Rating

Author: E.E. Kimberly

An alternator is usually rated at the load in kv-a which it is capable of carrying continuously at rated speed and voltage without exceeding the allowable temperature rise. Also, it is usually rated at a power factor of 80 per cent or 100 per cent. The 80% rating means that the field is sufficiently strong to provide the rated terminal voltage at the rated kv-a, even though the load power factor be as low as 80 per cent lagging.