A sodium hypochloride generator is a system where diluted brine solution goes through an electrochemical reaction, producing sodium hypochloride as its final product. The hypochlorite ion can then release oxygen free radicals [O], which are highly oxidative when present in solution. These free radicals cause protein denaturation in the biological matter of microorganisms, thus killing any pathogens present. The detailed electrochemical mechanism is shown below:

Anode: 2Cl^– →Cl₂+2e^–
Cathode: 2H₂O+2e^–→2OH^–+H₂

Solution Reaction: Cl₂+2OH^–→Cl^–+ClO^–+H₂O