GENERATOR JARGON BUSTER

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3 Phase
In the world of electricity generation and distribution, 3-phase power is a fundamental concept that plays an important role in industrial and commercial applications. Unlike single-phase power, which is commonly...

A

AC Generator
Definition “Electrical generator that produces alternating current (e.g. alternator).” An AC generator, also known as an alternator, is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy in the form...
Active Power
Definition “AC power with a unity power factor. Measured in watts.” Active power is the real, usable power in an AC (alternating current) system, responsible for performing actual work, such...
Alternator
Definition An alternator is the key component in a generator that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy in the form of alternating current (AC). It plays a crucial role in...
Ampere (Amp / Amps)
If you’re dealing with diesel or petrol generators, you’ve probably come across the term amps (short for amperes). But what exactly are amps, and why do they matter when choosing...
Analogue Controls
Definition “Generator controls which use variable voltage.” In the context of generators and electricity generation, analogue controls refer to control systems that operate using continuous, variable voltage signals to regulate...
Apparent Power
Definition “The product of current and voltage in an alternating current circuit which has a reactive element.” Apparent power is the total power in an alternating current (AC) system, including...
Asynchronous
Definition “Motors or generators which operate at a speed not fixed by supply frequency or poleage.” In the context of generators and electricity generation, asynchronous refers to machines—particularly induction motors...
Attenuators
Definition “Also known as silencers, attenuators are large structural devices built for the reduction of the emission of sound.” In the context of generators and electricity generation, attenuation refers to...
Automatic Transfer Switch
Definition “An item of equipment that automatically switches a power supply from regular to emergency mode in the event of a power outage.” An Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) is a...
Acoustic Enclosure
Ever been near a power generator and felt like your ears were about to burst? That loud, constant hum is more than just an annoyance—it can be a serious health...

B

Bulk Tank
Definition “A large fuel storage tank from which the generator may take its supply of fuel for immediate use.” A bulk tank is a large-capacity fuel storage tank used to...
Busbar
Definition “Interconnecting high current circuits in a switchboard or building with copper or aluminium conductors of various forms.” A busbar is a metallic strip or bar, typically made of copper...
Base Load
Definition “The portion of load of a generator or building which is constant.” Base load refers to the minimum level of continuous electrical demand that a generator, power station, or...
Biofuel
With the world shifting towards cleaner, greener energy, biofuel has emerged as one of the most promising alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. But what exactly is biofuel, and how does...
Black Start
Definition “The starting of a power system without an external power source.” A black start is the process of restarting a power system after a complete shutdown without relying on...
Brown out
Definition “A voltage decrease in the utility mains power supply that is either deliberate or unintended.” A brownout occurs when the voltage level in the electrical grid drops below normal...
Backup Generator
Imagine this: a sudden power cut leaves your home in darkness, your business grinds to a halt, and critical hospital equipment stops working. Sounds like a nightmare, right? This is...
Biogas
As the world moves towards cleaner, renewable energy, biogas is emerging as a powerful and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. But what exactly is it, and how can it help...
Bunded Fuel Tank
If you store diesel, petrol, or any other type of fuel, then you’ve probably heard of bunded fuel tanks. But what exactly are they, and why are they considered the...

C

Circuit
Circuit: The Foundation of Electrical Power Flow Definition "An electrical circuit is an interconnection of electrical elements with a power source and a closed loop return path for the current."...
Circuit Breaker
Definition “When the current level in a circuit surpasses a specified amount, this protective device immediately interrupts the flow of electricity.” A circuit breaker is a safety device that automatically...
Close-fit
Definition “A generic word for a canopy enclosure meant to fit onto the generating set’s base frame; these can be soundproofed or just weather protected.” A close fit is a...
Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
In today’s world, where energy efficiency and sustainability are top priorities, CHP (Combined Heat and Power) is emerging as a game-changer in power generation. But what exactly is CHP, and...
Contactor
Definition “An electrically operated heavy current switching device.” A contactor is a high-power electrical switch used in generators and power systems to control large electrical loads. It allows for safe...
Canopy Generator
When it comes to generators, many people focus on power output, fuel type, and efficiency—but what about protection and noise reduction? This is where a canopy generator comes into play....
Containerised Generator
In today’s fast-paced world, where uninterrupted power is critical for businesses, construction sites, and emergency backup, containerised generators have become an essential solution. But what exactly are containerised generators, and...
Critical Power
In today’s world, power reliability is more important than ever. Whether it’s a hospital, data centre, airport, or manufacturing plant, certain facilities simply cannot afford a power outage—not even for...

