Kohler 10ERG, 15ERG manual Appendix A Generator Selection and Wattage Requirements, Appliance Loads

Appendix A Generator Selection and Wattage Requirements

General Wattage Requirements Appliance Loads

Consider the total wattage requirements (lights, motors, appliances) when selecting a generator set, or when sizing wattage usage in which available space and construction limit the size of the generator set.

Motor Loads

When figuring generator set capacity requirements for loads that include electric motors, consider the high current demanded by the motors during startup. The inrush or starting current is typically 2 to 3 times higher than that required when the motor reaches normal operating speed. Allow a reserve for inrush demands plus other loads that could be on the line as the electric motor starts. Use Figure 1 as a guide when selecting generator set capacity requirements involving motor loads.

	Starting
Motor	(Inrush)	Running
HP	Watts	Watts
1/4	750	330
1/3	1000	400
1/2	1500	600
3/4	2000	750
1	3300	1100
2	4000	2000
3	5000	3000

Figure 1 Motor Requirements

Generator sets often furnish AC for appliances such as TVs, stereos, and electric water heaters. Except for the resistance-type loads such as the water heater, the requirements for appliances are usually low. Do not overlook such loads when figuring the total requirements. Allow a reserve capacity for anticipated appliance loads to avoid overloading a generator set.

Lighting Load

To calculate the lighting load, add the wattage of each generator set-operated lamp. Note that not all of the lights or lamps are on the generator set AC circuit—some are DC powered by a 12-volt battery. Ensure that the calculated total wattage includes only lights actually on the generator set AC circuit.

Air Conditioners

The starting characteristics of air conditioners vary greatly—for example, one 12,000 Btu unit has lower starting requirements than a 10,000 Btu unit of another variety. When using only one unit, there is usually no starting problem provided that the lighting and appliance load is not too high when starting the generator set.

Simultaneous starting of two air conditioning units, however, can present problems if the generator set capacity is marginal. Because of the variation in starting characteristics among air conditioners, this publication makes no statements regarding multiple-motor starting capabilities of the generator set covered. Consider delayed starting or the use of easy-starting devices on air conditioner units whenever simultaneously starting more than one motor.

See Figure 2 for typical air conditioner requirements. The requirements vary among different manufacturers.

Air Conditioner Size (Btu)

	7,000		9,000		12,000		16,000		24,000
Voltage	115	230	115	230	115	230	115	230	230
Full load amps	9.3	4.8	9.9	5.0	11.8	6.3	16.3	8.0	11.6
Rated load amps	7.7	4.0	7.0	3.5	8.9	4.8	13.0	6.2	10.2
Locked rotor amps	34.0	20.0	40.0	20.0	50.0	31.0	75.0	36.0	56.0
Starting (inrush) watts	3910	4600	4600	4600	5750	7130	8630	8280	12,900
Running watts	886	920	805	805	1020	1100	1500	1430	2350

Figure 2 Typical Air Conditioner Requirements (60 Hz)

TP-6335 9/04 Appendix A-1