loads in your house or about how your controller interacts with your backup power system. These professionals can help you calculate loads, review your generator sizing, and recommend alarm systems that work with your specific controller.

Call your veterinarian or extension agent immediately if you experience a power failure that affects bird welfare. Even with a backup system, a prolonged outage can stress birds and increase the risk of disease. Your veterinarian can help you assess the flock and recommend any necessary interventions.

Monitoring and Recordkeeping

Good recordkeeping is the foundation of a reliable backup power system. You cannot manage what you do not measure, and you cannot prove your diligence without records.

What to Record

Keep a log that includes the following information for every test and every event:

Date and time
Outside temperature
Test type (weekly check, monthly load test, annual full test)
Generator run time
Load level during the test
Fuel level before and after the test
Any problems found and corrective actions taken
Maintenance performed (oil changes, filter changes, battery replacement)
Fuel deliveries and fuel treatments

How to Use Your Records

Your records help you spot trends. If the generator is using more fuel than usual, you may have a fuel leak or the engine may be running inefficiently. If the battery voltage is dropping, the battery may need replacement. If the generator takes longer to start than it did last month, the starter or the fuel system may be developing a problem.

Your records also protect you in an insurance claim. If you experience a loss and the insurance company asks about your backup power system, your records show that you tested and maintained the system properly. Without records, you have no proof.

Digital Monitoring

Many modern generators and alarm systems include digital monitoring that records run time, load, and fault history automatically. Some systems allow remote monitoring through a smartphone app, so you can check the generator status from anywhere. These features are valuable, but they do not replace your own log. Use the digital data to supplement your manual records.

Seasonal Considerations

Your backup power needs change with the seasons, and your planning should account for these changes.

Hot Weather

Hot weather is the highest risk period for broiler houses. Tunnel fans and cooling systems are running at full capacity, and a power failure can raise house temperatures to lethal levels within minutes. Before hot weather arrives, run a full load test to confirm the generator can handle the summer load. Verify that your cooling pumps are included in the load calculation. Check your fuel supply and confirm you have enough for an extended outage during a heat wave.

Cold Weather

Cold weather creates different risks. Young chicks need supplemental heat, and a power failure during brooding can cause a rapid drop in temperature. Heaters draw significant power, so confirm your generator load calculation includes the heater load. Cold weather also affects generators. Diesel fuel can gel in extreme cold, and batteries lose capacity in cold temperatures. Use a winter fuel treatment and keep the generator battery charged.

Storm Season

Storm season brings the highest risk of power outages. Before storm season, review your entire backup power system. Test the generator under load, verify the alarm system, and confirm your fuel supply. Make sure your emergency contact list is current and that everyone on the farm knows the procedures.

Developing an Emergency Action Plan

A backup power system is only part of your emergency preparedness. You also need a plan for what to do when the power fails, even with a working generator. Write down your plan and review it with everyone who works on the farm.

Immediate Actions

When the power fails, your automatic transfer switch should start the generator within seconds. Your first action is to verify that the generator started and that the transfer switch operated. Check the generator panel for fault lights or error codes. Confirm that the house controller is powered and that fans are running.

Monitoring During an Outage

During an extended outage, check the generator regularly. Monitor the fuel level, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. Walk the house to verify that all systems are operating. If the generator is running under heavy load, it may need more frequent attention.

Communication

Keep your contact list current and make sure everyone knows who to call in an emergency. Include your electrician, generator service technician, fuel supplier, extension agent, and veterinarian. During a regional outage, communication networks may be overloaded, so have backup communication methods.

Ending the Outage

When utility power is restored, the transfer switch should automatically switch back to utility power and shut down the generator. Verify that this happened correctly. Check the generator for any issues that may have developed during the outage, and record the event in your log.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big of a generator do I need for a broiler house?

The answer depends on your specific house, but a typical commercial broiler house with tunnel ventilation needs between 40 kW and 80 kW. Perform a formal load calculation that includes all fans, heaters, pumps, controllers, and lighting, plus a 25 percent safety margin and the startup surge from your largest motor. When in doubt, size up. An undersized generator can trip breakers or stall when multiple motors start at once.

Should I buy a diesel or propane generator?

Diesel is the standard for commercial broiler houses because diesel engines last longer, diesel fuel stores better than gasoline, and diesel generators are built for continuous duty. Propane is a good alternative if you already have a large propane tank on the farm, because propane stores indefinitely and burns clean. Natural gas is convenient because you never run out of fuel, but it fails if the gas utility goes down during the same event that caused the power outage.

How long can a generator run continuously?

Most diesel generators are rated for continuous operation, meaning they can run indefinitely as long as they have fuel and receive regular maintenance. In practice, you should check the generator every few hours during an extended outage, monitor oil and coolant levels, and change the oil according to the manufacturer's schedule. A generator running at full load needs more frequent attention than one running at half load.

What happens if my generator is too small?

An undersized generator will struggle to start motors, may trip breakers, and can be damaged by sustained overload. The voltage and frequency may drop below safe levels, which can damage controllers and other sensitive equipment. If the generator stalls under load, the house loses power at the worst possible time. Always size the generator based on a formal load calculation with a safety margin.

Do I need an automatic transfer switch?

An automatic transfer switch is strongly recommended for broiler houses because it restores power within seconds without requiring anyone to be on site. A manual transfer switch requires someone to be present and awake, which is not realistic for a 2 a.m. power failure. The cost difference is small compared to the value of the flock. Automatic transfer switches also prevent backfeeding, which is a serious safety hazard.

How often should I test my generator?

Run a full load test at least once per month, and do a weekly check of the battery, fuel level, and alarm system. Run an annual full test under maximum expected load for at least two hours. Test the alarm system weekly by simulating a fault. Keep a log of every test and every maintenance action.

What should my alarm system monitor?

Your alarm should monitor utility power failure, generator running status, generator failure to start, house temperature high and low, ventilation fan operation, controller faults, and generator faults. The most important reading is house temperature. Your alarm should notify you through multiple paths, such as text message and phone call, and it should have a local audible alarm with battery backup.

How much fuel should I store?

Store enough fuel for at least 48 hours of continuous operation, and preferably 72 hours or more. Add a safety margin for refueling delays during a regional outage. Rotate your stored fuel by using it in other equipment and replacing it with fresh fuel. Treat diesel fuel with a biocide and stabilizer to prevent microbial growth and degradation.

What should I do if my generator fails during an outage?

If your generator fails during an outage, first try to identify the problem. Check the fuel level, battery, and oil pressure. If you cannot fix it quickly, call your generator service technician and your electrician. Meanwhile, open the house to maximize natural ventilation, and consider using portable fans or generators if available. Call your veterinarian or extension agent if bird welfare is at risk.

Do I need to notify anyone about my backup power system?

Your insurance company may require documentation of your backup power system, and your electrical inspector will verify that the installation meets code. Your utility company should be aware of your generator so they know you have the capability to backfeed if your transfer switch fails. Check with your local authorities about any permits or inspections required for generator installation.

Related Farming Guides

This section will be populated with links to related farming guides covering poultry house ventilation, broiler flock management, emergency preparedness for livestock operations, and other relevant topics.

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References

This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.