A complicated explanation involving principles of physics is normally not what someone wants to hear when asking how something works. Unfortunately, that is what you often get when asking about products such as an electrical stand by generator. This blog is going to attempt to explain the inner workings of a generator while trying to limit the use of words such as “potential energy” and “kinetic energy.”
Basically a generator takes mechanical energy and turns it into electrical energy. In order to help visualize mechanical energy, think of pedaling a bike. (Some generators can be powered this way, but most likely if you invest in one for your home you will probably find and choose one that does not have to be man powered). A generator that will be used in your home will probably be an engine generator which is more often referred to as simply generator. An engine generator uses an engine to start the generator.
Not all generators are equipped with these, but most standby generators in private homes come with automatic transfer switches. These are switches that can automatically sense when the power goes out in your home and they connect the power from the generator right to your home. You don’t even have to do anything! Unfortunately, there still is a couple second delay before that happens-so your clocks will be probably still blink “12:00.”
If you want more in depth information about generators, feel free to pick the brains of those at Flame Heating, Cooling and Electrical (Contact Flame). I hope this blog wasn’t too painful for those of you that do not enjoy science!
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Tony said,
June 10, 2009 @ 4:33 pm
Like your writting style, didn’t realise that it was a commercial site, so thanks for the free info