D

Day Tank
Definition “A tiny fuel storage tank from which the generator draws its immediate fuel supply, usually containing 6-10 hours of fuel.” A day tank is a small, auxiliary fuel tank...
Decibels
Definition “The unit for both sound pressure and sound power level. Abbreviated as dB and dBA.” A decibel (dB) is the standard unit for measuring sound intensity, including the noise...
Deviation Factor
Definition “Deviation factor indicates the percentage deviation in the value of performance measure with respect to its minimum value.” In the context of generators and power generation, the deviation factor...
Direct Current
Definition “Current flow in one direction.” Direct Current (DC) is a type of electrical current where electric charge flows in a single direction, unlike Alternating Current (AC), which periodically reverses...
Double Skin
Definition “The extra layer inside a fuel tank and piping that helps to reduce the chance of a leak.” A double-skinned (double-wall) fuel tank features two layers of containment to...
Dump Line
Definition “A safety approach using a pipe work system to ‘dump’ fuel away from a day tank to avoid fire risks.” A dump line is a fuel safety system designed...
Duty Assist
Definition “An arrangement in which multiple generating sets support each other if one fails to operate or meet a certain goal.” Duty assist is a power management strategy where multiple...
Duty Standby
Definition “An arrangement where two or more generating sets provide mutual support in case one fails; one is duty, the other is standby.” Duty standby is a generator configuration where...
Diesel
Diesel fuel is a critical energy source for diesel generators, providing efficient and reliable power for various applications, including backup power, industrial operations, and off-grid energy solutions. As a high-energy-density...
Diesel Generator
Diesel Generators: The Ultimate Guide to Reliable Backup Power Introduction In a world where power outages can disrupt businesses, homes, and critical operations, having a reliable backup power source is...
Distribution Board
Imagine a world where all electrical circuits in a building run directly from the main power source without any control or protection. The result? Frequent short circuits, electrical overloads, and...
Double Skinned Fuel Tank
When it comes to fuel storage, safety, durability, and environmental protection are top priorities. Whether you’re storing diesel, petrol, biodiesel, or other fuels, using the right type of fuel tank...
Double Skin: Enhanced Protection for Fuel Tanks in Power Generation
Definition “The extra layer inside a fuel tank and piping that helps to reduce the chance of a leak.” A double-skinned (double-wall) fuel tank features two layers of containment to...

E

Electronic Governor
Definition “An electronic device that controls and maintains an engine’s speed.” An electronic governor is a speed control system used in generators and power generation equipment to regulate engine RPM...
Engine Governing
Definition “Mechanic, hydraulic or electronic engine speed control.” Engine governing is the process of controlling and maintaining a generator engine’s speed to ensure consistent power output. This is essential for...
Exhaust Silencer
Exhaust silencers play a crucial role in reducing noise pollution generated by internal combustion engines, including those used in diesel and petrol generators. These devices are designed to minimise the...
Emergency Power
Imagine a sudden power outage in a hospital, data centre, or airport—life-saving machines stop working, critical data is lost, and operations come to a standstill. This is why emergency power...

F

Fillpoint Cabinet
Fillpoint cabinets are a crucial component in fuel management systems for diesel and petrol generators, ensuring safe, efficient, and controlled fuel transfer. These cabinets serve as designated fuel fill points,...
Frequency
In electrical power generation, frequency refers to the number of cycles of an alternating current (AC) signal per second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz) and determines how often the...
Fuel Lines
Fuel lines play a key role in the operation of internal combustion engines, transporting fuel from storage tanks to the engine or between tanks. Whether in vehicles, generators, or industrial...
Fuel Polishing
Did you know that stored fuel degrades over time, leading to clogged filters, engine failures, and costly downtime? Whether you’re storing diesel, petrol, biodiesel, or marine fuel, contamination is a...
Fuel Management
In industries that rely on diesel, petrol, or alternative fuels, one of the biggest challenges is managing fuel efficiently. Whether you’re running a fleet of vehicles, industrial machinery, generators, or...
Fuel Tank
Whether you’re running a backup generator, a fleet of vehicles, or an industrial operation, having a reliable fuel storage system is essential. Fuel tanks provide a safe and efficient way...

