Relevant Facts
about Electric Generator

An electric generator is an appliance that is widely used as a temporary source of power. It is designed to convert or transform mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Mechanical energy is converted to electrical energy by an electric generator through the principle of electromagnetic induction. This scientific principle was discovered by a British scientist named Michael Faraday back in 1831. A generator set generally consists of two main components, an engine and a rotating shaft. The engine or motor is driven by fuel and is used to produce mechanical energy.

The rotating shaft, in turn, is driven or run by the engine. It is this component that produces electric power. These generators vary in capacity and size. They range from very handy devices to extremely huge machines that are often used in industrial plants. Aside from their varying sizes, generators may also differ in terms of how much power they are capable of producing. This quantity is measured through Kilowatts (kW) or Watts (W). 1 kW is equivalent to 1,000 W. Determining this is essential to avoid overloading the generator. Overloading occurs when there are more equipment and appliances supported by a generator than its output rating.

When planning to purchase a generator, it is important to assess one’s power needs first to ensure that the ideal generator will ultimately be bought. There are two basic generator designs to choose from; standby generators and portable generators. Standby generators are usually used by commercial establishments as well as residential homes as a permanent source of emergency power. They are often hardwired into the existing electrical system and fueled by propane or natural gas lines.

These can provide from 7 kW to several hundred kW. Portable generators, on the other hand, are ideal for providing power, especially in remote locations and in areas that do not have an existing electrical line. These have built-in fuel tanks to enable them to function virtually anywhere. Between these two designs, portable generators are the cheaper alternative. Aside from the generator design, the fuel used to run a generator is another factor that needs to be considered when purchasing one. Make sure that the fuel you will need is widely available in the area. Generators may run on diesel, gasoline, and natural gas or propane. Some models, in fact, have dual-fuel and tri-fuel configurations that allow users to use different types of fuel for their generator.

While electric gen sets may be an indispensable tool especially during moments of power failures, they need to be used with extreme caution as they can also be harmful. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that at least five people have been killed and many more have become afflicted with serious health conditions because of misuse of these portable power sources. Aside from electrocutions and shocks, carbon monoxide poisoning may also happen. These could be prevented by reading and closely following the safety measures stated in the instruction booklet. Moreover, when in doubt regarding installation and use of generator, ask for assistance from an expert.