Generator Digenso - Glossaries

A

Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS): Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) is an important part as it ensures user the Electric Generator will automatically take over during a utility outage and vice versa shut down once the power comes back on to protect the genset.

After-cooler: Before entering the receiver, the compressed air from the pump is cooled down by the after-cooler. The heat from the compressed air is transferred outward to the aluminum fins of the after-cooler, the flywheel/fan creates an air flow that rushes past and cools the aluminum fins.

Air Cooled Engine: The engine is cooled down by the air flow around it, instead of using water.

Air Filter: Filters out moisture, dust, rust, etc… from the compressed air.

Air Receiver: The air receiver is simply the air storage tank.

Alternator: A device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Amp Rating: The measure of strength of an electric current.

Alternating Current (AC): Current which varies from zero to a positive maximum to zero to a negative maximum to zero, a number of times per second, the number being expressed in cycles per second of Hertz (HZ)

Amperage: The measurement of strength of an electric current.

Arc Voltage: Voltage is the pressure necessary to push current across the gaseous gap of an arc.

Arc Welder: Use electricity instead of gas as a heat source to deposit filler metal and fuse two or more pieces of metal together.

Arc: The flow of electricity across an open gap.

B

Breaker: When the electric power runs through the generator is too high, the breaker cuts the electrical line, protecting the generating from exceeding amperage. There are mannual type and automatically type.

Baffle: A device to prevent direct fluid flow or impingement on a surface.

Battery Charger: A battery charger converts household electricity to direct current needed to recharge a battery. Direct current has polarity. The amount of electricity the charger puts into the battery is measured in amperes and is shown on the ammeter built into most chargers. The charging begins on a dead battery with a large amount of current going into the battery so the chargers ammeter registers towards the high end of the scale and declines towards the zero end of the meter as the battery becomes more fully charged.

Battery Charge Rectifier: A component which changes AC voltage from the battery charge windings (within the STATOR) to DC voltage. This voltage could be used to charge a battery.

Base Metal: The metal to be welded, brazed, soldered or cut.

Bearing Size or ID: The inside diameter (ID) of the bearing which corresponds to the outside diameter (OD) of the spindle or axle on which the wheel is mounted.

Bearing: Machined part that allows a hub to spin on a spindle.

Belt-Drive Generator Heads: These are generator heads with no engine. The customer usually supplies his own gas engine and attaches it via a belt. Most of these are designed to be run at a set RPM or damage may result.

Blackout: Sudden disruption of electrical power.

Brush: A conducting element, usually graphite and /or copper, which maintains sliding electrical contact between a stationary and a moving element.

Burst Pressure: The pressure which causes rupture. Also, the inside-out differential pressure that causes outward structural failure.

Butt Joint: A joint between two pieces of metal lying in the same plain.

C

Camping Generators: These are usually lightweight, under 3000 kW, and provide 12V battery charging. Camping Generators are typically well sound proof.

Capacitor Run Electric Motor: Also referred to as air compressor motors these are very similar to capacitor start motors with one additional feature. These motors will also use a capacitor while the motor is running. These are most commonly found on applications such as air compressors where extra torque is necessary.

Capacitor Start Electric Motor: These motors will have one or more capacitors mounted to the motor that store electricity until it is turned on. The capacitor gives the motor an extra boost of electricity to reduce the starting current draw and increase starting torque.

Check Valve: A check valve allows air or liquid (such as water) to flow in one direction but not the opposite direction.

Clevis: A u-shaped mounting device which contains a common pin hole at right angle to the axis of symmetry through each arm of the u

Coated Electrode: A metal or alloy rod used in arc welding which is coated with materials to aid in control of the arc and placing of the weld.

Conductor: A wire or cable designed for the passage of electrical current.

Contactor: A contactor is an electrically operated switch usually used in control circuits and whose contacts are considered high amperage, compared to a relay.

Contractor Generator: These are usually ruggedly built to handle lots of abuse. Most will have a full roll-cage to protect against damage. These generators are usually large, requiring a wheel kit with handles for greater mobility on the job site. A contractor generator must have GFCI (ground fault circuit interruption) as required by OSHA.

Core: The laminations in the generator constituting the magnetic structure thereof.

Corrosion: The chemical change in the mechanical elements caused by the interaction of fluid or contaminants, or both. More specifically related to chemical changes in metals.

Cradle: The metal frame that surrounds and protects the generator/engine.

