Electric generators play a critical role in providing electricity to our homes, businesses, and industries. Circumstances that lead to the use of a generator can be planned for, like a scheduled power outage. However, unforeseen events can disrupt the flow of electricity, such as severe weather conditions or poor generator maintenance conditions.

After a generator installation, most consumers wonder how these machines work to produce power. In fact, it’s vital for generator users to understand how generators create electricity and the best maintenance practices.

How Do Generators Work?

At Precision Tech, our clients often ask about the best generator maintenance practices and how they create electricity. Most of them assume generators generate electricity, but it’s not the case. Furthermore, generators do not “actually create” electricity. Instead, they are machines that convert mechanical or chemical energy into electrical energy.

Today, most generators are based on Michael Faraday’s discovery in the early 1830s. By passing a magnet through a coil of wire, Faraday further discovered an electric current. Electromagnetic generators are the most common type of generators today based on this discovery.

Parts of a Generator

Engine: The engine is what further provides the mechanical energy to turn the generator’s shaft. Power and application dictate the type of engine used.

The alternator: This is the part responsible for generating the electricity. The engine provides the alternator with mechanical energy, converted into electrical energy. Further, in the alternator, stationary and moving parts work together to create electricity.

Control panel: The control panel allows the user to operate and monitor the generator. The Control panel includes gauges, switches, and circuit breakers that also allow the user to operate the generator safely.

Fuel system: The fuel system supplies the engine with the fuel it needs to run. Depending on the type of engine and generator used, fuel type varies.

Cooling system: The cooling system keeps the generator’s engine from overheating. Depending on the engine type and the environment, the cooling system is also used for generators varies.

Voltage regulator: The voltage regulator controls the amount of electricity produced by the generator. Regulators further prevent the alternator from producing too much or too little electricity.

Battery charger: The battery charger starts the generator and provides power to the generator’s control panel.

Generator Maintenance Tips

Like any other machine, generators require regular maintenance to ensure a long lifespan and reliable performance. A well-maintained generator is more efficient, further saving you money on fuel costs. Here are tips for proper generator maintenance

• Routine checks by professionals
• Changing the oil regularly and checking oil levels
• Cleaning or replacing air filter as needed
• Checking the fuel system for leaks
• Storing the generator properly

Contact Precision Tech Home Services for an estimate or call at (732)-391-6401.