Identification
How to Read a Generator Data Plate
The data plate is the metal or printed label that identifies the generator. A clear photo of it tells a technician more than the canopy colour. Not every plate contains every field below. Read what is printed, and do not invent the missing lines.
- A photo is enough to start
- Not every plate has every field
- Engine plate and generator plate differ
- Onsite across Gauteng
What the label is for
Which plate am I looking at?
The generator data plate is usually on the alternator or the canopy and describes the electrical machine: maker, model, serial number, kVA, voltage, frequency and phase. The engine has its own plate, often on the block, with the engine serial and model. The controller has a model on its fascia. They are three labels. A booking is easier when the photos are not mixed up.
Common fields, when they are present, are manufacturer, model, serial number, kVA, kW, voltage, current in amps, frequency in hertz, phase, power factor, rpm, a standby rating, a prime rating, and a date. If a line is absent, it is absent. Do not calculate a missing kW and write it on the photo as if it were printed.
ProService Generator Repairs asks for the photo so the visit matches the set: the right service discussion, the right fault page, and parts that belong to that alternator or engine. Send the generator plate, the engine plate if you can find it, a controller photo, and a photo of any alarm. The callouts page is how the visit is booked after that.
Fields you may see
Make, rating and duty
Manufacturer, model and serial
The make and model place the set among the brands already published. The serial identifies that machine. Both can be on different plates.
kVA, kW, voltage and amps
These are the electrical rating. kVA and kW are explained on the conversion page. Amps are the current at the stated voltage. Use the printed figures.
Frequency, phase and power factor
Hertz, single- or three-phase, and power factor. Phase has its own guide. Power factor is what makes kVA and kW differ.
RPM and duty ratings
Engine speed and, where printed, standby and prime kVA. Two kVA numbers are two duties, not a choice of the larger one. Some plates show a manufacture date. Many do not.
Alternator plate
On many sets the alternator has the electrical ratings and the canopy has a reseller label. If they disagree, photograph both and say which is which.
Why the photo is requested
It avoids a wrong parts assumption and a wrong kVA. It is the first thing to send with a fault description.
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Common Questions
Questions about generator data plates
What is a generator data plate?
The label that identifies the set and, usually, its electrical rating. It is not the same label as the engine plate.
Does every plate show kW and kVA?
No. Some show kVA only. Some show both, plus power factor. Read what is there.
Where is the plate?
Often on the alternator end or on the canopy frame. The engine plate is on the engine. If you cannot find it, photograph the controller and the canopy badges instead.
The plate is painted over. What then?
Send what is still readable, plus the controller and any engine stamping you can see safely without dismantling the set.
Why do you want the engine plate as well?
Service parts and intervals follow the engine. The generator plate follows the electrical rating. They answer different questions.
What should I send with a fault?
Generator plate, engine plate if relevant, controller photo, and a photo of the alarm text.
Can the plate tell you the fault?
It identifies the machine. The fault is still what the set is doing. Send both.
Still unsure what the fault is? Call or WhatsApp 082 057 4605 for onsite diagnosis.
Service Areas
Onsite visits across Gauteng
Technicians travel to the generator. These are the main Gauteng areas. Suburb pages sit under each region.
What to send before we attend
ProService Generator Repairs confirms an onsite visit from these details. Send what you have. A missing model number does not stop the booking.
- Location
- The suburb or site, so the visit can be booked in the right area.
- Make and model
- The generator brand and model, if they are known.
- kVA
- The size printed on the data plate.
- Fuel type
- Diesel, petrol, LPG, natural gas, or dual-fuel.
- Controller model
- The module name on the panel, when it is visible.
- Fault or alarm
- What the set does, and any text on the screen.
- Photos
- The generator, the data plate, and the controller or alarm. Send these on WhatsApp.
Book a Visit
Send the plate photos
Generator plate, engine plate if you can see it, and the controller if there is an alarm.
- Call
- 082 057 4605
- Message us on WhatsApp