Cycle: A cycle is a single complete opration consisting functions starting at 0 and go up to positive maximum, then returns to 0, goes down to negative maximum and ends at 0 again.

D

De-Rating: De-Rating, also known as converting from three-phase to single-phase, is typically reducing voltage output rating around 30%. For example, a 100 kW three-phase generator would drop to around 70 kW when converted to single-phase. -To precisely increase/decrease the power and use the right generator, all the unit should be changed to kVA instead of kW (kVA=kW*PF); the most simple way to remember the power after De-rating is: de-rating Power = 2/3Current power output (kVA) -The genrator needs de-rating must be a reconnectable type with 12 or 10 lead ends. Non reconnectable generator can still be de-rated, if it is applied single phase loads without going over the rated amps on an individual line.

Deep Cycle Battery Charger: A deep cycle battery supplies a relatively low amount of current for a long period of time. Deep cycle batteries, unlike car starting batteries, can be run down and recharged repeatedly with minimum loss of capacity.

Deposit: Filler metal added during a welding operation.

Diesel Engine: An internal combustion engine in which fuel oil is burnt by heat produced from air compression.

Diesel Generator: A Diesel Generator includes a Diesel Engine and an Alternator

Diode: A solid state device which allows current to pass in one direction only. Since it allows only one half cycle of an alternating current pass, its out put will be unidirectional and it may be considered a rectifying element.

Direct Current (DC): An electric current flows in one direction only. DC is produced by chemical action (i.e. a storage battery) or by electromagnetic induction.

Directional Control Valve: A valve whose primary function is to direct or prevent flow through selected passages.

Distribution: Supply of lower voltage electric power from a centralized substation to the point of end use.

Drip-Proof Electric Motors: These motors will have all of its cooling vents situated so that any dust or moisture will not be able to contaminate the innards of the motor. These are commonly used in shop applications where sawdust or metal particles are present in the air.

Dual Element Air Cleaner: Double filters intake air for longer engine life.

Duty Cycle: Rated duty cycle is the percentage of a 10 minute period a welding machine must deliver its rated electrical current load, before overheating. Formula: D = T/P * 100% with D is Duty Cycle; T is the time the signal is active; P is the total period of the signal. For example if D = 60% then in 10 minutes the welding machine is on for 60% of the time.

Dynamo: A machine for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic induction. A generator.

E

Engine Phase: Single-Phase Generators: In a single-phase generator, the stator has a number of windings connected in series to form a single circuit across which the output voltage is generated, each has equal voltage across all stator windings in phase with each other. Single-Phase Generators have following traits: – Used in most homes and small businesses – Adequate for running motors up to about 40kW; a single phase motor draws significantly more current than the equivalent 3-phase motor, making 3-phase power a more efficient choice for industrial applications Most Single-Phase Generators have Power Factor of 1.0. Three-Phase Generators: In a three-phase generator, three single-phase windings are spaced such that there is a phase difference of 120° among the voltages induced in each of the stator windings. The three phases are independent of each other. • Star or Y Configuration In a star or Y connection, one lead from each winding is connected to form the neutral. The opposite end of each winding, known as the finish end, is connected to a line terminal each. This produces a line voltage greater than the individual voltage across each winding. • Delta Configuration In a delta configuration, the start end of one phase is connected to the finish end of the adjacent phase. This produces a line voltage equal to the phase voltage. Electrical utilities and commercial generators produce three-phase power. - Three-Phase Generators are common in large businesses, as well as industry and manufacturing around the globe - Expensive to convert from an existing single phase installation, but three-phase allows for smaller, less expensive wiring and lower voltages, making it safer and less expensive to run - Highly efficient for equipment designed to run on 3-phase Three-Phase Generators have Power Factor of 0.8.

Electric Motor Efficiency: How efficiently the motor turns electrical energy into mechanical energy. Motor efficiency is generally in the neighborhood of 85%. The more efficiently a motor operates, the lower the power cost.

Electric Motor Enclosure: The housing around the motor available in drip-proof, totally enclosed, and explosion proof.

Electric Motor Frame: The configuration on the base plate of the motor. If the frame can not be matched new holes can be drilled or base plates can be switched from other motors.

Electric Motor Multi-Speed: Multi-speed motors are designed for two or more definite rates of speed remaining practically constant regardless of load changes.

