7
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/Pow er
Maximum Extension Cord Length
Amps
at
240V
Load
(watts)
#10
Ga.
Cord
#12
Ga.
Cord
#14
Ga.
Cord
#16
Ga.
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.
Use this chart to estimate the total load on your
generator.
For Determining Generator Load Requirements
Dev ice
Running Watts
Air Conditioner (12,000 Btu)
1700 (a)
Battery Charger (20 Amp)
500
Belt Sander (3”)
1000
Chain Saw
1200
Circular Saw (6-1/2”)
900
Coffee Maker
1000
Compressor (1 HP)
2000 (a)
Compressor (3/4 HP)
1800 (a)
Compressor (1/2 HP)
1400 (a)
Curling Iron
700
Dishwasher
1200
Edge Trimmer
500
Electric Nail Gun
1200
Electric Range (one element)
1500
Electric Skillet
1250
Furnace Fan (1/3 HP)
1200 (a)
Freezer
800 (b)
Hair Dryer
1200
Hand Drill (1”)
1100
Hand Drill (1/2”)
875
Hand Drill (3/8”)
500
Hand Drill (1/4”)
250
Hedge Trimmer
450
Home Computer
150
Impact Wrench
500
Jet Pump
800 (a)
Lawn Mower
1200
Light Bulb
100
Microwave Oven
700
Milk Cooler
1100 (a)
Oil Burner on Furnace
300
Oil Fired Space Htr (140,000 Btu)
400
Oil Fired Space Htr (85,000 Btu)
225
Load Requirements, continued
Oil Fired Space Htr (30,000 Btu)
150
Oven
4500
Paint Sprayer, Airless (1/3 HP)
600 (a)
Paint Sprayer, Airless (handheld)
150
Radio
200
Refrigerator
600 (b)
Slow Cooker
200
Submersible Pump (1-1/2 HP)
2800 (a)
Submersible Pump (1 HP)
2000 (a)
Submersible Pump (1/2 HP)
1500 (a)
Sump Pump
600 (a)
Table Saw (10”)
2000 (a)
Television
500
Toaster
1000
Vacuum cleaner
250
VCR
70
Water Heater
3000
Weed Trimmer
500
(a) Hard-starting motors require 3 to 5 times the
rated running watts.
(b) These loads may require up to 15 minutes to
restart due to its normal build up of compressor head
pressure.
NOTE: For extremely hard to start loads such as
air conditioners and air compressors, consult the
equipment dealer to determine the maximum wattage.
PRE-START PREPARATIONS
Your generator has been thoroughly tested prior to
shipment from the factory. A factory test report has
been included with this manual. However, damage
can occur during shipping, so be sure to check for
damaged parts, loose or missing nuts and bolts. If the
aforementioned problems occur, call customer service
at 1-800-270-0810.
