Generator rating and performance data are found on the generator data plate.

Where the numbers live: the generator data plate and why it matters

Let’s keep this simple and straight to the point. When you’re checking a generator, the most trustworthy source of its ratings and performance limits is right on the unit itself—the data plate that’s bolted to the generator. No scavenger hunt through folders or manuals required. In the world of aviation powerplants, the data plate is the unit’s own “passport”: the information you need to know at a glance to keep things safe, compliant, and operating smoothly.

What is the generator data plate?

Think of it as a durable, weathered business card for the generator. The plate is affixed directly to the generator and contains the essential specifications that define what the generator can and should do. You’ll typically see details like the model number, serial number, rated output (often given as kW and/or kVA), voltage rating, phase, and frequency. Depending on the manufacturer, there may also be operational limits, cooling method, and sometimes even the date of manufacture or service codes. It’s a compact bundle of critical facts that technicians rely on during installation, troubleshooting, and routine checks.

Why the data plate is the go-to source

Here’s the thing: manuals and handbooks are invaluable resources, but they’re not the live, unit-specific heartbeat of your generator. The data plate is. It’s attached to the very piece of equipment it describes, so the numbers you read there match precisely what’s installed in front of you. If you’re in a hangar late at night or running a quick field check, that plate is often the fastest, most reliable reference.

• It’s unit-specific: the same model can appear in many places, but the plate ties numbers to the exact generator you’re working with.

• It’s damage-tolerant: designed to survive vibration and temperature swings, the plate isn’t going to drift or become illegible as long as it’s intact.

• It’s the baseline: you can compare what you read on the plate with what you expect based on the system design, and quickly spot a mismatch.

What you’ll typically see on the plate

To keep things grounded, here’s a quick tour of the data you’re most likely to encounter on a generator data plate:

• Model and serial numbers: the unique identifiers that tell you exactly which unit you’re dealing with.

• Rated output: kW and/or kVA, sometimes shown as apparent and real power.

• Voltage and phase: what the generator is configured to deliver and in what electrical arrangement.

• Frequency: usually 50 or 60 Hz, depending on the region and aircraft system.

• Current rating: the maximum continuous current the generator can safely deliver.

• Cooling method and mounting details: helpful for understanding heat dissipation and installation constraints.

• Optional engineering numbers or service codes: used by manufacturers and maintenance teams to track versions and parts.

• Operational notes: any caution flags or limits that affect how the generator should be run.

All of this sits in one place, on the plate, so you don’t have to juggle multiple sources to confirm that a unit is suitable for a given job.

How this differs from manuals, the aircraft operations handbook, and logs

• Manufacturer manuals: These are encyclopedic guides. They cover installation, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting steps, and part numbers for a broad family of units. They’re excellent for understanding how a generator should work in general and for sourcing service parts. But they’re not the unit’s instant, live data. When you need precise performance figures for the specific generator on your aircraft, the data plate wins.

• Aircraft Operations Handbook (or equivalent): This book provides aircraft-wide operating limits and procedures. It’s essential for flight operations, safety margins, and system interactions. It doesn’t replace the need to know your generator’s personal numbers. For example, the handbook will say what the electrical system requires in a given scenario, but the exact generator’s output in that scenario comes from the data plate and the system’s current condition.

• Maintenance logs: These are historical records. They tell you what work has been done, what parts were replaced, and when. They’re fantastic for tracking wear, service intervals, and recurring issues. They don’t define the generator’s inherent capabilities or current performance specs—that information lives on the data plate and in the current state of the unit.

In practice, you’ll use all of them in a complementary way. The data plate gives you the “what” for the current unit. Manuals provide the “how to” for upkeep. The ops handbook frames the “why it matters” for safe operation. Logs tell the story of what’s been done before. Together, they form a complete picture.

Field-ready steps to use the data plate effectively

• Locate the plate fast: Most generators have the plate on the side or face of the unit. If you’re installing a temporary generator or swapping a unit, take a moment to read the plate before you connect anything.

• Read the numbers clearly: Note the rated output, voltage, phase, frequency, and current. Make sure you’re reading the unit-specific values, not a generic spec you found in a manual.

• Cross-check with the system: Compare the plate data with the electrical load requirements and the airplane’s electrical configuration. Do the numbers line up with what the aircraft systems expect? If not, you’ve got a red flag.

• Verify during installation and maintenance: When you install, replace parts, or perform inspections, use the plate as the anchor for your checks. If a part has changed, confirm that the plate’s data still matches the installed configuration.

• Record what you see: It’s worth snapping a quick photo of the plate or noting the key figures in the maintenance log or a digital notebook. That way, anyone who grabs the unit later can verify it quickly.

A few practical notes that often matter

• Units matter: kW vs kVA, volts, and current ratings all have to line up with what the electrical system needs. A mismatch between kW and kVA can lead to under- or over-stressing components.

• Always check the date and serial: If a unit has been swapped or re-tagged, the plate helps you confirm you’re looking at the correct configuration. This can save a lot of headaches if you’re tracking spare parts or service intervals.

• Look for cooling and ambient limits: Some plates include operating temperature ranges or cooling requirements. Run-time during hot weather, or in a confined space, can push the generator to those limits.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Misreading values: It happens. The numbers can be small, and the plate might have multiple columns. Take a breath, double-check the label, and verify the units. If something looks off, pause and reassess before you power anything up.

• Not distinguishing plate data from manual data: The plate is unit-specific. Treat it as the source of truth for that generator, not a general spec pulled from a similar model.

• Ignoring maintenance history: Even if the data plate looks perfect, past service can impact performance. Combine plate readings with a quick scan of the logs to catch mismatches due to recent work.

• Overlooking safety margins: The plate may indicate limits, but the real-world scenario might demand tighter margins. Always factor in safety and procedural limits from the aircraft’s operating handbook.

Tips for a calm, confident routine

• Keep a small quick-reference card in the cockpit or maintenance pouch with the most common plate values for your fleet. It saves time and keeps you focused on the task.

• Create a habit: whenever you connect or disconnect a generator, glance at the data plate first, then at the system’s load. It’s a simple check that pays off in reliability.

• Use a digital repository to store photos of plates and their key numbers. Tag them by aircraft and unit number so you can pull up the right data in seconds.

• Don’t hesitate to reach for the plate when you’re unsure. It’s there precisely for that moment—when you want certainty without wading through page after page of manuals.

Final thoughts: the data plate as a clear, dependable reference

In aviation power systems, the generator data plate isn’t a fancy add-on; it’s the bedrock of reliable operation. It gives you immediate visibility into what the unit is capable of delivering, and it anchors your decisions in real, installed hardware rather than assumptions. Yes, manuals are invaluable, and yes, the operations handbook sets the tone for safe operation. But for the moment of truth—when you need the exact push the unit can give, or the precise safety boundaries it must respect—the plate is your first, best reference.

So next time you approach a generator, pause for a breath, and read the plate. You’ll notice a rhythm in the numbers—a short countdown of volts, amps, and watts—that tells you everything you need to know about whether the generator is ready for the job at hand. It’s a small tag with big responsibility, and that’s often exactly how good aviation engineering works: simple, robust, and absolutely on point.

If you’re curious to see how those figures map to real-world scenarios, take a moment to compare a few example plates from different makes. You’ll spot the same core data, just expressed in slightly different styles. The consistency is the throughline: a generator’s truth is stamped on its plate, and that truth keeps the whole system honest, safe, and dependable.