Electric Motor Synchronous Speed: The speed at which a motor will operate if the rotor turns at exactly the speed of the magnetic field that drives the rotor.

Electro-Motive Force (EMF): The force which causes current to flow in a conductor; in other words, the voltage potential.

Elevation: The vertical distance between the level where fluid enters a pipe and the level where it leaves.

Engine Alternator: Engine is equipped to recharge a 12V starter battery.

Engine Auxiliary PTO Shaft: A cam shaft that extends out the side plate of a horizontal engine for reverse gearing.

Engine Ball Bearing Shaft: The drive shaft is held in place by a ball bearing and spins inside it.

Engine Cast Iron Sleeve: Engine cylinder sleeve is made of cast iron for longer life.

Engine Electric Start: Uses a battery or 110V powered motor to start the engine via a key switch or button.

Engine Electronic Ignition: Fires a spark electronically.

Engine Gear Reduction: A gear case mounted to an engine to reduce the speed of the crankshaft.

Engine Generator: Generates electric power with the help of natural gas or diesel reciprocating engine.

Engine Keyway: A slot or groove in crankshaft for attachment of clutches, pulleys, etc…

Engine Low Oil Shutdown: Will automatically shut engine down if oil level is insufficient for safe operation.

Engine Mechanical Governor: Throttles engine up to maintain RPM under load.

Engine Mounting Pattern: The bolt hole pattern on the bottom of the crankcase that is used to mount the engine to its application.

Engine PTO Height: The distance from the mounting base to the center of the PTO on a horizontal engine shaft.

Engine Toothed Flywheel: Flywheel can work with an electric starter.

F

Fender Skirt: The inside panel that attaches to the fender and the framework. Prevents debris from being thrown upward.

Fender: A cover that goes over the top of a tire to prevent mud, water, and debris from being thrown.

Filler Metal: Metal to be added in making a weld.

Fixed Axle: A fixed axle is mounted firmly to the frame so that the axle itself does not spin.

Float Mode Monitoring Battery Charger: Charger holds battery to approximately 13.2 volts to guard against self-discharge. Charging is minimal using only a few tenths of an amp.

Float Switch: An electrical switch which is responsive to liquid level.

Flow Control Valve: A valve whose primary function is to control flow rate.

Flow Meter: A device which indicates either flow rate, total flow, or a combination of both.

Flow Switch: An electrical switch operated by a fluid flow.

Fluid Power System: A system that transmits and controls power through use of a pressurized fluid within an enclosed circuit.

Flux: Material used to prevent, dissolve or ease removal of oxides and undesirable substances.

Flux-Cored Arc Welding: A process that welds by heating with an electric arc between a continuous tubular filler metal electrode (wire) and the work piece. Powered flux within the wire provides shielding to the weld.

Flywheel: Storing energy in a rotating mass form, Flywheel is a very active substitution of chemical batteries.

Four Cycle or Four Stroke Engine: Engine is lubricated by oil in the crankcase. Gas and oil are not mixed for fuel.

Friction Loss: The loss of pressure or head due to the resistance to flow in the pipe and fittings. Friction loss is influenced by pipe size and fluid velocity and is usually expressed in feet of head.

Full Pressure Lubrication Engine: Engine is lubricated by means of an oil pump located in the crankcase.

Full Power Outlet: Enables you to draw the full power of the generator out of one outlet.

Fully Automatic Battery Charger: The charger turns off automatically when the battery is fully charged. As the battery loses power the charger automatically turns back on.

Fiction horsepower: power lost especially in an internal-combustion engine throughfriction between parts of the machine itself.

G

Gas Metal Arc Welding: A process that welds by heating with an electric arc between a continuous consumable electrode (solid wire) and the work piece. Weld shielding is provided by an inert gas or gas mixture. Also called MIG welding.

Gauge Pressure (PSIG): The pressure shown on an air gauge.

Generator: A general name for a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The electrical energy may be direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC).

GenSet/GenSets: Slang for generator set, made up of an engine, alternator (generator end) and a control panel.

Grid: In order to meet the power needs at the grids in different points, a system of power lines and generators, interconnected is used. This is a grid.

Ground: A connection, intentional or accidental, between an electrical circuit and the earth or some conduction body serving in the place of the earth.

GPH: Gallons Per Hour

GPM: Gallons Per Minute

H

Hazardous Material: Any poisonous, volatile, explosive or flammable fluid which should not be moved with a pump designed for dewatering with gasoline or diesel driven engines.

