A standby generator is a generator that is not portable and usually sits on a concrete pad right outside of a home

Standby generators are always tied directly to a home using a power transfer switch. Additionally, if you have natural gas or propane lines in your home, a standby generator can be directly tied into these gas lines so the generator can run indefinitely but a master gas fitter would be needed to make the gas line connection.

Standby generators are not meant to power an entire home

Depending on the size and current electrical load of a home, a standby generator may not be able to power a large or modern home completely but you should be able to run essential circuits until power is restored.

Portable generators can be moved with relative ease. They can also be used without connecting directly to your home's electrical system

Smaller models can be carried but larger portable generators will usually have wheels for easier mobility. The drawback is that they typically do not generate as much power as a standby generator and unless they are connected directly to your home's electrical system you may only be able to operate portable lights or anything else that has a readily accessible plug. This is due to the fact that portable generators generally have less power than standby generators.

An additional restriction is that a typical home extension cords has a lower electrical capacity than circuits that are installed in your home electrical system. Simply put, if you would like a portable generator to be tied directly into your home's electrical systems you need to have a transfer switch installed. If you do go the route of having a transfer switch installed be sure to have a licensed master electrician perform the installation.