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Generator Glossary
Abbreviations and Symbols
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A
W
kW
vA
kVA
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Amps
Watts
Kilowatts
Volt amps
Kilovolt
amps
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1 Ø
3 Ø
V
dB
Hz
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Single Phase
Three Phase
Volts
Decibels
Frequency (hertz)
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Ammeter - An
instrument that measures electric current in amperes.
Amperage (Amps) -
The strength of a electrical current measured in amperes.
Armature - That
part of a generator or of an electric motor in which a current is induced by a
magnetic field. The armature usually consists of a series of coils or groups of
insulated conductors surrounding a core of iron. View Generator
Theory for more information.
Automatic Voltage Regulator -
Or (AVR), increases or decreases exciter current for a more linear voltage and
frequency. View Multiquips Patented
Design for more information.
Brushless Design - The purpose of the generator
brush is to absorb power from the rotating armature of a generator and supply it to the stationary part of the generator.
These brushes have a short life due to erosion. Multiquips new design is Brush less
Design calls for lower maintenance and a longer generator life. View
Multiquips Patented Design for more
information.
Circuit Breaker -
Connects or Disconnects the generator output from the output terminals. It
also protects the generator from short circuits or overloads.
Exciter Armature - The
exciter armature or just the "exciter", generates electricity which
is used for excitation of the field coil. The field coil makes the magnetic
field required to generate electricity, which is used for the generators main
power output.
Frequency
- Frequency is the number of
complete cycles per second in alternating current direction. The standard unit
of frequency is the hertz, abbreviated Hz. If a current completes one cycle per
second, then the frequency is 1 Hz; 60 cycles per second equals 60 Hz
Ground Fault Interrupters
(GFI's) - These devices are designed to eliminate
electrical shock hazard resulting from individuals coming in contact with a hot
AC line. The circuit interrupter is designed to sense any change in circuit
conditions. It is required by the NEC that all 12 volt, single phase, 15-
or 20 ampere receptacle outlets that are installed outdoors or in bathrooms have
ground fault interrupters connected to them
Heat Rise - Is in
direct relation to the longetivity of the generator. To find out why
Multiquip units exceed the competition, view our Generator
Heat Rise page.
KVA - Kilovolt
amp which sizes three phase loads. Can be converted to Kilowatts by
multiplying the KVA by the power factor 0.8. For examples visit our Generator
Sizing page.
NEMA -
National Electrical Manufacturers Association. For more
information about NEMA and their standards, visit there website at http://www.nema.org/.
Ohm - A unit of
electrical resistance equal to that of a conductor in which a current of one
ampere is produced by a potential of one volt across its terminals.
Phase -
Single Phase Power (typically 120V AC or
230V AC depending on the country) is carried between two wires: live and neutral and
sometimes a third ground wire for safety. The frequency of AC voltage is 50 or
60 Hz depending on the country. Single-phase power is used in very many
applications, for example to power all typical home electrical appliances, you
get single-phase power from a normal electrical outlet at home.
Three Phase Power is very common and is a
more efficient use of conductors. Voltage is carried through three
conductors 120° out of phase with the other two. Three-phase power
provides a more efficient means of supplying large electrical loads like motors,
and is used more in industrial areas.
PMG - Permanent Magnetic
Generator. Eliminates the excitation losses in the rotor, which
otherwise typically represent 20 to 30% of the total generator losses.
It also gives a lower temperature rise in the generator.
Rheostat - A
continuously variable electrical resistor used to regulate current.
Voltage
- the rate at which energy is drawn from a source that produces a
flow of electricity in a circuit. Expressed in volts (V)
Voltmeter - This feature
serves as a convenient diagnostic tool on the jobsite. The operator can
quickly tell whether or not the generator is producing the correct voltage and
prevent overheating of tools and equipment.
Watt - An
International System unit of power equal to one joule per second. The power
dissipated by a current of 1 ampere flowing across a resistance of 1 ohm.
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