G

Gas Powered
Definition “A gas-fuelled generator. A gas-powered generator is a power generation unit that runs on gaseous fuels such as natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), or biogas.” These generators offer...
Generator
Imagine a sudden power outage during a storm, in a hospital, or at a construction site. Without electricity, essential systems stop working, businesses lose productivity, and daily life becomes inconvenient....
Generator Commissioning
Imagine investing in a high-quality generator, only to face unexpected failures, inefficiencies, or safety hazards due to improper setup. Whether for hospitals, data centres, factories, or residential backup power, a...
Generator Installation
A generator is one of the most reliable solutions for backup power, off-grid electricity, and industrial energy needs. But buying a generator is just the first step—proper installation is crucial...
Generator Maintenance
A generator is a lifeline for businesses, industrial sites, hospitals, and data centres, providing backup power during outages and ensuring uninterrupted operations. However, just like any other machine, generators require...

H

Hertz
Definition “Unit which measures the frequency of alternating current (AC), indicating how many times the electrical waveform cycles per second.” In generators and electricity generation, hertz (Hz) measures the frequency...
Hybrid Generator
As the demand for reliable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly energy solutions grows, businesses and industries are turning to hybrid generators for power generation. Unlike traditional generators that run solely on diesel,...

I

Insulation
Definition “To avoid current leakage, non-conductive material is employed between phases or between phases and the earth.” Insulation is a critical safety feature in generators and electrical systems, using non-conductive...
IP Rating
Definition IP rating (Ingress Protection rating) is a standardised system used to classify a generator’s resistance to dust, moisture, and foreign objects. An IP rating (Ingress Protection rating) is an...

K

Kilo-volt-ampere kVA
When choosing a generator, UPS system, or electrical equipment, one of the most important specifications you’ll come across is kVA (kilovolt-amperes). But what exactly does kVA mean, and why is...
Kilo-watt kW
When selecting a generator, UPS system, or electrical equipment, one of the most important specifications is kW (kilowatts). But what exactly does kW mean, and why is it essential for...

L

Load Acceptance
Definition “Percentage of the generator’s rated load that can be applied to a generator set and is capable of accepting in one step.” Load acceptance refers to a generator’s ability...
Load Bank
Definition “A device that can be connected to a generator for testing purposes to simulate a real load.” A load bank is a specialised testing device used to apply an...
Load Factor
Definition “The ratio of average load to the generating set power rating.” Load factor is a key performance indicator in electricity generation, representing the ratio between the average electrical load...
Lease to Own
For many businesses, having a reliable backup power source is essential to ensure uninterrupted operations. However, purchasing an industrial generator outright can be a significant financial burden, especially for small...
Load Bank Testing
Load bank testing is a critical maintenance procedure that verifies the efficiency and reliability of a generator by subjecting it to simulated load conditions. This controlled test ensures that a...

N

Noise Pollution
Definition “A term referring to noise from machines near buildings or people, which may require mitigation.” Noise pollution in the context of power generation refers to the unwanted or harmful...

O

Overload
In the context of electrical power generation, overload refers to the condition where an electrical circuit, including a diesel generator, exceeds its rated capacity. This can lead to overheating, equipment...

