When the power goes out, will the generator start?

Of course, you say. A backup generator self tests regularly to make sure it is working as expected. It's a well designed unit that is quite costly.
We agree–well designed–but not able to give you one very important bit of information. Did it pass or fail the self test? Unless you were there, to verify the test, you really don't know if the test was successfully completed! This is definitely not something you’ll want to learn just after the power goes out.
See “The Need.”

Now, verification can be performed automatically and reliably.

The Generator Self-test Verifier (GSV) fills an essential need in every standby generator maintenance plan. It verifies that the auto-start exercise was performed and indicates the result. After a successful test, it resumes monitoring and makes no report. If a proper and complete
auto-start self-test is not performed, an audible alarm is sounded and an optional off-site monitoring service is called. The alarm continues until the GSV is reset. All output voltages and all test cycle schedules are supported.

Easy to use, multifunction GSV300 verifies that the generator self-test was performed.

Detects if the generator fails to start after a power failure.

Detects if the generator is on for longer than one hour while the prime power is also on.

Serves as an oil change indicator and a generator run-time-hours meter.