Head: The distance the pump will push water vertically. The greater the distance the higher the pressure developed by the pump.

Hertz (Hz): unit of frequency that is equal to one cycle per second.

Homeowner Backup Generator: Also known as an emergency generator, these are usually 5000 watts or larger, depending on the homeowners needs and are powered by gasoline. Diesel, natural gas or propane models are also available.

Horizontal Engine: Crankshaft comes out the side of the engine.

Horizontal Run: The horizontal distance between the point where fluid enters a pipe and the point at which it leaves.

Horsepower: The rate at which work is done determined by dividing the work done in foot-pounds by the time involved.

Hub Length: The distance from the outside of one bearing to the outside of the opposite bearing.

Hub: Machined metal part which houses the bearings and provides a place to attach the tires and rims.

Hydraulic Motor: A device which converts hydraulic fluid power into mechanical force and motion by transfer of flow under pressure. It usually provides rotary mechanical motion.

Hydraulic Power Unit: A combination of components to facilitate fluid storage and conditioning, and delivery of the fluid under conditions of controlled pressure and flow to the discharge port of the pump, including maximum pressure controls and sensing devices when applicable. Circuitry components, although sometimes mounted on the reservoir, are not considered part of the power unit.

Hydraulic Pump: A device which converts mechanical force and motion into hydraulic fluid power by means of producing flow.

Hydraulic Reservoir: A vessel or tank for storing and conditioning liquid in a hydraulic system.

Hydraulic Valve: A valve for controlling liquid flow or pressure.

Hydraulics: Of or pertaining to the engineering science of liquid pressure and flows.

I

Increase Power Output Rating: Increase Power Output Rating - converting single-phase to three-phase generators could increase voltage output approximately 20-30% kW output power rating. However, it is required to be re-connectable type. After increasing the generators power output rating, the generator is suitable for all the equipments in the house/ industries/etc.

Idle Control: A system that controls the idle speed of the engine in direct relation to the electrical load.

Ignition Coil: A device used to supply DC voltage to the spark plugs.

Inertia: The property of an object to remain at rest or remain moving unless acted upon by some outside source. In motors, inertia refers to the driven load. Once a load is in motion the amount of power to keep it in motion is reduced.

Intercooler: The intercooler cools the compressed air as it travels from one stage to the next higher stage. The flywheel/fan creates an air flow that rushes past and cools the intercooler.

Inverter: Designed to convert 12V DC power into 110V AC, inverters are normally wired to the charging system on an automobile. Inverters should be used only in light duty, short-term usage situations. Joint Penetration The minimum depth a weld extends from its face into the joint, excluding reinforcement.

J

Joint: The junction where two or more members are joined or have been joined by welding.

Joule: Measurement of electrical energy equivalent to the work done when a current of one ampere passes through a resistance of one ohm for one second.

K

Kilowatt (KW): Kilowatt is power needed to do work at the rate of 1000 joules per second. Used to determine generator size based on instant demand or use.

Kilowatt-hour (KWhr): Total number of kilowatts used per hour. Or 3,600,000 joules. Cannot be used to size a generator because it is power use over time.

KVA: KVA is kilovolt-ampere and is the unit of apparent power. KVA is used for measuring the power consumption of non-resistive equipments such as motors, computers, and most non-incandescent lighting. In single phase power kW and kVA are the same values.

L

Live Axle: A live axle has the wheels, drive sprocket and brake drum mounted firmly to the axle and the whole axle assembly then spins together.

Load: Load is that the amount of electric power used by devices associated to electricity generating system.

Lubricator: A device which adds controlled or metered amounts of lubricant into a pneumatic system.

M

Magneto: An alternator with permanent magnets used to generate current for ignition in an internal combustion engine.

Manual Battery Charger: The user turns the charger on and off. Output current drops to half the charging rate as the battery approaches a full charge. Charging must be monitored to prevent overcharging.

MIG Welder: Metal Inert Gas welders furnish the welding rod in a continuous roll fed through a handle. The speed that the wire is fed is controlled by the operator. With the small diameter of wires the hot rod and molten pool of weld are protected from oxidation by a flow of inert gas that comes from the gun to enclose the area being welded.

Motor Bearings: Support both ends of the motor shaft allowing it to rotate smoothly with a minimum of wear and friction. Motors come with either sleeve bearings or ball bearings.

