The O’Brien still operates with its original direct current, or DC, electric generators, and open-front switchboard. They were the ship’s sole source of electric power during WWII.
The three generators receive steam from the boilers to power their own small, individual steam engines and are in use while the ship cruises. When docked, the ship is powered by alternating current, or AC, from a local utility service.
Each generator is rated at 120 volts DC and 167 amps, producing 20 kilowatts of power. Two of them provided all the electrical power the ship required. The third unit, closest to the hull, powered the degaussing cable which was a coil of wire within the hull that encircled the entire ship. It produced a magnetic field to counteract the natural field of the steel and worked to avoid setting off magnetic-triggered mines and torpedoes.
While cruising today, there is a DC-to-AC converter to supply power to modern electrical equipment. Surprisingly, the small compact fluorescent (CLF) bulbs installed to save energy costs run just fine on direct current.
Explore this Station's Gallery
Take the ladder down to visit level 3. Continue viewing the steam engine on your left to see the reversing engine and crankshaft. If no crew are present, this area will be roped off and inaccessible.