Table of Glossary

AC (Alternating Current)

    An electric current varying form a zero value to peak positive value, back to zero, to a peak negative value, then back to zero.  This sequence happens a number of times per second and is referred to as cycles per second of frequency (Hertz).  The symbol I is used for current or amps in mathematical equations. 

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AMPS (Amperage)

    The power or amount of electric current and is measured in amps.  The symbol for current or amps, is I, and is used in mathematical equations.

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Conductor

    A copper wire or insulated cable wire that carries electrical current.

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Carry Frame

    A steel tubular frame that surrounds, protects, and supports the complete engine driven generator.

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Cast Iron Sleeve

    An iron cylinder wall cast into the aluminum engine block, creating a better, longer lasting aluminum block engine, before short-block replacement is required.

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Catalytic Converter

    All engines, diesel, gasoline, propane and natural gas, produce exhausts containing carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), from the in-complete combustion of engine fuel.  Diesel engines also emit a particulate matter (DPM).  All (4) pollutants are recognized by EPA and CARB, as serious potential health hazards.  These pollutants can be substantially reduced by the addition of a catalytic converter, installed in the engine's exhaust outlet.

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Circuit Breaker

    An automatic switch that turns off when an overload on normal generator KW capacity occurs.  There are two styles: A thermal circuit breaker (minimal protection) and a magnetic circuit breakers (maximum protection).  Gillette uses magnetic breakers on all heavy duty GPN series portable generators.

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CO (Carbon Monoxide)

    A highly toxic gas, which is odorless, colorless, and virtually impossible for humans to detect.  This gas is found in the emissions from engines (exhaust) and is measured by grams per hour.  This gas is limited to certain levels by EPA, and can have further reductions by use of a catalytic converter, placed in exhaust outlets.

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Current

    The flow of electricity and is measured in amps.

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Cycle

    A complete cycle of electric current from positive to negative values.  Sometimes a cycle is referred to as a sine-wave, or wave-form. (see AC).  Buyer would be wise to ensure any generator would yield less than 10% harmonic sine-wave distortion.  Any sine-wave higher than 10% may do damage to plugged-in voltage sensitive loads. (see KLEEN-POWER)

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DC (Direct Current)

    An electric current that flows in one direction only.

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Diode

    A solid state rectifying component, sometimes referred to as a rectifier.  Two diodes are found on the Gillette Rotor, for the purpose of rectifying AC current to DC current for both rotor windings.

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DPM (Diesel Particulate Matter)

    In addition to normal CO, HC, and NOx of all engine emissions, diesel engines also produce a particulate matter (DPM), which can be seen as a smoke or soot and consists of minute particles, identified by EPA and CARB, as being harmful to your health.  These particles can be reduced by the use of a catalytic converter, or a diesel engine particulate filter, in the exhaust outlet.

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E (symbol)

    A symbol for electric volts and is used in mathematical equations.

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Elevation

    Engine horsepower ratings meet SAE J1349.  Reduce these HP ratings by 3.5% for each 1000 feet, over 328 feet above sea level.  This reduction in horsepower is in direct proportion to the reduction in generator KW output.

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Full Power Receptacles

    Allows total generator wattage capacity out of a single receptacle.

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Full Pressure Lubrication

    A feature found only on premium engines.  A separate oil pump supplies oil directly to key elements of engine, providing longer engine service life.  Usually a spin-on oil filter is provided for this full pressure feature.

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Generator

    A device that converts mechanical energy (an engine) into electrical energy (a generator), for use in any type 120/240 volt AC equipment.

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GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)

    A device that will sense current flow in milliamps, from live conductors to ground.  When a fault current to ground is sensed, the power to load is automatically stopped. This prevents electrical shocks to operators around the generator, when grounding is faulty.  This is an OSHA requirement for all 120 VAC electrical circuits at a temporary job-site.

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Gasoline

    Fresh, unleaded, regular grade gasoline of minimum 85 octane must be used, for obtaining full rated engine horsepower.

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Ground

    Bonding the neutral of an AC system, to EARTH (portable use) or to the neutral of a utility power system (standby power use).  It is vitally important to understand proper grounding for standby systems.  See article 250-5 in National Electric Code, for further details.

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HC (Hydro Carbon Compounds)

    A recognized carcinogen, found in emissions (exhaust) from engines and is measure by grams per hour.  this gas is limited to certain levels by EPA, and can have further reductions by use of a catalytic converter, placed in exhaust outlets.

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Hour Meter (Run-Time Meter)

    A device that records total hours of gen-set operation, for use in scheduling periodic preventative maintenance.

