By Having a generator helps you maintain power to your home during a power outage, keeping important appliances running and protecting your electronics from surges and spikes when the grid fails. They can be gas-powered or electric, and range in size from portable units to large standby generators that are permanently installed.
The way a generator works get yours now is fairly simple, and it relies on the principles behind electromagnetic induction discovered by scientist Michael Faraday in 1831. He found that when he moved a magnet next to a coil of copper wire, an electrical current began flowing in the wire. This is because the copper wire acts like a conductor, pulling electrons in the magnet’s magnetic field and applying a force to them. The faster the copper coil rotates, the more current it produces. The generator then converts this current into alternating current (AC), which is what supplies your household with electricity during a power outage.
There are a few key components that go into making a generator, including an alternator, stator, and rotor. The alternator is responsible for creating the rotating magnetic field inside the generator, while the stator provides the polarity that the rotor needs to function properly. The rotor is then connected to the shaft and armature of the generator, which together turn and produce electricity when the engine is running.
To make this all work, the generator must have a voltage regulator that controls the output of electricity. This also ensures that the alternating current produced is of a usable level, and prevents the generator from overheating. The voltage regulator is typically located in the main control box of larger generators, or in the alternator terminal block on smaller units.
In addition to this, there is a fuel system that connects the generator to the fuel source (typically gasoline or diesel), and an exhaust system that removes and disposes of toxic chemicals given off by the engine. Some generators are even equipped with carbon monoxide detectors, which alert you if the dangerous fumes are present in your indoor environment.
Unlike some other emergency power sources, generators are capable of supplying full-house loads. This means they can replace the power supplied by a standard electrical outlet, meaning you don’t have to struggle with finding extension cords or figuring out how to run all your electronics at once during a power outage. Additionally, most generators automatically disconnect your house or building from the utility lines during a power outage, which protects you and your devices from the violent surges and spikes that can occur when the utility reconnects power. This is referred to as automatic transfer switching or isolation.