P

Parallel Operation
Parallel Operation: Synchronising Generators for Increased Power Supply Definition "Operating two or more generating sets together to supply an electrical load." Parallel operation refers to the process of connecting multiple...
Power Factor
Have you ever noticed that generators, transformers, and electrical systems are often rated in both kVA (kilovolt-amperes) and kW (kilowatts)? The difference between these two measurements comes down to an...
Prime power
Prime power is “the greatest power that a generator can continually deliver while supplying a varied load indefinitely.” Prime power refers to a generator’s maximum continuous power output when supplying...
Petrol Generator
A petrol generator is one of the most common and accessible backup power solutions for homes, businesses, and outdoor applications. Whether you’re preparing for a power outage, running tools on...
Power Cut
A power cut—also known as a power outage, blackout, or power failure—is a temporary loss of electricity supply to a specific area. Power cuts can occur unexpectedly due to faults...
Power Quality
In today’s world, where businesses and industries rely heavily on electrical equipment, computers, and automated systems, maintaining high power quality is crucial. Poor power quality can lead to equipment failure,...

R

Remote Control Generator
Imagine being able to start, stop, monitor, and control your generator remotely—whether you’re at home, in an office, or managing a site miles away. A remote control generator allows users...
Remote Monitoring
Imagine having the ability to monitor, control, and troubleshoot your generator from anywhere—without needing to be on-site. Remote generator monitoring makes this possible, offering real-time tracking of generator performance, fuel...

S

Short Term Operating Reserve (STOR)
A contracted service where a provider delivers a contracted level of power to the National Grid. Short Term Operating Reserve (STOR) is a demand-response service where generators, battery storage systems,...
Sound Pressure Level
Definition “Sound pressure level (SPL) is the sound level measured in decibels (dB or dBA).” In the context of generators and electricity generation, sound pressure level (SPL) refers to the...
Starting Current
Definition “Starting current is the current drawn by an electric motor during starting.” When an electric motor or generator starts, it requires a higher initial current to overcome inertia and...
Surge
Definition “A high increase in the quantity of electricity over a very short time.” A surge is a brief, sudden spike in voltage that exceeds the normal power supply level....
Selective Catalytic Reduction
As industries and businesses become more environmentally conscious, reducing emissions from diesel generators and power plants is a top priority. One of the most effective technologies for achieving cleaner emissions...
Single Phase Generator
When selecting a generator, electrical supply system, or power distribution network, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to use single-phase or three-phase power. Single-phase power is the...
Switchgear
In any electrical power system, controlling and protecting circuits is essential to prevent faults, power surges, and equipment damage. This is where switchgear comes into play. Switchgear is a combination...

T

Thermostat
Definition “A device that switches at a designed temperature, used to control temperature.” A thermostat is a temperature-sensitive switch that helps regulate cooling and heating systems in generators, electrical equipment,...
Transformer
Definition “A device for changing the value of an alternating current or voltage.” A transformer is an electrical device that modifies voltage levels in an alternating current (AC) system. In...
Thermographic Surveys
In industries where electrical and mechanical systems are critical, preventive maintenance is essential to avoid unexpected failures, costly downtime, and fire hazards. A thermographic survey is one of the most...
Tower Lights
Tower lights are portable lighting systems mounted on tall structures, designed to provide bright, reliable illumination for outdoor work sites. These lighting units are widely used in construction, mining, events,...
Traffic Management
Traffic management plays a crucial role in generator installation and transportation, ensuring that large and heavy equipment can be moved and positioned safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption. Whether transporting...
Turnkey Power
In the power generation industry, turnkey power solutions provide an immediate, fully functional electricity supply without the complexities of design, procurement, and installation. These solutions are designed to deliver pre-engineered,...

U

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
Power outages, voltage fluctuations, and electrical disturbances can cause data loss, equipment failure, and business disruptions. For homes, businesses, and industrial operations, an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) provides a reliable...

V

Volt
Whether you’re choosing a generator, battery, or electrical appliance, one of the most important terms you’ll encounter is volts (V). But what exactly is voltage, and why does it matter...
Voltage Dip
Definition “A temporary dip in generator voltage when a load is attached, before the AVR system corrects it.” A voltage dip occurs when a generator experiences a momentary drop in...
Voltage Regulation
Definition “The process of maintaining a consistent voltage level in a generator despite changes in load.” Voltage regulation ensures that a generator delivers a stable voltage output, even when electrical...

W

Watt
Definition A watt (W) is the standard unit of power in electricity generation, measuring the rate at which electrical energy is produced or consumed. It is commonly used to define...