PORTABLE GENERATORS
Finding the Right Generator
Be sure the generator you select is large enough to handle your requirements and anticipated needs.
To determine kilowatts (kW), use the following formula: 1000 Watts = 1 Kilowatt (Ex. 1500 Watts/1000 Watts = 1.5 kW)
To determine the right size generator, add up the total watts of all lights, appliances, tools or other equipment to be connected to the generator. Check the nameplates to determine wattage. If wattage is not shown but amps and volts are given, the following simple formula may be used: Amps x Volts = Watts (Ex. 12.5 Amps x 120 Volts = 1500 Watts)
Charts 1, 2 and 3 will help you select the proper size generator. If watts and/or amps are not given and only the horsepower is shown, use Chart 3 to determine the starting and running watts.
Chart 4 is a guide for selecting the proper size of insulated copper wire when extension cords are used. We recommend the use of outdoor-rated (UL) cable, recognized type SJTW-A.
Chart 1: Home Applications – Approximate Wattage Requirements
Chart 2: Portable Electric Tools – Approximate Wattage Requirements
EQUIPMENT
WATTAGE/HORSEPOWER
EQUIPMENT
WATTAGE
EQUIPMENT
WATTAGE/HORSEPOWER
Pump, electric
1 ⁄
2 -HP and up
Air conditioners (10,000 BTU)
2000 - 3000
Blowers, electric
1 ⁄ 1 ⁄
2 - 3.0-HP
Routers
900 - 1100-watts 600 - 1500-watts
Blankets, electric
150
Compressors
4 - 3.0-HP 840-watts 1080-watts 1560-watts 2400-watts 250-watts
Sanders, belt Sanders, disc Sanders, orbital
Broilers
1400
Concrete vibrators, 3 ⁄
4 -HP
1200-watts 250-watts
Clothes dryer, electric
5000 - 10000
Concrete vibrators, 1.0-HP Concrete vibrators, 2.0-HP Concrete vibrators, 3.0-HP
Coffee makers Dishwashers
850
Saws, chain
800 - 1500-watts 1000 - 2500-watts
1500 - 2500
Saws, circular, 6-inch
Fans, attic
375
Drain cleaners
Saws, cutoff
2500-watts
Fans, furnace Fans, window Freezers, food Heaters, radiant
800 - 1200
Drills, 1 ⁄ Drills, 3 ⁄ Drills, 1 ⁄
4 -inch 8 -inch 2 -inch
250 - 600-watts 300 - 600-watts 350 - 1200-watts
Saws, jig
200 - 800-watts
200
Saws, masonry Saws, radial arm
2.0 - 5.0-HP 1.0 - 5.0-HP 1.0 - 3.0-HP 550-watts 750-watts 600-watts 720-watts 1200-watts
300 - 500
1300 1250
Drills, 1-inch
1000-watts 4 - 1.0-HP 1 ⁄
Saws, table Screwdrivers
Hot plates
Grinders, bench Grinders, portable Hammers, demolition
Refrigerators/freezers
600 - 2000 400 - 3000 1100 - 1700
1000 - 2500-watts
Shears, metal-cutting
Sump pumps
1260-watts 1200-watts 4 - 2.0-HP 1 ⁄
Wrenches, impact, 1 ⁄ Wrenches, impact, 3 ⁄
2 -inch 4 -inch
Toasters
Hammers, rotary Heaters, space
TVs
100 - 350
Wrenches, impact, 1-inch
Water heaters Water pumps
3000 - 4500 1000 - 3000
Lights
Check wattage on bulb
Chart 3: Motor Starting Requirements
Chart 4: Insulated Copper Wire Size
WATTS REQUIRED TO START MOTOR
LOAD IN WATTS
MOTOR (HP)
RUNNING WATTS
REPULSION INDUCTION CAPACITOR
SPLIT PHASE
CURRENT IN AMPS @ 120V @ 240V
#4 WIRE
#6 WIRE
#8 WIRE
#10 WIRE
#12 WIRE
#14 WIRE
#16 WIRE
#18 WIRE
1/8 1/6 1/4 1/3 1/2 3/4
275 275 400 450 600 850
600 600 850 975
850 850
1200 2050 2400 2700 3600
2.5 5.0 7.5
300
600
– – –
– – –
– 1000 600 375 250 150 – 500 300 200 125 75 – 330 200 125 80 50
600 1200 900 1800 1200 2400
1050 1350 1800 2600 3300
10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 45.0 50.0
– 625 400 250 150 100 50 35
1300 1900 2500
1800 3600 650 400 265 165 100 50
– – – – – – – –
– – – – – – – –
– –
2400 4800 500 300 200 125 80 3000 6000 400 250 150 100 –
– – – – – – –
1
1100
3600 7200 325 200 125 – 4200 8400 275 175 100 –
– – – – –
4800 9600 250 150 –
– – –
5400 10800 225 – 6000 12000 200 –
– –
99
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