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Generator Terms & FAQs
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Alternating Current (AC)
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Current which varies
from zero to a positive maximum to
zero to a negative maximum to zero, a
number of times per second, the number
being expressed in cycles per second
of Hertz (HZ) |
Alternator
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A device for converting
mechanical energy into electrical
energy. |
Amperage
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The strength or
intensity of an electric current,
measured in amperes (AMPS)
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Battery Charge Rectifier
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A component which
changes AC voltage from the battery
charge windings (within the STATOR) to
DC voltage. This voltage could be used
to charge a battery. |
Brush
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A conducting element,
usually graphite and/or copper, which
maintains sliding electrical contact
between a stationary and a moving
element. |
Conductor
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A wire or cable
designed for the passage of electrical
current. |
Contactor
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A contactor is an
electrically operated switch usually
used in control circuits and whose
contacts are considered high amperage
compared to a relay. |
Core
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The laminations in the
generator constituting the magnetic
structure thereof. |
Cradle
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The metal frame that
surrounds and protects the
generator/engine. |
Current
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The flow rate of
electricity. |
Cycle
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One complete reversal
of alternating current of voltage,
from zero to a positive maximum to
zero to a negative maximum back to
zero . The number of cycles per second
is the frequency, expressed in Hertz
(HZ). |
Diode
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A solid state device
which allows current to pass in one
direction only. Since it allows only
one half cycle of an alternating
current pass, its out put will be
unidirectional and it may be
considered a rectifying element.
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Direct Current (DC)
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An electric current
flows in one direction only. DC is
produced by chemical action (i.e. a
storage battery) or by electromagnetic
induction. |
Dynamo
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A machine for
converting mechanical energy into
electrical energy by electromagnetic
induction. A generator. |
Electro-Motive Force (EMF)
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The force which causes
current to flow in a conductor; in
other words, the voltage potential.
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Full Power Outlet
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Enables you to draw the
full power of the generator out of one
outlet. |
Generator
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A general name for a
device that converts mechanical energy
into electrical energy. The electrical
energy may be direct current (DC) or
alternating current (AC). |
Ground
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A connection,
intentional or accidental, between an
electrical circuit and the earth or
some conduction body serving in the
place of the earth. |
Idle Control
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A system that controls
the idle speed of the engine in direct
relation to the electrical load.
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Ignition Coil
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A device used to supply
DC voltage to the spark plugs
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Magneto
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An alternator with
permanent magnets used to generate
current for ignition in an internal
combustion engine. |
Ohm
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Unit of electrical
resistance. One volt will cause a
current of one flow through a
resistance of one ohm. |
Phase
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The uniform periodic
change in amplitude or magnitude of an
alternating current. Three phase
alternating current consists of three
different sine wave current consists
of three different sine wave current
flows, different in phase by 120
degrees from each other. |
Power Transfer System
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A system to safely wire
your generator to your home's
electrical system. |
Rated Speed
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Revolutions per minute
at which the set is designed to
operate. |
Rated Voltage
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The rated voltage of an
engine generator set is the voltage at
which it is designed to operate.
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Rear Bearing Carrier
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The casting which
houses the rotor bearing which
supports the rotor shaft. |
Rectifier
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A device that converts
AC to DC. |
Relay
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An electrically
operated switch usually used in
control circuits and whose contacts
are considered low amperage, compared
to a contactor. |
Resistance
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Opposition to the flow
of current. |
Rotor
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The rotating element of
a generator. |
Single Phase
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An AC load, or source
of power normally having only two
input terminals if a load or two
output terminals if a source.
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Stator
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The stationary part of
a generator. |
Vibration Mount
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A rubber device located
between the engine or generator and
the cradle to minimize vibration.
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Volt
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The unit of
electromotive force. That
electromotive force which when
steadily applied to a conductor whose
resistance is one ohm will produce a
current of one ampere. |
Voltage
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Electrical potential
difference expressed in volts.
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Voltage Regulator
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A component which
automatically maintains proper
generator voltage by controlling the
amount of DC exitation to the rotor.
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Watt
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Unit of electrical
power. In DC equals volts times
amperes. In AC equals effective volts
times effective amps times power
factor times a consistent dependent on
the number of phases. 1 kilowatt =
1,000 watts. |
Winding
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All the coils of a
generator. Stator winding consists of
a number stator coils and their
interconnections. Rotor windings
consist of all windings and
connections on the rotor poles.
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Electrical Generating Systems Association




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