{"id":566,"date":"2024-12-10T13:19:06","date_gmt":"2024-12-10T20:19:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/generatorsource.us\/?page_id=566"},"modified":"2025-04-08T13:43:04","modified_gmt":"2025-04-08T19:43:04","slug":"industrial-generator-faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/generatorsource.com\/tools-info\/industrial-generator-faq\/","title":{"rendered":"Industrial Generator FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"nv-bc-count-wrap\"><nav class=\"woocommerce-breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/generatorsource.com\/\">Home<\/a><span class=\"nv-breadcrumb-delimiter\">\\<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/generatorsource.com\/tools-info\/\">Research<\/a><span class=\"nv-breadcrumb-delimiter\">\\<\/span>Industrial Generator FAQ<\/nav><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"border-radius:20px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-cd38c1d6 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2eb9d93a28e3c795f9d57e009a01acde\">F.A.Q.<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9a0e084eb6f45fc95457e766425634a3\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Industrial Generator Frequently Asked Questions<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:20px\">At Generator Source, we receive many inquiries about electrical, engine, and generator-related topics. To assist our customers and website visitors, we&#8217;ve compiled this FAQ covering the most common questions we encounter. This list will be updated regularly based on customer feedback and new developments. If you have additional questions you&#8217;d like to see here, please contact us, and we&#8217;ll do our best to answer and incorporate them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns mb0 is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-087408a8 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:15px;padding-bottom:15px;flex-basis:37px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/generatorsource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/gs-lightning-gear.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5\" style=\"width:30px\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"border-top-style:none;border-top-width:0px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading mb10 has-base-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-6ad5823e8d2307592064cef73af43fa8\"><strong><strong>What is the difference between kW and kVA?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\" style=\"font-size:15px\">The primary distinction is the power factor (pf).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>kW (kilowatts):<\/strong> Measures real power used by equipment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>kVA (kilovolt-amperes):<\/strong> Represents apparent power, including real and reactive power.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">The power factor (typically 0.8 for industrial generators) determines the relationship between kW and kVA. For example: kW=kVA\u00d70.8\\text{kW} = \\text{kVA} \\times 0.8kW=kVA\u00d70.8 This distinction is vital for correctly sizing and understanding generator performance.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:15px;padding-bottom:15px;flex-basis:37px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/generatorsource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/gs-lightning-gear.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5\" style=\"width:30px\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"border-top-style:none;border-top-width:0px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mb10 has-base-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-c4c81d880e833d98342b41be3d1024ad\"><strong>What is a power factor?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5a17b2ab6d8d41d916823717fc24c04e\" style=\"font-size:15px\">The power factor (pf) is the ratio of real power (kW) to apparent power (kVA). It reflects how efficiently the generator transfers power to the load:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Higher pf = Greater efficiency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\">Standard industrial generator pf = <strong>0.8<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-09299c92503df9fb6cf2968d6a555099\" style=\"font-size:15px\">For example, if a generator produces 500 kW of real power and 625 kVA of apparent power, the pf is: 0.8=5006250.8 = \\frac{500}{625}0.8=625500\u200b<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1caba01f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:15px;padding-bottom:15px;flex-basis:37px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/generatorsource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/gs-lightning-gear.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5\" style=\"width:30px\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"border-top-style:none;border-top-width:0px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading mb10 has-base-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-d443d96f4ba36af4a6b475ac26fff933\"><strong><strong><strong>What is the difference between standby, continuous, and prime power ratings?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Standby Power:<\/strong> Emergency use during power outages. Limited run time, with no overload capability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Prime Power:<\/strong> Continuous use for variable loads. Includes a 10% overload capacity for limited periods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Continuous Power:<\/strong> Operates at a constant load for unlimited hours. No overload capacity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:15px;padding-bottom:15px;flex-basis:37px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/generatorsource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/gs-lightning-gear.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5\" style=\"width:30px\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"border-top-style:none;border-top-width:0px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mb10 has-base-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-3ce84b66f5cef17fc0d7e7fb9a6e7b94\"><strong><strong>If I am interested in a generator that is not the voltage I need, can the voltage be changed?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Yes, but it depends on the generator&#8217;s design:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Reconnectable Generators:<\/strong> Voltage can be changed.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>12-lead:<\/strong> Can switch between three-phase and single-phase (reduced output in single-phase).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>10-lead:<\/strong> Limited to three-phase voltages.