Your Generator System, Step-By-Step
While the generator itself is really "the heart" of a
standby power system, it must be matched to all the right components to give
you the best combination of clean reliable power, fuel-efficient operation,
long life and ease of use.
Types of Systems
Engine-driven
generator systems are generally designed as a "standby" power source or as the
"prime" power source for your home or facility. Both operate the same way, but
prime power systems run at lower engine speeds for a longer working life and
also require built-in overload capacity to handle occasional surges in demand
for power. Standby systems are the most commonly used wherever utility power is
normally available.
Sommers also supplies portable gensets, usually mounted on
wheeled frames for mobile and emergency use. PTO ("power take-off") systems do
not have their own engine, but connect to the drive from a tractor or other
vehicle to produce portable electric power.
Your service entry
The Electric Meter is the point-of-entry to your
home for electrical power supplied by
your local utility company.
The Main Disconnect
protects the service entry to your circuit panel. It may be a separate switch,
as shown, or built into the meter base of the service entry.
The Circuit Panel
distributes power to the electrical circuits in your home. When your generator
system is installed, you can choose whether to have standby power for all of
your circuits or to save costs by powering just a few circuits.
Parts of a standby generator system
Automatic Transfer Switch monitors your power
supply and switches to generator power when your utility power fails, then back
to the utility when power is restored. Transfer switches can also be operated
manually.
Learn more about transfer
switches here.
The Engine provides mechanical power to the
generator. Your choice of engine type can affect purchase price, operating
cost, fuel availability, noise and reliability.
Learn more about engine types
and drive components here.
The Generator uses powerful magnets to convert
mechanical power into electrical current. The right combination of engine and
generator and control system are essential to producing the "clean" power
needed by today's sensitive electronic devices.
Find out how
generators work here.
Learn more about the types of
generator systems here.
A Direct-Drive Coupling efficiently connects the
engine to the generator. Some systems use geared drives to raise their nominal
output, but traditional direct drives last much longer and cost significantly
less to operate.
The Enclosure must be well constructed to protect
the generator and its control systems from the elements for many years. Its
interior design is also an important part of reducing sound and venting out
heat.
The Fuel Tank for diesel or gasoline fuel may be a
separate tank or can be built into the base of the genset. Propane gas is
supplied from a tank, while natural gas is usually fed to the genset through
underground pipe lines from the gas company.
A Battery provides the reserve of electrical charge
needed to start the engine when the utility power is interrupted.
Battery Charger automatically maintains the charge
in the battery as needed. "Trickle" chargers are not recommended, as
they can degrade the battery through constant use. Ask for a charger that will
equalize the cells of the battery by drawing down the charge then full
recharging.
Remote Monitoring lets you check on and control the
operating status of the generator from indoors or from a distance. The
monitor's visual displays, telephone messaging and Internet connections can
also alert you to the system's service needs such as low fuel and scheduled
maintenance.
Learn more about Sommers' exclusive Sentinel remote monitoring systems here.
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