GENERATOR CAPACITY AND APPLIANCE WATTAGE
Ensure generator can supply adequate rated (running) and surge (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 surge (starting) wattage needed. Surge 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 surge wattage can be estimated by adding only
the item(s) with highest additional surge watts to the total rated watts as
described below.
EXAMPLES OF RATED AND SURGE WATTAGE
TOOL OR APPLIANCE
Total Rated (Running) Watts
= 2500
Highest Additional Surge Watts
= 2400
Total Generator Output Required
= 4900
1. With nothing connected to generator, start engine by following steps outlined in
this manual.
2. Plug in and turn on first load. This should be the largest load.
3. Allow generator output to stabilize. This will be when engine runs smoothly and
attached load functions normally.
4. Plug in and turn on next load.
5. Again, allow generator output to stabilize. This will be when engine runs
smoothly and attached load functions normally.
6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for each additional load.
Never add more loads to generator than it has capacity for. Take additional
care to consider surge loads in generator capacity.
Exceeding generator load
limit can result in damage to unit and to appliances or tools connected to it.
Exceeding generators wattage/amperage capacity can damage generator
and/or any electrical devices connected to it.
Improper treatment of generator can damage internal components and
shorten the life of unit.
Exhaust heat/gases can ignite combustible materials, structures or
damage to fuel tank resulting in fire.
Keep at least 5 ft. (1.5 m)
clearance on all sides of generator including overhead.
•
DO NOT
exceed wattage/amperage capacity. See “Generator Capacity” section of
this manual.
• If connected devices overheat, turn them
OFF
and disconnect them from generator.
• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) anywhere dampened or highly
conductive areas, such as metal decking or steel work.
•
DO NOT
touch bare wires or outlets. Severe burns or even death can result.
•
DO NOT
use generator with electrical cords which are worn, frayed, bare or
otherwise damaged.
•
DO NOT
handle generator or electrical cables while standing in water, while
barefoot or whenever hands and feet are wet.
•
DO NOT
connect 3-phase loads to generator.
•
DO NOT
connect 50 Hz loads to generator.
• Always connect electrical loads to generator while the load is turned
OFF
. After
connecting loads to generator, turn the load
ON
.
• Always turn electrical loads
OFF
and disconnect them from generator before
stopping generator engine.
Tool or Appliance
Rated (Running) Watts
Additional Surge
(Starting) Watts
Window Air Conditioner
1200
1800
Refrigerator
800
1600
Television
500
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