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:15px\"><strong>Non-Reconnectable Generators:<\/strong> Voltage cannot be changed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1caba01f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:15px;padding-bottom:15px;flex-basis:37px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/generatorsource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/gs-lightning-gear.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5\" style=\"width:30px\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"border-top-style:none;border-top-width:0px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading mb10 has-base-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-aca9c7ea99f5ba14ef11634529741e55\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>What does an Automatic Transfer Switch do?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">An Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"font-size:15px\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Monitors utility power and automatically switches to the generator during an outage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Switches back to utility power when it\u2019s restored.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Commonly used in environments requiring high availability, like data centers or hospitals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:15px;padding-bottom:15px;flex-basis:37px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/generatorsource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/gs-lightning-gear.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5\" style=\"width:30px\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"border-top-style:none;border-top-width:0px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mb10 has-base-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-c1f0d52246f0eb914f2b3c00e3c7aa79\"><strong><strong><strong>Can a generator I am looking at parallel with one I already own?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Yes, generators can be paralleled:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"font-size:15px\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>For Redundancy or Increased Capacity:<\/strong> Identical generators are easier to parallel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Different Generators:<\/strong> Paralleling requires careful design and consideration of engine configuration, generator design, and voltage regulators.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1caba01f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:15px;padding-bottom:15px;flex-basis:37px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/generatorsource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/gs-lightning-gear.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5\" style=\"width:30px\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"border-top-style:none;border-top-width:0px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading mb10 has-base-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-c70013f78438103b2547083286ceecab\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>Can you convert a 60 Hz generator to 50 Hz?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Most commercial generators can be converted:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"font-size:15px\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>General Rule:<\/strong> 60 Hz machines run at 1800 RPM; 50 Hz machines run at 1500 RPM.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conversion involves adjusting the engine RPM. Some cases may require part replacements or modifications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:15px;padding-bottom:15px;flex-basis:37px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/generatorsource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/gs-lightning-gear.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5\" style=\"width:30px\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"border-top-style:none;border-top-width:0px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mb10 has-base-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-b40a515b2144a609dc826285fd9cadac\"><strong><strong><strong>How do I determine what size Generator I need?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">Proper sizing is critical to prevent damage to the generator or connected devices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"font-size:15px\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Key Considerations:<\/strong> Power load requirements, prime vs. standby usage, and application specifics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use our <a href=\"https:\/\/generatorsource.com\/tools-and-resources\/sizing_a_generator\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3334\">Sizing a Generator<\/a> article or consult our experts for detailed guidance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">This FAQ is designed to provide a foundation for understanding industrial generators. For more detailed discussions or assistance, please <a href=\"https:\/\/generatorsource.com\/contact-us\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"2178\">contact us<\/a> directly!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":3063,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","neve_meta_reading_time":"","_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"_lp_hide_navbar":false,"_banner_use_default_message":true,"_banner_use_default_link":true,"_banner_use_default_phone":true,"_banner_message":"Immediate Availability - Expedited Shipping to US & Canada","_banner_link_url":"https:\/\/generatorsource.com\/inventory","_banner_phone":"877-866-6895","_lp_capacity_low":"","_lp_capacity_high":"","_lp_fuel_type":"","_lp_portable":"","_lp_make":"","_lp_unit_numbers":"","_lp_posts_per_page":"","_lp_condition":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-566","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/generatorsource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/566","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/generatorsource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/generatorsource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/generatorsource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/generatorsource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=566"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/generatorsource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/566\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/generatorsource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3063"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/generatorsource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=566"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}