Generator Repair Basics

Generators produce electricity without the requirement of being plugged into a city power grid. They can produce tremendous amounts of power, but like all mechanical objects, they are prone to breakage and require repair. Generator repair can be troublesome, but is a necessary part of owning and operating a generator. Remember that if the generator is connected to an electric power grid it must be operating at a continuous speed.

Generators, like most pieces of industrial machinery, have many different parts, and as a result generator repair must be conducted by a trained and licensed electrician who is qualified to work on your kind of generator. Knowing the basics of generator structure and function can help you be more conversant with the kinds of repairs that are frequently necessary.

The kind of generator most commonly used, especially in commercial situations, is an alternating generator. This consists primarily of two windings, one of which is a rotating winding and the other being a stationery winding. The rotating winding requires direct current but the stationary winding produces alternating current.

Because the rotating winder has greater movement, it is prone to greater wear and tear. The friction can contribute to wear and as a result, the rotating winder is the most commonly replaced item on a generator. There are a variety of connections and fittings that are connected to the rotating winding and those need to be checked frequently in order to prevent unexpected breakage.

The stationary winding requires regular maintenance as well and can become cracked and damaged or can become broken entirely, in which case it will need to be replaced. The connectors and the other pieces that connect to the stationary winding are also prone to damage and breakage and will need to be checked regularly for repair.

The standard alternating generator has brushes that convey current away from the winding, but there are newer models that lack brushes, instead carrying current via the motor shaft. If your generator has brushes, those brushes are also prone to breakage and need replacing frequently.

Generator repair is, at its heart, a search for the ideal repairman. You want someone who is experienced and licensed and familiar with the kind of generator you own. You can then extend the repairman's scope to include maintenance and other similar actions that can extend the life of your generator and minimize repairs.

Generator repair is an important and necessary part of owning and operating a generator. It is necessary for you to have an adequate understanding of the factors involved in generator repair and seek the services of an electrician who is experienced in handling these kinds of repairs. Repairing a generator can be a difficult and frustrating experience but it is a necessary part of owning a generator.