There may be some terminology that is used throughout the site that you need a definition for.  As I was putting together some of these articles, I had to become familiar with them myself.  The following may be used frequently and are here so you don’t have to look them up.  Thanks for reading…

 

Alternating Current (AC)-Voltage increases to a maximum positive and falls back to zero,then continues to a maximum negative and back to zero. This cycle is repeated 60 times for 60 hertz AC power.

Amperage-The strength of an electric current measured by amperes.

Amp-A measure of electric current flow. One ampere (amp) will flow when one volt is applied across a resistance of one ohm.

Cast Iron Sleeve-A cylinder cast in the engine, producing a harder surface between the aluminum engine block and steel piston rings. Extends the life of the engine.

Circuit Breaker-A thermal switch that turns off when too much electricity is passing through it.

Continuous Load-The load at which the generator is capable of maintaining for an extended period of time.

Direct Current (DC)-An electric current flowing in one direction only. DC is produced by chemical action (e.g., a storage battery) or by electromagnetic induction.

Duplex Receptacle-Two 120 volt receptacles that are tied together.

Electronic Ignition-A solid state ignition system with no moving parts, ensuring reliable timing or firing to the spark plug.

Frequency-The number of cycles per second of an alternating current. See hertz.

Full Power-The rated power of the generator that can be drawn from a particular branch circuit.

Generator– A device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. The electrical energy may be direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). An AC generator is often called an alternator.

GFCI-Ground fault current interrupter. A device which senses current flow in milliamp range from the line conductors in a power circuit to ground conductor and activate a relay to open both line conductors.

Ground-A connection, either intentional or accidental, between an electric circuit and the earth or some conducting body serving in place of the earth.

Hertz-A unit representing the measurement of one cycle per second.

Low Oil Shutdown-A feature that shuts off the engine if it runs low on oil, preventing serious damage or failure.

Ohm-Unit of electrical resistance. One volt will cause a current on one ampere to flow through a resistance of one ohm.

OHV-Overhead valve. An engine design with the valves placed above the piston in the head, instead of to the side of the piston in the engine block.

Phase-The number of complete voltage and/or current sine waves generated per 360 electrical degrees. Each phase requires a complete set of windings.

Rated Power-The net electric output a generator can provide continuously when functioning as designed. e agreed to. See efficiency.

Rotor-The rotating element of a motor or generator.

RPM-Revolutions per minute.

Short Circuit-Generally an unintentional electrical contact between the current carrying outputs resulting in the passage of current through an undesirable path.

Spark Arrester-A screen that covers the outlet of the muffler to stop sparks from exiting. Spark arresters are required for use by the U.S. Forest Services in national parks and the State of California.

Stator-The stationary part of a generator or motor.

Surge Power-The load, in excess of rated load, that the generator set is capable of delivering for a short period of time. It should be recognized that the voltage frequency and operating temperatures might differ from normal rated values.

Transfer Switch-A device which will switch a load from the main utility power source to a standby power source.

Twistlock-A receptacle or plug with a mechanism for locking it in place to prevent accidental removal.

U.L.-Underwriters Laboratory. Certifies the products that have this marking have been manufactured, tested, and inspected to standards that are set by U.L.

Vibration Isolators-Rubber pads mounted between the engine/stator and the frame of the generator. They are designed to minimize the vibrations produced by the engine.

Volt-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-Electrical potential or potential difference expressed in volts.

Watt-Unit of electric power. In direct current, watts = volts x amperes. In alternating current, watt = effective amps x power factor x a constant dependent on the number of phases (1,000 watts = 1 kilowatt).