Generac Power Systems 5500XL, Owner'S Manual, Page: 10 / 18

Generac Portable Products 5500XL Extended Life Generator
10
DON’T OVERLOAD THE
GENERATOR
Overloading a generator in excess of its rated wattage
capacity can result in damage to the generator and/or
connected electrical devices. Observe the following to
prevent overloading the unit:
• Add up the total wattage of all electrical devices to
be connected at one time. This total should NOT be
greater than the generator’s wattage capacity.
• 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 plate or decal
affixed to the device.
• If the appliance, tool or motor does not give wattage,
multiply 120 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 surge of power lasts
for only a few seconds when starting such motors.
Be sure you allow for this high starting wattage
when selecting electrical devices to connect to your
generator. First figure the watts needed to start the
largest motor. Add to that figure the running watts of
all other connected loads.
• Items in the wattage reference guide (Figure 10) are
provided to help you to determine how many items
the generator can operate at one time.
Recreational/Home Uses
Tool/Appliance...................................................Watts
AM/FM clock radio....................................................50
Light bulb ................................................................100
Fan .........................................................................200
20" color TV ............................................................400
*Deep freezer .........................................................500
Personal computer and 15" monitor .......................800
*1/3 hp furnace fan blower......................................800
Microwave oven......................................................800
*18 cu ft refrigerator................................................800
Sump pump ..........................................................1000
Electric skillet........................................................1250
*½ hp water well pump .........................................1400
*12,000 Btu window air conditioner ......................1400
Space heater ........................................................1800
Electric water heater.............................................4000
Professional/Contractor Uses
Tool/Appliance...................................................Watts
*1/3 hp airless sprayer............................................600
3/8" hammer drill.....................................................600
Variable speed Sawzall®........................................960
½" power drill........................................................1000
Quartz-halogen work light.....................................1000
Belt sander ...........................................................1200
7 ¼" circular saw ..................................................1500
7 ¼" worm drive saw ............................................1600
*1½ hp air compressor .........................................1800
*10" power miter saw............................................1800
6" bench grinder ...................................................1800
*6" table planer .....................................................1800
*10" table/radial arm saw......................................2000
Wire feed welder...................................................2400
* allow 3 times listed watts for starting this device
Figure 10 — Wattage Reference Guide