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Wattage Information
Some appliances need a “surge” of energy when starting. This means that
the amount of electrical power needed to start the appliance may exceed
the amount needed to maintain its use.
Electrical appliances and tools normally come with a label indicating
voltage, cycles / Hz, amperage (amps) and electrical power needed to run
the appliance or tool.
Check with your nearest dealer or service provider with questions regard-
ing power surge of certain appliances or power tools.
• Electrical loads such as incandescent lamps and hot plates require the
same wattage to start as is needed to maintain use.
• Loads such as fluorescent lamps require 1.2 to 2 times the indicated
wattage during start-up.
• Loads for mercury lamps require 2 to 3 times the indicated wattage
during start-up.
• Electrical motors require a large starting current. Power requirements
depend on the type of motor and its use. Once enough “surge” is
attained to start the motor, the appliance will require only 30% to 50%
of the wattage to continue running.
• Most electrical tools require 1.2 to 3 times their wattage for running
under load during use. For example, a 5000 watt generator can power
a 1800 to 4000 watt electrical tool.
• Loads such as submersible pumps and air compressors require a very
large force to start. They need 3 to 5 times the normal running wattage in
order to start. For example, a 5000 watt generator would only be able to
drive a 1000 to 7000 watt pump.
To determine the total wattage required to run a particular electrical
appliance or tool, multiply the voltage figure of the appliance / tool by
the amperage (amps) figure of same. The voltage and amperage (amps)
information can be found on a name plate which is normally attached to
electrical appliances and tools.
operation
CAUTION
If an electric motor fails to start or reach running speed, turn off the
appliance or tool immediately to avoid equipment damage. Always
check the requirements of the tool or appliance being used compared
to the rated output of the generator.
