Generators 101: How do they generate electricity?

There’s a storm in town and it’s bad. The lights go out. Luckily you have a generator, so you get it going. But how do they generate electricity?

When the worst happens and you need them most, generators can help run your refrigerator, your sump pump and a few lights – saving you money and stress. But if you’ve every wondered how they generate electricity – here are some answers.

Whether the generator is working at your home, business or the local store, it all works in the same basic way to keep the lights on. And knowing how they work can help you understand how to use them – and keep them maintained.

So, how do generators generate electricity?

In a nutshell, they do not technically generate electricity. They are machines that can convert energy into electricity in your home or business. Most generators operate on a discovery from the 1800s, where a man named Michael Faraday learned that an electric current was made when it was passed through a magnet and wire. And that technology is in use today with electromagnetic generators!

Each generator is made up of an engine which provides mechanical power and an alternator which is the part that “generates” the electricity by converting the mechanical energy into electrical energy. There are other parts as well, including a control panel for users to monitor and utilize the generator and a fuel system – which can range from gasoline to natural gas. There is also a cooling system that keeps the generator from overheating and a voltage regulator that controls the amount of electricity produced.

As in any machine, generators require maintenance to make sure they can run safely and reliably for the long-haul.

It’s always best to have your generator inspected by a professional periodically and to make sure to check the oil, change filters and make sure there aren’t fuel leaks. Proper storage and usage are also key to having a generator that can generate electricity properly!

Quality Power Systems

If you have questions about your backup power system, we can help. Contact us today and let one of our experts answer your questions.