Brochure

84
Finding the Right Generator
Portable
Generators
EQUIPMENT WATTAGE
Air conditioner (10,000 BTU) 2000–3000
Blanket, electric 150
Broiler 1400
Clothes dryer, electric 5000–10000
Coffee maker 850
Dishwasher 1500–2500
Fan, attic 375
Fan, furnace 800–1200
Fan, window 200
Freezer, food 300–500
Heater, radiant 1300
Hot plate 1250
Refrigerator/freezer 600–2000
Sump pump 400–3000
Toaster 1100–1700
TV, color 100–350
Water heater 3000–4500
Water pump 1000–3000
EQUIPMENT WATTAGE
Blower, electric
1
⁄2 –3 hp
Compressors
1
⁄4 –3 hp
Concrete vibrators,
3
⁄4 -hp 840
Concrete vibrators, 1-hp 1080
Concrete vibrators, 2-hp 1560
Concrete vibrators, 3-hp 2400
Drain cleaners 250
Drills,
1
⁄4 -inch 250–600
Drills,
3
⁄8 -inch 300–600
Drills,
1
⁄2 -inch 350–1200
Drills, 1-inch 1000
Grinders, bench
1
⁄4 –1 hp
Grinders, portable 1000–2500
Hammers, demolition 1260
Hammers, rotary 1200
Heaters, space
1
⁄4 –2 hp
Lights check wattage on bulb
EQUIPMENT WATTAGE
Pump, electric
1
⁄2 hp and up
Routers 900–1100
Sanders, belt 600–1500
Sanders, disc 1200
Sanders, orbital 250
Saws, chain 800–1500
Saws, circular, 6-inch 1000–2500
Saws, cutoff 2500
Saws, jig 200–800
Saws, masonry 2–5 hp
Saws, radial arm 1–5 hp
Saws, table 1–3 hp
Screwdrivers 550
Shears, metal-cutting 750
Wrenches, impact,
1
⁄2-inch 600
Wrenches, impact,
3
⁄4-inch 720
Wrenches, impact, 1-inch 1200
Chart 1: Home applications -
approximate wattage requirements
Chart 2: Portable electric tools - approximate wattage requirements
Chart 3: Motor starting requirements
MOTOR (HP)
RUNNING
WATTS
WATTS REQUIRED TO START MOTOR
REPULSION
INDUCTION CAPACITOR
SPLIT
PHASE
1/8 275 600 850 1200
1/6 275 600 850 2050
1/4 400 850 1050 2400
1/3 450 975 1350 2700
1/2 600 1300 1800 3600
3/4 850 1900 2600 –
1 1100 2500 3300 –
Chart 4: Insulated copper wire size
CURRENT
IN AMPS
LOAD IN WATTS
#4
WIRE
#6
WIRE
#8
WIRE
#10
WIRE
#12
WIRE
#14
WIRE
#16
WIRE
#18
WIRE
@ 120V @ 240V
2.5 300 600 – – – 1000 600 375 250 150
5.0 600 1200 – – – 500 300 200 125 75
7.5 900 1800 – – – 330 200 125 80 50
10.0 1200 2400 – 625 400 250 150 100 50 35
15.0 1800 3600 650 400 265 165 100 50 – –
20.0 2400 4800 500 300 200 125 80 – – –
25.0 3000 6000 400 250 150 100 – – – –
30.0 3600 7200 325 200 125 – – – – –
35.0 4200 8400 275 175 100 – – – – –
40.0 4800 9600 250 150 – – – – – –
45.0 5400 10800
225 – – – – – – –
50.0 6000 12000 200 – – – – – – –
To select an engine-driven generator, you’ll need to determine
the power (kilowatt) requirements that must be met under
operating conditions.
Undersizing the generator can be avoided by considering all
of the loads that will be connected to the generator, and
determining the starting requirements (motor start) of electric
motor-operated devices.
Be sure the generator you select is large enough to handle
your present requirements and anticipated needs.
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 simplified formula may be used:
Amps x Volts = Watts
(Ex. 12.5 Amps x 120 Volts = 1500 Watts)
To determine kilowatts (kW), use the following formula:
1000 Watts = 1 Kilowatt
(Ex. 1500 Watts/1000 Watts = 1.5 kW)
Charts 1, 2, and 3 will help you in selecting the proper size
generator. With lights, heaters and small appliances, simply
add the nameplate ratings or see Chart 1 for average wattage
requirements. For portable electric tools and equipment, check
the nameplate rating or use Chart 2 for average requirements.
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 furnished as 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.