Generator Starters and Recoils

Generator starters and recoils are essential components used to initiate the operational process of a generator. They essentially function as the ignition key, sparking the generator to life.

1. Generator Starters: Usually, an electric starter is a device that turns electrical energy into mechanical energy. In a generator, this is typically achieved through a motor fitted with a solenoid. When the generator starter is activated, the solenoid pushes a small gear into place that meshes with the gears of the flywheel, which is directly connected to the generator's engine. This interaction spins the generator's engine, causing it to start. Generator starters are commonly found in larger portable generators and standby generators due to their ease of use.

2. Recoil Starters: Recoil starters, on the other hand, are also known as pull-start mechanisms. They typically consist of a rope with a grip that is wound around a pulley and attached to a recoil spring. When the operator pulls on the grip, the rope unwinds, causing the pulley to spin and engage the crankshaft, which in turn sparks the engine into life. After the engine starts and the grip is released, the rope rewinds back into the pulley apparatus due to the tension in the recoil spring. Recoil starters are popular options for smaller portable generators because of their simplicity and cost-effectiveness.