Forebay
Water diverted from the American River into the forebay
was used to power the turbines
Headgates
Hydraulically operated gates which controlled the flow of water
into the turbines, and also diverted water to dump canals to
maintain proper water levels in the forebay.
Hydraulic Headgate Lifts
Raised and lowered the headgates to control the flow of water in
and around the powerhouse.
Dump Canal Flume Diverted
excess water from the forebay back into the American river,
bypassing the powerhouse entirely.
Generators
Each of the four 800 volt generators weigh 57,877 pounds and
spin at 300rpm.
Control Panel
Turbine Shaft
Fire extinguisher
Generator
Flow Control Apparatus
Forebay Level Indicators These mechanical gauges placed near the ceiling of the
powerhouse, monitored the water levels in the forebay.
Governor Controlled the flow of water through the turbine to maintain
proper generator output. The governor measured the speed of the
turbine shafts and adjusted the flow of water accordingly.
Exciter Generator
Produced D.C. (direct current) to energize the windings of the
main generators.
Governor
Generators 2, 3 & 4
Control Panel
All power generation functions were monitored and controlled
from this panel made from 2” thick marble.
Phone Booth
This phone booth, located inside the powerhouse, is constructed
of double oak walls and double paned glass to minimize the roar
of the power generation equipment.
Disconnect Switches
Disconnected the powerhouse from the transmission grid. The
transformers and disconnect switches seen today are not the
original units installed when the powerhouse was built, but were
retrofitted as modernization and upkeep.
