GENERATOR CAPACITY AND APPLIANCE WATTAGE
Ensure generator can supply adequate rated (running) and peak (starting) wattage
for devices it will power at same time. Follow the steps below:
1. Select all devices that will be powered at the same time.
2. Total rated running watts of devices. This is amount of power the generator
must produce to keep devices running. See table below.
3. Estimate amount of peak (starting) wattage needed. Peak wattage is a short
burst of power needed to start electric motor-driven tools and appliances such
as an electric compressors, pumps, drills or refrigerators. Because not all
motors start at same time, total peak wattage can be estimated by adding only
the item(s) with highest additional peak watts to the total rated watts as
described below.
EXAMPLES OF RATED AND PEAK WATTAGE
TOOL OR APPLIANCE
Total Rated (Running) Watts
= 2300
Highest Additional Peak Watts
= 3600
Total Generator Output Required
= 5900
24
Tool or Appliance
Rated (Running) Watts
Additional Peak
(Starting) Watts
Circular Saw - 7-1
1000
2000
Refrigerator
800
1600
Television
500
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