Operation
12
Owner’s Manual for Portable Generator
Grounding Generator If Used as Portable
An equipment ground connects the generator frame com-
ponents to ground terminals on the AC output recepta-
cles. This allows the generator to be used as a portable
without grounding the frame as specified in NEC 250.34.
Neutral bonded to frame.
Special Requirements
There may be Federal or State Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, local codes,
or ordinances that apply to the intended use of the gener-
ator.
Consult a qualified electrician, electrical inspector, or the
local agency having jurisdiction:
•
In some areas, generators are required to be registered
with local utility companies.
•
If the generator is used at a construction site, there may be
additional regulations which must be observed.
Connecting to Building Electrical System
Use a manual transfer switch when connecting directly to
a building electrical system. Installation and connections
must be performed by a qualified electrician and in strict
compliance with all national and local electrical codes
and laws.
Know Generator Limits
Overloading a generator in excess of its rated wattage
capacity can result in damage to the generator and to
connected electrical devices. Observe the following rules
to avoid overloading:
•
Add up the total wattage of all electrical devices to be con-
nected at one time. The total should NOT be greater than
the wattage capacity of the generator.
•
The rated wattage of lights can be taken from light bulbs.
The rated wattage of tools, appliances and motors can
usually be found on a data label or decal affixed to the
device.
•
If the appliance, tool or motor does not give wattage, multi-
ply volts times ampere rating to determine watts (volts x
amps = watts).
•
Some electric motors, such as induction types, require
about three times more watts of power for starting than for
running. This power surge lasts only a few seconds. To
allow for high starting wattage when selecting electrical
devices to connect to the generator, proceed as follows:
1.
Figure the watts needed to start the largest motor.
2.
Add to that figure the running watts of all other connected
loads.
3.
See Subsection Wattage Reference Guide for help in
determining how many items the generator can operate at
one time.
All figures are approximate. See data
label on appliance for actual wattage
requirements.
Wattage Reference Guide
DANGER
Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES.
Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide. This is
a poison you cannot see or smell.
NEVER use inside a home
or garage, EVEN IF doors
and windows are open.
Only use OUTSIDE and
far away from windows,
doors, and vents.
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Device
Running
Watts
*Air Conditioner (12,000 Btu)................................. 1700
*Air Conditioner (24,000 Btu)................................. 3800
*Air Conditioner (40,000 Btu)................................. 6000
Battery Charger (20 Amp)...................................... 500
Belt Sander (3”)...................................................... 1000
Chain Saw.............................................................. 1200
Circular Saw (6-1/2”).............................................. 800 to 1000
*Clothes Dryer (Electric)......................................... 5750
*Clothes Dryer (Gas).............................................. 700
*Clothes Washer.................................................... 1150
Coffee Maker.......................................................... 1750
*Compressor (1 HP)............................................... 2000
*Compressor (3/4 HP)............................................ 1800
*Compressor (1/2 HP)............................................ 1400
Curling Iron............................................................. 700
*Dehumidifier.......................................................... 650
Disc Sander (9”)..................................................... 1200
Edge Trimmer......................................................... 500
Electric Blanket...................................................... 400
Electric Nail Gun..................................................... 1200
Electric Range (per element).................................. 1500
Electric Skillet......................................................... 1250
*Freezer................................................................. 700
*Furnace Fan (3/5 HP)........................................... 875
*Garage Door Opener............................................ 500 to 750
Hair Dryer............................................................... 1200
Hand Drill............................................................... 250 to 1100
Hedge Trimmer...................................................... 450
NOTICE:
