Electric Generator - What Is An Electric Generator?

Electric Generator – What Is An Electric Generator?

An electric generator is a mechanical device that generates electricity by moving an electrical conductor in a magnetic field. Although electric generators are most effective when used to power a whole house, they are not as efficient for RVs and other smaller vehicles. These devices also require maintenance. Read on to learn more about electric generators and their benefits. Let’s start with some basics. How do they work? And what are their disadvantages? Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of electric generators.

 

Electrical Energy is Created by Moving an Electrical Conductor in a Magnetic Field

 

Electric current is produced when an electrical conductor moves through a magnetic field. When the current flows, the moving conductor exerts a force on free electrons in the conductor. This force causes the electrons to move in one direction and stop moving in another. The direction of current flow depends on the position of the magnetic field’s north pole and south pole. Using the generator left hand rule, you can determine which direction the current will flow.

To create an electrical current, you need a device that converts the mechanical energy of motion into electrical energy. A simple loop conductor can be used to produce this energy. By rotating a loop conductor counterclockwise, the electrons will travel through a magnetic field, causing a varying voltage to be induced in the loop. As the conductor moves from position 1 to position 2, it will cut the most lines of force and the induced voltage will be maximum. Continuing to move through the magnetic field, the conductor will produce less alternating current.

 

Electric Generators are Most efficient for Powering an Entire House

 

There are two types of home generators: portable and whole house. Portable generators are convenient, but cannot supply the same amount of power that whole house generators do. Moreover, a whole house generator is larger and can provide power to all appliances in the house. While portable generators are only useful for powering two or three appliances, whole house generators can supply enough power for an entire home.

The cost of an automatic transfer switch varies, depending on the size and type of the generator. A 7-kilowatt air-cooled transfer switch will cost about $1,700. A 35-kilowatt water-cooled unit will set you back nearly $10,000. The price includes only the transfer switch; installation costs around $1,000. You can also get an automated transfer switch to connect your house to the power grid when the power goes out.

 

They are Less Efficient for Powering RVs

 

While most mechanical devices and heavy power tools are able to operate with distorted electricity, sensitive electronics require clean, steady electricity to function properly. These include computers, televisions, cell phones, streaming boxes, and the like. If you’re going on an extended camping trip, you’re likely to need to charge these electronics. To power your RV, consider an inverter generator. This type of generator runs at a slower speed and reduces the amount of energy it consumes.

The size of an RV generator depends on how many appliances you want to use. A 2000-watt generator will power a few lights, a refrigerator, a toaster, and an air conditioner. Electric water heaters typically draw 2500 watts, and a refrigerator can use 600-800 watts. Considering your specific needs, a higher-wattage generator is required.

 

They Require Maintenance

 

Just like any other piece of equipment, electrical generators need routine maintenance to ensure they continue to operate at peak efficiency. These maintenance activities are often performed by professional electrical contractors who carefully study the technical data provided by manufacturers and follow recommended safety practices. Regular maintenance can save you the cost of unnecessary upgrades or replacing an entire genset. Maintenance should include logging actions such as checking for faulty performance and dirty parts. Hour meter readings should also be recorded.

Regular maintenance is important for a number of reasons. Performing preventive maintenance is particularly important if you plan to use your generator for a long period of time. Preventive care helps you identify potential problems before they cause an outage. You might need to replace the fuel filter or oil, or your generator may have improper size or take on too much load. Other common maintenance procedures involve tightening or replacing wires. Proper fuel supply is also a major component of generator maintenance.

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