LOAD APPLICATION
It is important to determine the total electrical load
120V, 60 Hz Motors | Starting Amps | |||
Hp motor | Running | RI type | Cap type | SP type |
| Watts |
|
|
|
before it is connected to the generator. The two major factors in determining the life of a generator head are: heat build up, caused by overloading the generator and corrosive contaminants, that attack the wiring insulation. If the generator is overloaded, the wires become excessively hot and cause the insulation to break down, reducing its ability to resist corrosive contaminants. Over time the effectiveness of the insulation is eliminated and a dead short can result.
1/6
1/4
1/3
1/2
1
11/2
2
3
5
525
700
875
1175
1925
2400
2900
4075
6750
NA NA NA NA NA NA
Always compare the generator nameplate data with that of the equipment to be used to ensure that watts, volts, amperage, and frequency requirements are suitable for operating equipment. The wattage listed on the equipment nameplate is its rated output. However, some equipment may require three to ten times more wattage than its rating on the nameplate, as the wattage is influenced by the equipment efficiency, power factor and starting system. NOTE: If wattage is not given on equipment nameplate, approximate wattage may be determined by multiplying nameplate voltage by nameplate amperage.
VOLTS | X AMPS | = WATTS |
Example: 120V | X 5A | = 600W |
When connecting | a resistive load such as | |
incandescent lights, heaters or common electric power tools, a capacity of up to the generator full rated wattage output can be used.
When connecting a
Always allow the generator to reach operating speed before a load is applied.
STARTING ELECTRIC MOTORS
Electric motors require much more current (amps) to start than to run. Some motors, particularly low cost
Most fractional motors take about the same amount of current to run them whether they are of
The figures given above are for an average load such as a blower or fan. If the electric motor is connected to a hard starting load, such as an air compressor, it will require more starting current. If it is connected to a light load, or no load, such as a power saw, it will require less starting current. The exact requirement will also vary with the brand or design of the motor.
Generators respond to severe overloading differently than the power line. When overloaded, the engine is not able to supply enough power to bring the electric motor up to operating speed. The generator responds to the high initial starting current, but the engine speed drops sharply. The overload may stall the engine. If allowed to operate at very low speeds, the electric motor starting winding will burn out in a short time. The generator head winding might also be damaged.
Running the generator under these conditions may result in damage to the generator stator as well as the motor windings. Because the heavy surge of current is required for only an instant, the generator will not be damaged if it can bring the motor up to speed in a few seconds. If difficulties in starting a motor are experienced, turn off all other electrical loads and if possible reduce the load on the electric motor.
EXTENSION CORDS
When electric power is to be provided to various loads at some distance from the generator, extension cords can be used. These cords should be sized to allow for distance in length and amperage so that the voltage drop between the set and point of use is held to a minimum.
Current/Power | Maximum Extension Cord Length | ||||
Amps | Load | #10 | #12 | #14 | #16 |
at | (watts) | Ga. | Ga. | Ga. | Ga. |
240V |
| Cord | Cord | Cord | Cord |
10 | 2400 | 250’ | 150’ | 100’ | 75’ |
20 | 4800 | 125’ | 75’ | 50’ | 25’ |
30 | 7200 | 60’ | 35’ | 25’ | 10’ |
40 | 9600 | 30’ | 15’ | 10’ | * |
50 | 12000 | 15’ | * | * | * |
*Not recommended
CAUTION: Equipment damage can result from the low voltage caused by using an extension cord with a small wire size.
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