What To Know When
Electrical Generator Shopping

Many consumers, especially business establishments, fail to see the importance of having an electrical generator. They only acknowledge their need for one when they have already sustained damages because of power interruptions.

An electrical generator is a special device designed to transform mechanical energy into electrical energy used to power appliances through electromagnetic induction. Generally, electrical type of generators or engine-generators has two main parts, the engine or motor and the rotating shaft. The engine or motor creates mechanical energy while the rotating shaft produces electrical energy which is supplied to an electrical load.

Other parts of a generator include an engine speed regulator, a generator voltage regulator, a fuel tank, cooling and exhaust systems, and a lubrication system. These are used as a temporary power source in case of power interruptions, and as an energy source in remote areas or locations where there is no utility power available. Generators can be categorized into two basic designs, standby generators and portable generators. Standby power generators are permanently installed and hardwired into an existing electrical system. Through a transfer switch, these generators automatically provide power within seconds after a power failure.

Standby generators are most often used as permanent emergency power sources. These generators are a necessity for data processing centers, sewage pumping stations, communication service installations, and hospitals. Portable generators, on the other hand, can be mounted in trailers or moved from one place to another. These are smaller in size, compared to standby generators and have built-in tanks where fuel is stored. Portable generators, due to their design, are ideal for use in remote places where there is no electrical supply.

Electrical power generators come in a variety of sizes and capacities. They can range from the smallest of devices to gigantic industrial machines used in factories and production plants. In general, generators are measured in terms of their wattage or the amount of power they are capable of producing. This quantity is commonly indicated in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW), where 1 kW is equal to 1,000 W.

Wattage requirements depend on the number of appliances or pieces of equipment that will be supported by one generator unit. Small generators can produce an estimated 800 W to 1 kW, while large models can easily produce up to 500 kW. It is advisable to get an accurate number of the wattage needed to keep certain appliances running. Power requirements are normally indicated in instruction manuals or nameplates of appliances. In case of doubt, a qualified electrician may be consulted to determine accurate power requirement.

This is necessary to avoid overloading a generator. When this happens, both the generator and the appliance it is supporting could be damaged. Generator voltage is another factor that needs to be considered when generator shopping. Voltage refers to the pressure of an electric current. The standard household voltage in the United States is 120 volts but this may not be the same in other countries. When buying a generator, make sure that it is compatible with the applicable voltage.