Motor Generator: Normally used either to regulate or condition power from a raw power source like electric utility grid.

Muffler: A device for reducing gas flow noise. Noise is decreased by back pressure control of gas expansion.

N

N.H.S.: Not for highway service.

Nipple: A short length of pipe or tube.

Non-Utility Generator: Connected to an electric utility system, Non-utility Generator generates electricity specifically for those not owned by an electric utility.

NPT: National Std. Pipe-Tapered.

O

OD: Outside Diameter.

Off-Peak: A specific period when power demand of a system is comparatively low. Counted from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m., from Monday through Saturday and during the whole day on Sunday by NERC.

Off-Peak Rate: This is the rate of cost for power used during Off-Peak periods.

OHC (Over Head Cam) Engine: Cam shaft and valves are mounted above the piston in the cylinder head.

Ohm: Unit of electrical resistance. One volt will cause a current of one flow through a resistance of one ohm.

OHV (Over Head Valve) Engine: Intake and exhaust valve are mounted above the piston in the cylinder head.

Overhead Valve Engine: Use extra large mufflers, intake silencers, and advanced piston, camshaft and gear technologies to produce a significant reduction in noise.

Overlap: Protrusion of weld metal beyond the bond line at the toe of the weld.

Oxy-Acetylene Welder: Uses acetylene with pure oxygen instead of air to create temperatures up to 6000 degrees F. When the amount of oxygen is varied, the flame can be used to either weld or cut.

P

Power Factor: Power factor (pf) is the ratio between Real Power (kW) and Reactive Power (kVA) that is drawn from an electrical load. Real Power (kW) shows the abilities of supplying electrical power as well as useful power output. Reactive Power (kVAR) does not provide useful power output but it is crucial in transsisting power process (from electric to rotating/ heat/ etc) Apparent Power = Real Power + Reactive Power The relationship between these Power is illustrated below: It is determined by the generator’s connected load. Generators with a higher power factor will more efficiently transfer energy to the connected load, while lower power factors are not as efficient. Most three-phase generators have a power factor of 0.8, while most single-phase generators have a power factor of 1.

Pass: A single progression of a welding or surfacing operation along a joint. The result of a pass is a weld bead or layer.

Peak: Measurement of the maximum load that is consumed within a specified time period.

Plasma Arc Cutting: An arc cutting process which severs metal by using a constricted arc to melt a small area of the work. This process can cut all metals that conduct electricity.

Porosity: Gas pockets or voids in metal.

Port: An internal or external terminus of a passage in a component.

Power: The time rate at which work is done.

Power Unit: A combination of pump, pump drive, reservoir, controls and conditioning components which may be required for its application.

Pressure Switch: A pressure switch has preset cut in/cut out pressure points to control engine/motor.

Pressure Switch: An electrical switch operated by fluid pressure.

Pressure: Force per unit area, usually expressed in pounds per square inch in the English system.

PTO Generator: These large generators are usually powered by the PTO (power take-off) system on a farm tractor. They are generally inexpensive compared to the wattage they offer because they have no engine.

PTO: Power Take Off.

Pump: A device which converts mechanical force and motion into hydraulic fluid power. It produces flow.

Q

Quick Disconnect: A coupling which can quickly join or separate a fluid line without the use of tools or special devices.

R

Replace Gauges: When the voltage is altered, the number of gauges will also be changed so that the new output levels can be read. If the generator has a Digital Control Panel, the number of gauges can be reprogrammed, which saves a lot of time.

Race: The guide in which bearings are held and through which they move.

Rated Voltage: The specific voltage measurement at which an engine generator set can start functioning.

Rated Flow: The maximum flow that the power supply system is capable of maintaining at a specific operating pressure.

Rated Line Pull: The maximum pulling capacity of the winch on the first layer of wire rope.

Rated Pressure: The qualified operating pressure, which is recommended for a component or a system by the manufacturer.

Rated Speed: Revolutions per minute at which the set is designed to operate.

Rated Voltage: The rated voltage of an engine generator set is the voltage at which it is designed to operate.

Rear Bearing Carrier: The casting which houses the rotor bearing which supports the rotor shaft.

Rectifier: A device that converts AC to DC.

Relay: An electrically operated switch usually used in control circuits and whose contacts are considered low amperage, compared to a contactor

Remote Control Switch: Sometimes referred to as a solenoid switch assembly. It is an electric switch used to control the spooling in and out of the cable.

