Alternating Current (AC)

An electric current that periodically changes its direction and magnitude.

Alternator

The component of a generator that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Ampere (A)

The unit used to measure electrical current.

Ampere-Hour (Ah)

A unit used to indicate the electrical charge capacity of a battery.

Automatic Operation

An operating mode in which the generator automatically starts and stops according to mains power conditions.

Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)

A device that automatically transfers the electrical load from the mains supply to the generator and back when mains power is restored.

Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR)

A device that automatically regulates the generator output voltage and keeps it within the required range.

Battery Charger

A device used to maintain or recharge the generator's starting battery.

Chassis

The main structural frame on which the engine, alternator and other generator components are mounted.

Compression Ratio

The ratio between the cylinder volume when the piston is at bottom dead centre and its volume at top dead centre.

Contactor

An electrically controlled switching device used to connect or disconnect electrical power circuits.

Continuous Power

The power a generator can continuously provide under constant operating conditions.

Control Panel

The panel used to monitor, control and configure the operating functions of a generator.

Cylinder Bore

The internal diameter of an engine cylinder.

Direct Current (DC)

An electric current that flows continuously in a single direction.

Engine Displacement

The total volume displaced by the pistons within all cylinders of an engine.

Frequency (Hz)

The number of alternating current cycles occurring per second, measured in hertz.

Generator Rated Power

The power output that a generator is designed to deliver under specified operating conditions.

Generator Speed

The rotational speed of the generator engine or alternator rotor, usually expressed in revolutions per minute (RPM).

Governor

A control mechanism that regulates engine speed to maintain a stable generator frequency.

Horsepower (HP)

A unit used to express the mechanical power output of an engine.

Installed Load

The total rated power of all electrical equipment installed in a facility.

Kilovolt-Ampere (kVA)

A unit of apparent electrical power commonly used to specify generator capacity.

Kilowatt (kW)

A unit of active electrical power equal to 1,000 watts.

Manual Operation

An operating mode in which the generator is started, stopped and controlled manually by the user.

Operating Altitude

The altitude above sea level at which a generator can operate, subject to specified performance and derating conditions.

Overload

A condition in which the electrical load exceeds the generator's rated capacity.

Portable Generator

A compact and movable generator designed for easy transportation and temporary power requirements.

Prime Power

The power available from a generator for an unlimited number of operating hours under variable load conditions.

Single-Phase

An electrical system that operates on a single alternating current phase and a neutral line, typically used in homes and small businesses.

Sound Insulation

Insulation used to reduce the amount of noise emitted by a generator during operation.

Standby Power

The maximum power available from a generator during a mains power failure for emergency use.

Stroke

The distance travelled by the piston between the top and bottom dead centres inside the cylinder.

Synchronization

The process of matching voltage, frequency and phase angle to allow two or more electrical power sources to operate in parallel.

Three-Phase

An electrical power system that uses three alternating currents of the same frequency, with each phase separated by 120 degrees.

Volt (V)

The unit used to measure electrical potential difference or voltage.