A generator can play a very important role in the lives of both homeowners and business owners. We live in an age when having access to electrical power is essential for more reasons than are possible to count. Thus, it helps to have a backup power source when outages occur. In various situations, generators even have the power to save lives.
You should never attempt to repair your own generator if you lack experience doing so. This is a task that’s best left to the professionals. That said, if you’re the type who is curious about technology or build a generator, you may appreciate the fact that having a basic familiarity with your generator’s most essential components can potentially help you more easily determine when your generator may require repairs or maintenance.
Generator parts worth being familiar with include the following:
The Engine
Just as the engine is arguably the most important component of a motor vehicle, a generator’s engine also plays a critical role in the way it functions. In fact, a generator can’t function at all without an engine.
A generator’s engine essentially converts a source of fuel into usable power. The types of fuel a generator may run on include (but are not necessarily limited to) gasoline, propane, and natural gas. There are even some generators that can run on solar power.
The Fuel System
A generator’s engine can only convert fuel into power if it has access to that fuel. Thus, most generators also need fuel systems.
Some mistakenly believe these systems consist merely of space in which fuel is stored. That’s not the case. Depending on the type of generator you’re using, the system may also include components to filter the fuel, pumps that transport the fuel from the storage space to the engine itself, and more.
The Cooling System
A generator can, well, generate quite a bit of heat when it’s running. Factors such as how long a generator has been running and how hot its surroundings are can influence how much heat it creates.
Thus, it’s important for a generator to have a system that can keep it cool. Again, the specific type of system your generator may have will depend on various factors.
For example, some generator cooling systems consist merely of fans. Other generators rely on coolant to regulate their temperatures.
The Lubrication System
Like a car’s engine, numerous components of a generator need to be lubricated to function properly. As such, a generator will usually feature some type of lubrication system.
The Exhaust System
Some types of generators can create potentially harmful gases when they are running. As the name implies, the exhaust system helps to release those gases so that they are not allowed to build up.
The Control Panel
Some generators are simple. Using them is basically as easy as just turning them on. However, others allow their owners to exercise a little more power over when a generator may turn on, its voltage, and other such qualities. These types of generators usually feature control panels that allow you to make various adjustments.
Just remember that this was not meant to be taken as a thorough guide on how to repair a generator or build one yourself. It was merely a very basic introduction to a generator’s parts. If you ever need generator service, it’s still important to call the pros.
