Electrokinetica - Factory: Generator hall

Welcome to the Generator Hall

Introduction | Roopers lighting plant | Belliss and Morcom generator | Lister Start-O-Matic

Introduction

Before the power distribution network had been developed to provide the extensive coverage it does today, many electrical installations were powered by privately owned generating plants on the premises. Even in areas where public electricity supplies were available, it was still sometimes possible with careful management to generate in-house at lower cost becuse of the relatively small scale on which the supply companies operated. Complete power-houses were erected at large factories, with the facilities attended day and night by maintenance staff, whereas country houses might delegate the daily operation of their rather smaller sets to the motor mechanic. Very compact sets for cottage use could be installed in a corner of the shed, and provide a useful amount of electricity where none could be got otherwise. Here in the generator hall we will be assembling a collection of machines of all sizes, with their smart switchboards and polished brasswork showing the enginemens' pride in their jobs.