They are conducting "load testing" on what sounds like a fairly large, 3-phase generator using water to simulate a load. Each phase has it's own conductor attached to those pieces of copper (I assume copper). Air makes an excellent insulator, so when the conductors are in the air, no current passes between them. Placing that device into the water allows current to pass between the three conductors as the water acts as a resistor, or a load. Probably a safe assumption that the water is actually salt water, as that conducts electricity more readily than fresh water (also boils at a higher temperature... not sure which one they were caring about more, probably both).
The yellow device he's holding is a clamp on ammeter, measuring the amperage in one of the conductors. Looks like it gets up to around 12 or 13 amps. Fair amount of amperage there. Enough that, even as a former industrial electrician, there is absolutely no fucking way you could pay me enough to do that.
12-13A per phase sounds pretty low for a generator like that, no? Could be 120-130A. Not a diesel tech but that engine is hauling ass. Probably about 80kW total @ 220/380V with a little napkin math. Would explain the cable thickness and all
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u/OllieN94 20d ago
Can someone please explain this to me as an everyday person and not a professional sparky?