Information on Choosing a Standby Generator

Standby Generators are clearly the most efficient option for auxiliary power available to you. When you experience a power outage there is no set up, no gasoline to deal with, and no hassle with a standby generator. Since most power outages are completely outside of our control, you will always be prepared with a standby generator. With proper generator maintenance it is always ready to work for you.

Keeping Your Generator Running Efficiently With Proper Service and Maintenance

Some Questions to Consider

Why am I purchasing a generator?
…for safety, business, health, second home, entertainment, elderly parents, sick child, protect assets, comfort

What size generator do I need to buy?
.... to run heat, appliances, lights, office equipment, entertainment, medical equipment

How much does a generator cost?
Ranges from $1400 - $10,000 depending on your needs and wants for power and the size of your home/business.

What is the cost of installation?
Installation costs can be very reasonable or very pricey because of the variables involved with each home/business. Examples include the layout of the land, location of unit, electrical location in the home, existing gas or propane, and many more unknowns. For these reasons, a quote can only be given when we are able to evaluate the potential location for the unit.

What are the benefits of a stand by generator? Peace of mind with power loss ; not have to deal with portable generator or gasoline, hooks up to existing gas or propane, no worries when away from your house, less down time for business, protects your assets

How Do Standby Generators Work

Perhaps the most desirable feature of a standby generator is that these generators run automatically. This means that when the power goes out, you will only notice for a moment. There is no wondering or waiting. Standby generators go to work within one minute.

Here is The Order of Operation For a Standby Generator

The standby generator monitors your utility power 24/7. When electricity is interrupted the generator immediately detects the problem. The transfer switch then automatically disconnects the utility power and transfers to generator power; so there is no need for you to touch anything. Your power is restored within seconds. After the utility power is restored, the generator will again automatically return to ‘standby’ mode.

A standby generator is located outside of your home or business, so there is no need for indoor storage. Standby generators monitor your incoming utility power. In the event of a power outage, the electricity automatically switches from utility to generator power and back again when utility power is restored. These generators come in various shapes and sizes to meet your specific needs.

Standby Generator Terms Defined

Alternator - device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Amperage - strength or intensity of an electric current, measured in amperes (AMPS)

Battery Charge Rectifier - component which changes AC voltage from the battery charge windings to DC voltage for charging a battery.

Brush – usually copper and /or graphite, this conducting element maintains sliding electrical contact between a stationary and a moving element

Conductor - wire or cable designed for an electrical path that offers little resistance

Core - laminations in the generator constituting the magnetic structure thereof.

Cradle - metal frame that surrounds and protects the generator/engine.

Current - the rate that electricity flows, measured in amps

Cycle – a reversal of current …the flow, pause, reverse direction, pause again in an alternating current completes a cycle

Diode - 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 output will be unidirectional and thus considered to be a rectifying element

Direct Current (DC) - electric current that flows in one direction only.

Electro-Motive Force (EMF) force which causes current to flow in a conductor or the voltage potential.

Full Power Outlet – one outlet that allows you to draw full power

Generator - machine for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic induction

Ground - a connection between an electrical circuit and the earth or a conduction body serving in place of the earth

Idle Control - device that controls the idle speed of an engine in relation to the electrical load.

Ignition Coil – supplies DC voltage to the sparking plugs of an engine

Magneto - device with permanent magnets and used to generate current for ignition in an internal combustion engine.

Ohm - an electrical resistance unit conveying the resistance in a circuit that transmits a current of one ampere when subjected to the potential difference of one volt.

Phase - process used to transfer electricity throughout a power grid

Power Transfer System – responsible for safely managing the transition from the utility service to the generator when the power goes out and back to utility service when the power is restored.

Rated Speed –RPM’s (revolutions per minute) at which a set is designed to operate.

Rated Voltage – the voltage at which a generator is designed to operate

Rectifier - converts AC to DC.

Relay – a switch, usually used in control circuits, and the contacts are considered low amperage

Resistance - the opposition to the flow of current

Rotor – a motors rotating element

Single Phase – AC electric power distributed using a system where all the voltages of the supply vary in unison.

Stator – the part of a rotary system, as found in a generator, that remains stationary.

Vibration Mount – made of rubber, it is a device located between the engine and the cradle to minimize vibration.

Volt – unit measure of potential difference and electromotive force

Voltage – expressed in volts, the electrical potential or potential difference

Voltage Regulator - maintains proper generator voltage by controlling the amount of DC excitation to the rotor automatically

Watt -electric power unit measure

Winding - the coils of a generator, including all stator winding and rotor winding

For more information on choosing a generator to meet your specific needs click here.

The Northern Generator, Sales and Service
4 Fessenden Drive
Boscawen, NH 03303
E-mail: generatorsnh@gmail.com

Free Consultation; Sales or Service
Call us at 603-848-9519