electrical
generator Capacity
Make sure the generator can supply enough continuous (running) and surge (starting) watts for the items you will power at the same time. Follow these simple steps.
1. Select the items you will power at the same time.
2. Totalthe continuous (running) watts of these items. This is the amount of power the generator must produce to keep the items running. See the wattage reference chart at right.
3. Estimatehow many surge (starting) watts you will need. Surge wattage is the short burst of power needed to start electric
Example:
Tool or Appliance | Continuous |
| Surge | |||
(Running) Watts | (Starting) Watts | |||||
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Window AC, | 1200 |
| 1800 |
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10,000 BTU |
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Refrigerator | 700 |
| 2200 |
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1/3 HP Well Pump | 1000 |
| 2000 |
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27 in. Television | 500 |
| 0 |
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Light (75 Watts) | 75 |
| 0 |
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| 3475 Total | 2200 Highest | ||||
| Running Watts | Surge Watts | ||||
Total Continuous (Running) Watts | 3475 |
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Plus Highest Additional Surge Watts | + 2200 |
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Equals Total Generator Output Required | 5675 |
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POWER MANAGEMENT
To prolong the life of the generator and attached devices, it is important to take care when adding electrical loads to the generator. There should be nothing connected to the generator outlets before starting its engine. The correct and safe way to manage generator power is to sequentially add loads as follows:
1.With nothing connected to the generator, start the engine as described later in this manual.
2.Plug in and turn on the first load, preferably the largest load you have.
3.Permit the generator output to stabilize (engine runs smoothly and attached device operates properly).
4.Plug in and turn on the next load.
5.Again, permit the generator to stabilize.
6.Repeat steps 4 and 5 for each additional load.
Never add more loads than the generator capacity. Take special care to consider surge loads in generator capacity as previously described.
caution:
Do not overload the generator’s capacity. Exceeding the generator’s wattage/amperage capacity can damage the generator and/or electrical devices connected to it.
| Typical | Typical | ||
Tool or Appliance | Continuous* | Surge* | ||
(Running) | (Starting) | |||
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| Watts | Watts | ||
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Essentials |
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Light Bulb − 75 Watt | 75 |
| 75 | |
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Refrigerator/Freezer | 700 | 2200 | ||
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Sump Pump − 1/2 HP | 1050 | 2200 | ||
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Water Well Pump − 1/3 HP | 1000 | 1500 | ||
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Electric Water Heater | 4000 |
| 0 | |
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Heating/Cooling |
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Furnace Fan − 1/2 HP | 800 | 2350 | ||
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Window AC − 10,000 BTU | 1200 | 1800 | ||
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Space Heater | 1800 |
| 0 | |
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Kitchen |
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Microwave Oven − 1000 Watt | 1000 |
| 0 | |
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Coffee Maker | 1000 |
| 0 | |
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Electric Stove − Single Element | 2100 |
| 0 | |
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Toaster Oven | 1200 |
| 0 | |
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Family Room |
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VCR | 100 |
| 0 | |
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CD/DVD Player | 100 |
| 0 | |
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Stereo Receiver | 450 |
| 0 | |
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Color Television − 27 in. | 500 |
| 0 | |
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Other |
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Security System | 500 |
| 0 | |
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Curling Iron | 1500 |
| 0 | |
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Garage Door Opener − 1/2 HP | 875 | 2350 | ||
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Hair Dryer − 1/2 HP | 1250 |
| 0 | |
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DIY/Job Site |
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Quartz Halogen Work Light | 1000 |
| 0 | |
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Airless Sprayer − 1/3 HP | 600 | 1200 | ||
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Reciprocating Saw | 960 |
| 0 | |
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Electric Drill − 1/2 HP | 600 | 900 | ||
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Circular Saw − | 1400 | 2300 | ||
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Miter Saw − 10 in. | 1800 | 1800 | ||
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Planer/Jointer − 6 in. | 1800 | 1800 | ||
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Table Saw/Radial Arm Saw − | 2000 | 2000 | ||
10 in. |
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Air Compressor − 1 HP | 1600 | 4500 | ||
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*Wattages listed are approximate. Check tool or appliance for actual watt- age.