EGSA On-Site Power Apprenticeship Course (Unofficial)

Course Overview

This course is designed to prepare technicians for success on the EGSA Apprentice Certification Exam and provide a solid foundation for careers in on-site power generation. It introduces learners to the fundamentals of emergency power systems, giving them the knowledge and confidence to work safely and effectively as entry-level generator technicians.

Students will explore core topics like AC and DC electrical theory, prime movers, generators, and controls, while gaining a clear understanding of how these systems work together to deliver critical backup power. The course emphasizes safety practices, industry terminology, and real-world applications, ensuring participants can connect classroom concepts to the equipment and systems they’ll encounter in the field.

Key Learning Objectives:

Introduction to On-Site Power Systems
• Understand what an Emergency Power Supply System (EPSS) is and why backup power matters in critical applications.
• Learn how generators, transfer switches, and controls integrate to protect hospitals, data centers, and other essential services.

Basic Electrical Theory & Terms
• Gain a working knowledge of key electrical concepts, including voltage, current, resistance, and power.
• Learn and apply Ohm’s Law and basic power equations to real-world scenarios.

AC & DC Fundamentals
• Understand the differences between AC and DC power and why both matter in on-site generation.
• Explore concepts like frequency, phase, and RMS voltage, and how they apply to single-phase and three-phase systems.

Prime Movers & Generators
• Learn the role of diesel and natural gas engines (prime movers) in power generation.
• Understand generator and alternator principles, components, and how power is produced and delivered.

Controls, Governors & Switchgear
• Get introduced to automatic voltage regulators, governors, and transfer switches — the “brains” of backup power systems.
• Learn the basics of how these devices manage and protect generator output.

Safety & Best Practices
• Develop essential safety habits, including PPE selection, grounding, and safe work practices around live and standby systems.
• Gain awareness of industry codes, standards, and guidelines relevant to generator work.

This course builds the foundation every generator technician needs — the vocabulary, theory, and safety mindset to start working under supervision and continue learning in the field. By the end, students will have the confidence to take the EGSA Apprentice Exam and take the first step toward a career in the on-site power industry.

*EGSA® is a registered trademark of the Electrical Generating Systems Association. Prime Systems Academy is not affiliated with or endorsed by EGSA. This course is intended to support individuals preparing for certification by providing educational resources aligned with publicly available standards and industry best practices.

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