Resistance: Opposition to the flow of current.

Return Line: The line conducting fluid from working devices to the reservoir.

Rotor: The rotating element of a generator.

Rotor winding: Comprises of all the rotor pole windings and connections.

RPM: Revolutions Per Minute.

Running Torque: The effort a motor delivers at any given RPM or horsepower.

RV Generators: Similar to camping generators, these will meet National Park Regulations on noise and offer 12V battery charging. Unlike camping generators they will be larger and are designed to be mounted in a small compartment underneath the vehicle. Most are designed to be started remotely from inside the vehicle and are usually connected either to the gas tank of the vehicle or run on LP. Many are liquid cooled because of the restricted air flow in the generator compartment.

S

SAE Port: A straight thread port used to attach tube and hose fittings. It employs an O ring compressed in a wedge-shaped cavity.

Self-Priming: Refers to the ability of a pump to separate air from water and create a partial vacuum or low-pressure area in the pump body. This causes water to flow to the impeller and on through the pump.

Semi-Pneumatic Tires: Hollow center tires that have no air pressure inside.

Service Pressure: The range of pressure in the pressure tank during the pumping cycle, usually expressed in pounds per square inch gauge.

Servo valve: A valve which modulates output as a function of an input command.

Shutoff Valve: A valve which operates fully open or fully closed.

Single Phase: An AC load, or source of power normally having only two input terminals if a load or two output terminals if a source. Most homes are single phase and most businesses are three phase.

Single Point of Failure: Single point of failure is a location in a redundant system where a single powers failure results in loss of electrical power to the critical load.

Spark Arrester: Keeps sparks from being ejected by the exhaust. The sparks occur when carbon deposits in the cylinder break loose and are ignited by the exhaust gases. Spark arresters are required in many areas.

Spatter: Metal particles expelled during welding that do not form part of the weld.

Spindle: The machined part of the axle on both ends. This is the part of the axle the bearings slide on to.

Split Phase Electric Motor: These are usually small, light duty motors for fans and blowers. Most are 1/2 HP or less. These motors will operate using either single phase 110V AC or three phase 110V in an industrial application.

Spot Welding: Usually made on materials having some type of overlapping joint design. Can refer to resistance, MIG, or TIG spot welding. Resistance spot welds are made from electrodes on both sides of the joint, while TIG and MIG spots are made from one side only.

Standard: A document, or an object for physical comparison, for defining product characteristics, products, or processes: prepared by a consensus of a properly constituted group of those substantially affected and having the qualifications to prepare the standard for voluntary use.

Standby Generator: Used for power backup in home. These are usually permanently mounted to a concrete slab. They feature automatic or remote start/stop. Usually fueled by natural gas, propane, or diesel.

Standby (Backup) Service: Service through a permanent connection not normally used but available in lieu of, or as a supplement to, the usual source of supply.

Standby Power: This is the backup source of electrical energy that remains dormant and starts functioning as soon as a control device instructs it to.

Starting Torque: The amount of torque produced by a motor as its rotor breaks free from a standstill and begins to spin.

Stator: The stationary part of a generator.

Stator winding: Comprises of stator coils with their interconnections.

Stick Welding: An arc welding process which melts and joins metals by heating them with an arc, between a covered metal electrode and the work. Shielding gas is obtained from the electrode outer coating, often called flux. Filler metal is primarily obtained from the electrode core.

Strainer: A round fitting at the end of the suction hose which is matched to the size of a pump and permits solids only a certain size to enter the pump body. The strainer eliminates potential damage to the impeller.

Surge: A transient rise of pressure or flow.

T

Tack Weld: A weld made to hold parts together in proper alignment until the final welds are made.

Tandem Trailer Axle: Refers to a trailer which has two axles instead of one allowing the trailer to carry additional weight.

Tank: A container for the storage of fluid in a fluid power system.

Tapped and Threaded Engine Shaft: Center of shaft end is drilled then hole is threaded to accept a bolt.

Threaded Engine Shaft: Shaft is threaded externally.

Three Phase: An AC load, or source of power normally having three input terminals if a load or three output terminals if a source. Most homes are single phase and most businesses are three phase.

Tie Plate: Metal plate which secures the spring to the axle using u-bolts.

Tie Rod: An axial external cylinder rod which traverses the length of the cylinder. It is pre-stressed at assembly to hold the ends of the cylinder against the tubing.

