5
The
surge wattage
corresponds to
the maximum amount of power the
generator can output for an
extremely short period of time
(seconds). Many electrical devices,
such as refrigerators, require short
bursts of extra power, in addition to
the rated wattage listed by the
device, to start their motors. The
surge wattage
ability of the generator covers this
extra power requirement.
The total running wattage
requirement of the electrical devices
connected to the generator should
net exceed the rated wattage of the
generator itself. To calculate the total
wattage requirement of the electrical
devices you wish to connect, find the
rated (or running) wattage of each
device. This number should be listed
somewhere on the device or in its
instruction manual. If you cannot find
this wattage, you may calculate it by
multiplying the Voltage requirement
by the Amperage drawn:
Watts = Volts x Amperes
If these specifications are not
available, you may estimate the
watts required by your device by
using the chart in Figure 8.
Once you have found the rated
wattage requirement of each
electrical device, add these
numbers to find the total rated
wattage you wish to draw from
the generator. If this number
exceeds the rated wattage of
the generator, DO NOT connect
all these devices. Select a
combination of electrical
devices, which has a total rated
wattage lower than or equal to
the rated wattage of the
generator.
CAUTION:
The generator can
run at its surge wattage capacity
for only a short time. Connect
electrical devices requiring a
rated (running) wattage equal to
or less than the rated wattage of
the generator. Never connect
devices requiring a rated
wattage equal to the surge
wattage of the generator.
tool or appliance
rated (running) Watts
additional surge Watts
electric water heater (40 gal)
4000
0
hot plate
2500
0
saw- radial arm
2000
2000
electric stove
1500
0
saw- circular
1500
1500
air compressor (1 HP)
1500
3000
window air conditioner
1200
1800
saw- miter
1200
1200
microwave
1000
0
water pump
1000
1000
reciprocating saw
960
1040
sump pump
800
1200
refrigerator freezer
800
1200
furnace blower
800
1300
computer
800
0
electric drill
600
900
deep freezer
500
500
garage door opener
480
0
stereo
400
0
box fan
300
600
clock radio
300
0
common light bulb
75
0
FIGURE 8 - Estimated wattage requirements of common electrical devices
NOTE: The above wattage figures are estimates. Try to check the wattage
listed on your electrical device before consulting this chart.
