FAQ

Standby power generators are most often used in emergency situations, such as during a power outage. It is ideal for applications that have another reliable continuous power source like utility power. It’s recommended usage is most often only for the duration of a power outage and regular testing and maintenance.

Prime power ratings can be defined as having an “unlimited run time”, or essentially a generator that will be used as a primary power source and not just for standby or backup power. A prime power-rated generator can supply power in a situation where there is no utility source, as is often the case in industrial applications like mining or oil & gas operations located in remote areas where the grid is not accessible.

Continuous power is similar to prime power but has a base load rating. It can supply power continuously to a constant load, but does not have the ability to handle overload conditions or work as well with variable loads. The main difference between a prime and continuous rating is that prime power gen sets are set to have maximum power available at a variable load for an unlimited number of hours, and they generally include a 10% or so overload capability for short durations.

Getting a generator that can handle all your power generation needs is one of the most critical aspects of the purchasing decision. Whether you are interested in prime or standby power, if your new generator can’t meet your specific requirements then it simply won’t be doing anyone any good because it can put undue stress on the unit and even damage some of the devices connected to it. Determining exactly what size of generator to get is often very difficult and involves a number of factors and considerations. To get more detailed information on this subject, please visit our expanded article on Sizing a Generator.

A transformer can’t act as a phase-changing device and change single-phase into 3-phase or 3-phase into a single phase. So a question frequently asked is: Can a single-phase transformer be used on a three-phase source? The answer is YES!

We all pretty much know that transformers are constructed as either single-phase or three-phase. Voltage transformers, however, can be constructed for connection to not only one-phase or three-phase but for two-phases, six-phases, and even elaborate combinations up to 24-phases for some DC rectification transformers. If we take 3 single-phase transformers and connect their primary windings to each other and their secondary windings to each other in a fixed configuration (either delta or wye), we can use the transformers on a three-phase supply.

To make the transformer connections compatible with three-phase supplies we need to connect 3 single-phase transformers together in a particular way to form one Three Phase Transformer.

A three-phase transformer or 3φ transformer can be constructed either by connecting together 3 single-phase transformers, thereby forming a so-called three phase transformer bank, or by using one pre-assembled and balanced three phase transformer which consists of three windings mounted onto one laminated core.

The advantage of building a single three-phase transformer is that for the same kVA rating it will be smaller, cheaper, and lighter than three individual single phase transformers connected together because the copper and iron core are used more effectively. The methods of connecting the primary and secondary windings are the same, whether using just one Three Phase Transformer or three separate Single Phase Transformers.

Not necessarily. It depends on the application and the cost-benefit to be realized. Higher temperature class insulation systems cost more and larger transformers are more expensive to build. Therefore, the more expensive insulation systems are more likely to be found in the larger KVA units.

This is an excellent application for air-cooled transformers. Even though the inrush or starting current is about 5 to 7 times normal running current, the resultant lower voltage caused by this momentary overloading is actually beneficial in that a cushioning effect on motor starting is the result.

The heat a transformer generates is dependent upon the transformer losses. To determine air conditioning requirements multiply the sum of the full load losses (obtained from the factory or test report) of all transformers in the room by 3.41 to obtain the BTUs/hour.

In a rotary screw compressor, oil should be changed about every 7000-8000 hours. This depends on the type of compressor you purchase. For a Reciprocating air compressor, generally you would change the oil approximately every 3 months. For a more accurate time frame, call in with a model number to find the recommended schedule for your compressor.