Generators
Selection Guide
PORTABLE GENERATOR SELECTION GUIDE To choose the correct generator, first calculate the total power (in kilowatts) required during normal operation. To avoid undersizing the generator, identify all electrical devices that will be used at the same time and consider the additional start-up (inrush) power needed for motor-driven equipment. Select a generator that can handle this total load and include an extra 20% capacity as a safety margin to prevent overloading.
Step 1: List the appliances/tools you want to power Add up the Running (continuous) watts for all items you plan to run simultaneously.
Step 2: Identify Starting (Surge) Watts Appliances with electric motors (fridges, pumps, air conditioners, power tools, Air compressors) require 2–5 x more power to start.
Step 3: Calculate Total Required Power Generator Size = Total Running Watts + Highest Starting Watts
TYPICAL APPLIANCE WATTAGE GUIDE Always check labels on your appliances as specifications may vary, below is only an example.
Model
Running Watts
Starting Watts
Fridge/Freezer
200 W 1300 W 2000 W 1900 W
800 W 2500 W 2000 W 1900 W
Microwave
Kettle
Toaster (4 Slice)
32” TV
60 W
60 W
Inverter Split-System Air Conditioner (Home)
2000 W 1500 W 1400 W 900 W 1500 W 800 W
4000 W 3500 W 2300 W 1800 W 6000 W 3750 W
Caravan Air Conditioner (3.5kW)
Circular Saw Angle Grinder
Air Compressor (2HP) Water Pump (1HP)
CALCULATING GENERATOR SIZE Add together the wattage of all lights, appliances, tools, and equipment that will be powered by the generator. The wattage is usually shown on the equipment nameplate.
If wattage is not listed but voltage and current are, use the following formula:
To convert watts to kilowatts (kW):
Amps × Volts = Watts Example: 12.5 Amps × 240 Volts = 3,000 Watts
1,000 watts = 1 kilowatt Example: 3,000 Watts ÷ 1,000 = 3.0 kW
All BE Inverter Generators are rated @ unity or 1.0pf (3.5kVA x 1.0 x 1000 = 3500W)
WELDERS When selecting a generator to power a welder, always refer to the welder manufacturer’s specifications or contact the manufacturer directly for guidance. CLEAN POWER EXPLAINED (THD & Pure Sine Wave) Clean power refers to the quality and stability of the electrical output supplied by a generator. It is especially important when powering sensitive electronic equipment such as computers, televisions, battery chargers, medical devices, and modern appliances that use microprocessors or electronic control boards. TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION (THD) Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) measures how closely the electrical output of a generator matches a smooth, stable sine wave. - A lower THD percentage indicates cleaner, more stable power. - A higher THD percentage means the power output is more distorted and less consistent.
THD <3%
ALL BE GENERATORS FEATURE LOW THD OF LESS THAN 5%
BE Pressure Supply Pty Ltd - Price List August 2026
820
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