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19
SOME NOTES ABOUT POWER CORDS
Long or thin cords can require more wattage from a generator to power an electrical device. Figure 7 shows the recommended cords according to the
power requirement of the electrical device. When using cords that exceed these specifications, allow for the electrical devic e to have a slightly higher
rated wattage requirement.
Device Requirements
Max. Cord Length (ft) by Wire Gauge
Amps
Watts (120V)
Watts (240V)
#8 wire
#10 wire
#12 wire
#14 wire
#16 wire
2.5
300
600
NR
1000
600
375
250
5
600
1200
NR
500
300
200
125
7.5
900
1800
NR
350
200
125
100
10
1200
2400
NR
250
150
100
50
15
1800
3600
NR
150
100
65
NR
20
2400
4800
175
125
75
50
NR
25
3000
6000
150
100
60
NR
NR
30
3600
7200
125
65
NR
NR
NR
40
4800
9600
90
NR
NR
NR
NR
NR = Not Recommended.
Figure 7 - Maximum Extension Cord Lengths by Power Requirement
A device's rated (running) wattage should be listed somewhere on the device itself and/or in its manual. If the wattage speci fication for a device is not
available, the wattage can be calculated by multiplying the Voltage requirement (120 or 240) by the Amperage drawn.
Watts = Volts x Amperes
Or, the wattage required by a device can be estimated by using the following chart (see Figure 8). The chart provi des only estimates and it is better to
know the exact wattage of each electrical device to be powered by this generator.
Electrical Device
Rated (Running) Watts
Additional Surge Watts
air compressor (1 HP)
1500
3000
air compressor (1 - 1/2 HP)
2500
2500
airless sprayer (1/3 HP)
600
1200
box fan
300
600
clock radio AM/FM
300
0
coffee maker
1500
0
computer w/17 inch monitor
800
0
deep freezer
500
500
electric drill (1/2 HP)
1000
1000
DVD/CD player or VCR
100
0
furnace fan blower (1/2 HP)
800
1300
garage door opener (1/2 HP)
480
520
hot plate
2500
0
light bulb (75 watt)
75
0
microwave oven (1000 watt)
1000
0
quartz halogen work light
1000
0
refrigerator/freezer (18 Cu. Ft.)
800
1600
saw - circular (7 1/4 inch)
1500
1500
saw - miter (10 inch)
1800
1800
saw - reciprocating
960
1040
security system
180
0
electric stove - single element
1500
0
sump pump
800
1200
television (27 inch color)
500
0
electric water heater (40 gallon)
4000
0
window air conditioner (10000 BTU)
1200
1800
window fan
300
600
Figure 8 - Estimated wattage requirements for common electrical devices.
