The total running wattage requirement of the electrical devices connected to a generator should not exceed the rated wattage of the generator itself. To calculate the total wattage requirement of the electrical devices to be connected, look up the rated (running) wattage of each device and add these numbers together to find the total wattage that all of the devices together will draw from the generator. If the total wattage of the selected devices exceeds the rated wattage of the generator, DO NOT connect all of the devices. Select a combination of the electrical devices that will have a total wattage less than or equal to the rated wattage for the generator, i.e., no more than 5000 for this ACDelco Model
This generator can run at its surge wattage capacity for only a short time. Connect electrical devices requiring a rated (running) wattage equal to or less than the rated wattage of this generator. Never connect devices requiring a rated wattage equal to the surge wattage of a generator.
A device's rated (running) wattage should be listed somewhere on the device itself and/or in its manual. If the wattage specification for a device is not available, the wattage can be calculated by multiplying the Voltage requirement (120 or 240) by the Amperage drawn.
Watts = Volts x Amperes
Or, the wattage required by a device can be estimated by using the following chart (see Figure 7). The chart provides only estimates and it is better to know the exact wattage of each electrical device to be powered by this generator.
Electrical Device | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
air compressor (1 HP) | 1500 | 3000 |
air compressor (1 - 1/2 HP) | 2500 | 2500 |
airless sprayer (1/3 HP) | 600 | 1200 |
box fan | 300 | 600 |
clock radio AM/FM | 300 | 0 |
coffee maker | 1500 | 0 |
computer w/17 inch monitor | 800 | 0 |
deep freezer | 500 | 500 |
electric drill (1/2 HP) | 1000 | 1000 |
DVD/CD player or VCR | 100 | 0 |
furnace fan blower (1/2 HP) | 800 | 1300 |
garage door opener (1/2 HP) | 480 | 520 |
hot plate | 2500 | 0 |
light bulb (75 watt) | 75 | 0 |
microwave oven (1000 watt) | 1000 | 0 |
quartz halogen work light | 1000 | 0 |
refrigerator/freezer (18 Cu. Ft.) | 800 | 1600 |
saw - circular (7 1/4 inch) | 1500 | 1500 |
saw - miter (10 inch) | 1800 | 1800 |
saw - radial arm | 2000 | 2000 |
saw - reciprocating | 960 | 1040 |
saw - table/radial (10 inch) | 2000 | 2000 |
security system | 180 | 0 |
stereo receiver | 450 | 0 |
electric stove - single element | 1500 | 0 |
sump pump | 800 | 1200 |
table planer (6 inch) | 1800 | 1800 |
television (27 inch color) | 500 | 0 |
electric water heater (40 gallon) | 4000 | 0 |
well water pump (1/3 HP) | 1000 | 2000 |
window air conditioner (10000 BTU) | 1200 | 1800 |
window fan | 300 | 600 |
Figure 7 - Estimated wattage requirements for common electrical devices.
Connect electrical devices to this generator according to the following procedure:
1.Allow the engine to run for several minutes after it has been started.
2.Confirm that the electrical device is switched off prior to plugging it into this generator.
Model | 17 |