TIG Welding: This welding process joins metals by heating them with a tungsten electrode which should not become part of the completed weld. Filler metal is sometimes used and argon inert gas or inert gas mixtures are used for shielding.

Torque: A rotational twisting force. Force which tends to produce torsion or rotation. The amount of force produced by a motor to turn a shaft.

Torsion Suspension: A crank arm style suspension system that contains the springing mechanism in the bar that crosses the width of a trailer. This type of axle eliminates the need to purchase springs, shackles, and some mounting hardware separately.

Total Head: The distance a pump will lift and push a liquid. Lift plus head equals total head.

Totally Enclosed Electric Motors: These motors will be used in applications similar to drip-proof motors and are recommended for any outdoor use. These will have no cooling vents instead they have an internal cooling fan and no contamination is able to enter the motor at all.

Tracking Distance: The distance from the hub face on the right side of the trailer axle to the hub face on the left side of the trailer axle. If the rims of the tire assemblies are centered it can be measured from the center of the tire on the right to the center of the tire on the left.

Trailer Axle: A steel bar or tube that extends the width of the trailer. It supports the framework of the trailer when attached to the springs. Also serves as a mounting point for trailer hubs and tire assemblies.

Trailer Ball: Mounted on the hitch the trailer ball acts as a universal joint between the trailer and towing vehicle. The most common ball sizes are 1 7/8 inch, 2 inch, and 2 5/16 inch.

Trailer Bolt Circle: The distance from the center of the hub to the center of one of the tire mounting holes doubled.

Trailer Coupler: The formed metal part welded or bolted to the trailer tongue that allows the trailer to be attached to the coupler ball on the towing vehicle.

Trailer Hanger: A bracket mounted to the frame of the trailer which allow you to install the springs and shackles.

Trailer Hitch: Metal framework that attaches to the towing vehicle and is sometimes referred to as the receiver.

Trailer Jack: A lifting mechanism used to keep the coupler off the ground and allow for easier hookup to the towing vehicle.

Trailer Spring Center: The distance from center of the spring on the right side of the trailer to the center of the spring on the left side.

Trailer Spring: Cushions the trailer frame and cargo from bumps and pot holes in the road surface.

Trailer Tongue: The part of the trailer that separates the cargo from the towing vehicle. This is where the trailer coupler and jack are usually mounted.

Trickle Charge Battery Charger: Provides 1, 1.5, or 2 amps for charging small batteries and keeps large batteries topped off.

Tube Type Tire: Requires a tube to be inserted into the tire to hold air.

Turbine Generator: Running on gas or steam turbine, turbine generator generates electricity through electromagnetic forces caused by steam, water or wind etc.

U

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): Supplies power automatically and instantly during shortage of power supply. UPS operation is dependent on a primary power source such as the electric utility grid, as it does generate power itself.

V

Voltage Regulator: Reconnecting the leads to a different voltage can cause damage to the generators. Therefore, the sensing wires, which run to the regulator and/or control panel must be adjusted or set to a certain power level, so that it will not be burnt.

Valve: A device which controls fluid flow direction, pressure, or flow rate.

Vibration Mount: A rubber device located between the engine or generator and the cradle to minimize vibration.

Volt: The unit of electromotive force. That electromotive force which when steadily applied to a conductor whose resistance is one ohm will produce a current of one ampere.

Voltage: Electrical potential difference expressed in volts. Voltage is the measurement of electrical force. It is the force that delivers current when electricity is applied to an electrical device.

Voltage Regulator: A component which automatically maintains proper generator voltage by controlling the amount of DC excitation to the rotor.

Volute: The housing in which the impeller rotates with channels cast into the metal to direct the flow of water in a given direction.

W

Watt: Unit of electrical power. In DC equals volts times amperes. In AC equals effective volts times effective amps times power factor times a consistent dependent on the number of phases. 1 kilowatt = 1,000 watts. One watt is equal to 1 joule of energy per second.

Winding: All the coils of a generator. Stator winding consists of a number stator coils and their interconnections. Rotor windings consist of all windings and connections on the rotor poles.

Weld Metal: The portion of a weld which has melted during welding.

Weld: The local melting together of metal, produced by heating with or without the use of filler metal.

Welding Clamp: Helps position the work pieces and lock them in place while a weld is being made.

Welding Rod: Used to melt two pieces of metal together to form a weld.