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Legally Required Standby Systems

    Standby power for fire fighting, rescue operations, control of health hazards, hospitals, and similar operations. (see article 701, NEC)

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Low Oil Shutdown

    All engines used with Gillette Generators have this low oil protection.  When the oil level becomes too low, the engine will automatically shut-down before damage occurs.  Operator must fill oil to correct level, before engine will re-start.

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Manual Start

    A person must be at the generator or at a remote control station, to either start or stop it's operation.

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NOx (Nitrogen Oxide)

    A highly toxic gas, found in the emissions (exhaust) from engines, and is measured in grams per hour.  this gas is limited to certain levels by EPA, and can have further reductions by use of a catalytic converter, placed in exhaust outlets.

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OHM

    A measurement of electrical resistance, and it's symbol R is used in mathematical equations.  One volt will cause one amp (current) to flow through a resistance of one ohm.

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OHM's Law

    A simple mathematical equation for electrical circuits. Simply cover the answer your after, and perform equation.  Example: E (volts) = I (amps) x R (resistance), or I (amps) = E (volts) / R (resistance), etc.

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OHV (Over Head Valve)

    A symbol to describe the "Overhead Valve" design of the more efficient prime mover engine, over the old, in-efficient "side valve" engine design.

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Optional Standby Systems

    Standby power for public or private facilities where life safety does not depend on the performance of system.  (See Article 702, NEC)

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Phase

    A means of distinction between single phase, a single AC alternating sine wave; or three phase, three AC alternating sine-waves, 120 degrees out of phase with each other.

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Pneumatic Tires

    All portable generators are available with 2-wheel tires.  These 10" air filled, heavy duty, knobby tires help in transporting gen-set over rough terrain.

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Rated Power

    The net amount of KW and Amps produced when generator is working continuously, beyond 1 hour of operation.

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Rotor

   The rotating field windings of the only moving part of the generator set.  Gillette exclusive feature is to precision balance rotors for smoother, vibration free operation.

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RPM (Revolutions Per Minute)

    The designation between 2 groups of generators.  A 3600 RPM engine gen-set is usually classed as portable and 1800 RPM engine gen-set is a stationary unit.

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Service Entrance Switch

    National Electric Code (NEC) states that all optional standby emergency generator sets, must have a disconnect switch between emergency power and normal utility power.

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Short Circuit

    A defect in an electrical circuit that causes improper operation.

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Speed-Matic

    Automatic engine idle device.  While no power is needed, the engine runs at a slow idle, saving fuel and wear.  When correct power is demanded, the engine returns to correct 3600 RPM operation speeds, for correct voltage output.

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Stator

    The stationary and electrical power producing part of a generator.

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Surge-Power

    The amount of electric power, above normal power rating of generator, that can be used to start electric motors.  Typically, Gillette can generate a surge power average of 40% more than rated KW power.  An example is, Model GP-120E with rated power at 11KW, will have 15.4 KW surge power (11kw X 1.4) for 1-1½ seconds after electric motor comes on line.  Notice:  A single phase motor will require 1-2 seconds to start, under normal conditions.

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Temperature (Ambient Operating)

    Higher ambient operating temperatures reduce engine horsepower and generator output by 1% for every 10ºF (5.65°C) rise, above 77°F (25°C).  This meets SAE J1349 test codes.

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Transfer Switch

    A switching device to select either normal utility power, or emergency generator power, and connect this power to the electric load.  There is an automatic transfer switch (no operator required) and a manual transfer switch (an operator must be present for stop-start operation), and it's sole purpose is to insure that these two different voltage systems can not unite.  Article 702.6 National Electric Code, NEC dates 2002 states the following: "A transfer switch is required for all fixed or portable optional standby power systems."

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Twist-Lock Receptacles

    A receptacle that is designed to lock in place with it's matching twist-lock male cap, and cannot be pulled apart, without a twist action.

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Voltage Regulator

    Smaller KW generator use a "Capacitor Load Compensated" (CLC) regulator , which yields plus-minus 5% from nameplate voltage rating.  Larger generators from 15kw rated load and up, have an external solid state regulator, for plus-minus 1% voltage rating.

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Volts

    The measurement of electromotive force (EMF).  One volt applied to a conductor with resistance of one OHM, will produce one amp of current, the symbol for volts is E, and is used in mathematical equations.

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Watt

    The measurement of electrical power.  1000 watts = 1 kilowatt.  A simple mathematical equation for electrical power, assuming a power factor of one:

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Winding

    All copper coils found in the stator and the rotor, Gillette uses only double enameled copper wire, rated at class H, 200 degrees Celsius, for a virtual burn-out proof system.

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