Glossary of Terms

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Air-Cooled Engine:

An engine that is cooled by means of air being forced around the heated parts of the engine by a fan or vanes on some rotating engine component.

Apparent Power (kVA):

A term used to describe the product of current and voltage, expressed in kilovolt amperes (KVA). The apparent power in KVA multiplied by the power factor (PF) is the real power in kilowatts (KW).

Amp:

A measurement of the flow of electrical current. One amp is equal to the electric force of one volt acting across the resistance of one ohm.

Auto Transfer Switch:

A switch designed to sense the loss of one power source and automatically transfer the power load to another source of power.

These devices should always be installed by a qualified licensed electrician.

Auto Mains Failure:

(AMF) A switch controlling device which will automatically detect the loss of power from the primary power feed and activate the Generator to restore power to the circuit. Once main power comes back online the unit will detect the main source, check its stability and then return the circuit to main power.

The AMF controller will then initiate the generator to run for a cool down period and then switch off until another automatic start is required.

Canopy:

A Steel Enclosure built around a Generator set for the purpose of noise reduction and to protect the Generator for the weather.

Change Over Contactors:

Are responsible for ensuring that the changing over from mains power source to generator power source is completed is a quick and safe manner. The contactors ensure that only one power source can be connected to the load at once by having a mechanical and electrical interlock.

Continuous Power:

Permissible power output at variable load for an unlimited number of hours. A 10% overload capability is available.

Delta Connection:

A method of connecting the phases of a 3-phase generator in series to form a triangular connection, resembling the Greek letter delta. A delta connection will normally result in a 1/3 reduction of power when two legs of a 3-phase system are used to provide single-phase or 120/240 volts (standard home or business electrical power).

Frequency:

The rate at which an electrical current alternates, expressed as the number of cycles per unit of time (from crest to crest in a sine wave pattern); frequency is typically measured in Hertz (Hz) or cycles per second.

Hertz (Hz):

A unit of frequency or cycles per second. Standard USA hertz/frequency is at 60-cycles. Europe and Australian standard at 50-cycles.

Integral Fuel Tank:

Refers to the fuel tank contained within a Generator set.

Usually located at the base of the unit, these tanks provide a primary fuel source for most Generator units.

Kilowatt:

Real electrical power rating (1000 watts).

Liquid-Cooled Engine:

An engine that is cooled by means of liquid coolant circulated about the heated parts of the engine. The coolant is then passed through a radiator or heat exchanger where it in turn is cooled and then recirculated to the engine.

Mains Circuit Breaker:

A controlling device which automatically stops the flow of electricity when it senses too much current or an abnormal condition.

Oil-Cooled Engine:

An engine that is cooled by means of the lubrication oil circulated about the heated parts of the engine and passed through a radiator device which is cooled by an engine driven fan system.

Potential Constant Battery Charger:

Either a 12V or 24V device which ensures that Generator batteries are kept charged and ready for operation. The device is usually powered from a 240V source.

PTO-Driven Generator:

An electric generator so constructed that the rotor is driven by a power take- off (PTO) on a farm tractor. Any two-bearing generator can normally be adapted to operate via a belt or PTO drive system.

Residential Exhaust Silencer:

A device installed on most Generators in canopies, which ensures that noise levels from the exhaust are kept to a minimum.

Standby Power:

Often referred to as “emergency power”, is the maximum power available at variable load and without overload capability. This rating is often restricted to a maximum number of operating hour per year.

Volt:

The unit of electrical potential. One volt is the electrical potential that will cause one ampere of current to flow through one ohm of resistance.

Voltage Regulator:

A device, either internal or external, which automatically controls the voltage output of a generator at its specific rated value.