A generator must maintain two critical electrical characteristics: voltage and frequency. The AVR regulates voltage, while the governor regulates engine speed and, therefore, frequency. This guide explains how each control loop works, what causes voltage or frequency to drift, and how to specify the regulation performance your application requires. Two Control Loops, Two Different Jobs […]
Diesel Generator Maintenance Checklist for Long-Term Reliability
A diesel generator only protects your facility if it starts when the utility drops. Most failures during a real outage trace back to skipped routine service: a flat starting battery, a clogged fuel filter, contaminated fuel, or coolant that was never topped off. This checklist organizes diesel generator maintenance into clear intervals (daily, weekly, monthly, […]
Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) vs. Switchgear: Key Differences, Types and How to Choose
In modern facilities, outages can halt operations, damage sensitive equipment and put lives at risk. That’s why robust standby power systems are a must. Two components often mentioned in the same breath are the automatic transfer switch (ATS) and switchgear. They work together to ensure power from the utility or a generator reaches your equipment […]
What Is an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) and Why It Matters
An automatic voltage regulator (AVR) is an electronic device that maintains a generator’s output voltage at a stable, preset level. In diesel and other standby generators, the AVR continuously monitors voltage at the generator terminals and automatically adjusts the alternator’s excitation to compensate for load changes. This prevents voltage from rising too high or dropping […]
What Is a Generator Transfer Switch and Why Do You Need One?
In this article, we’ll explain how transfer switches work, why electrical codes require them, the main differences between manual and automatic models, and how to select the right switch for an industrial standby generator. Key Takeaways What Is a Generator Transfer Switch? A generator transfer switch is a permanently installed electrical switching device that connects […]
What Are Engine Block Heaters and 6 Tips for Maintaining Them
Key Takeaways What Is an Engine Block Heater? An engine block heater is an electric heating element designed to warm up an engine’s coolant and internal components before starting up. In cold temperatures, engine oil thickens, and coolants can become sluggish, making it difficult for a generator’s engine to crank and run smoothly. For diesel […]
Natural Gas Generator Cost Guide for Business & Industry
What Does a Natural Gas Generator Cost? What Does a Natural Gas Generator Cost and Why It’s Worth It for Backup Power Natural gas generators are a reliable choice for industrial and commercial facilities that need consistent backup or prime power. From manufacturing plants and data centers to healthcare systems and utilities, understanding the actual […]
What Is a Black Start Generator and Why It Matters for Emergency Power Resilience
Emergency power systems have transitioned from optional to essential in today’s energy environment, which is marked by increasing grid vulnerabilities, wild weather patterns, and critical infrastructure dependency. Traditional backup generators are not always enough for power plants, refineries, and data centers, especially in a total blackout scenario. That’s where black start generators come in. A […]
Why Buying from Depco Makes Sense for Power Equipment
When you’re sourcing critical power equipment—like diesel generators, marine engines, or other industrial power equipment: choosing where to buy is just as important as what you buy. With Depco Power Systems, you gain more than just a product—you gain a partner committed to your project’s success. We’re not middlemen. We own our inventory. We test […]
Backup Power for Assisted Living Facilities: Regulations & Best Practices
Why Backup Power is Critical for Assisted Living Facilities Reliable emergency power is essential for the safety and well-being of residents in assisted living facilities. It ensures critical systems like heating, cooling, and lighting remain operational while keeping life-sustaining medical equipment—such as respirators and oxygen machines—running without disruption. Beyond medical needs, backup power supports daily […]
How Does a Generator Produce Electricity?
Diagram: How a generator converts mechanical energy into electrical power through electromagnetic induction. Generator Electricity Production System Complete Energy Flow: Mechanical Energy → Electrical Power Mechanical Components Energy Flow Electrical Output ⛽ Fuel System Diesel, Natural Gas, Propane, or Gasoline Fuel Input ⚙️ Engine Combustion creates mechanical rotation Mechanical Energy 🔄 Rotor Rotating magnetic field […]
Analog Vs. Digital Control Panels – What’s Best For Generator Power Systems?
Like any complex machine, industrial generators and engines have user interfaces that allow an operator to monitor its actions, ensure it is functioning efficiently and step in when something goes awry. Even in the best conditions, generators still slow down, speed up, overheat, or malfunction due to a number of potential factors, along with the […]
