To choose a right generator, you will need to consider the maximum and
rated power of the generator. This is important depending on what items
you want to run off of your generator. Items such as toaster, lamps, and
coffee makers are resistive, or constant loads and their total load can
be calculated at amps x 1. Items such as saws and drills are reactive
loads and while the running load may be small, the starting load should
be calculated at running amps x 3. Remember, after the intial start less
power is required for actual operation.
Always remember that simple power management will allow a smaller
generator to do a big job. Very seldom are all tools or appliances
operating simultaneously. When calculating power requirements, consider
the starting requirements are only for the initial start and then
additional tools may be operated in addition.
| |
Running Wattage
Requirements |
Starting Wattage
Requirements |
| Coffee Maker |
1750 |
1750 |
| Dishwasher |
1450 |
1800 |
| Electric Fry Pan |
1300 |
1300 |
| Electric Range |
| 6 Inch Elements |
1500 |
1500 |
| 8 Inch Elements |
2100 |
2100 |
| Microwave Oven 625 watts |
625 |
800 |
| Refrigerator or Freezer |
700 |
2200 |
| Toaster 2-slice |
1050 |
1050 |
| Toaster 4- Slice |
1650 |
1650 |
| Automatic Clothes Washer |
1150 |
2300 |
| Clothes Dryer Gas |
700 |
1800 |
| Clothes Dryer Electric |
5750 |
1800 |
| Dehumidifier |
650 |
800 |
| Electric Blanket (queen size) |
650 |
800 |
| Garage Door Opener ¼hp |
550 |
1100 |
| Garage Door Opener 1/3 hp |
725 |
1400 |
| Furnace Fan 1/8 hp |
500 |
1000 |
| Furnace Fan 1/6 hp |
750 |
1500 |
| Furnace Fan ¼ hp |
900 |
1800 |
| Furnace Fan 1/3 hp |
1000 |
1800 |
| Furnace Fan½hp |
1200 |
1500 |
| Hair Dryer |
300 - 1500 |
300 - 1500 |
| Clothes Iron |
1200 |
1200 |
| Lights |
As Indicated |
As Indicated |
| Radio |
50 - 200 |
50 - 200 |
| Well or Sump Pump 1/3 hp |
750 |
1500 |
| Well or Sump Pump 1/2 hp |
1000 |
2000 |
| Well or Sump Pump 1 hp |
2300 |
4500 |
| Color Television 13 to 32 |
300 |
300 |
| VCR |
50 |
50 |
| Computer |
150 |
150 |
| Modem |
25 |
25 |
| Printer |
100 |
100 |
| Vacuum Cleaner Upright |
800 |
1100 |
| Vacuum Cleaner Canister |
1100 |
1500 |
| Central Air Conditioner |
| 10.000 BTU |
1500 |
2200 |
| 20.000 BTU |
2500 |
3300 |
| 24.000 BTU |
3800 |
4950 |
| 40.000 BTU |
6000 |
7800 |
| Contractor |
Running Wattage
Requirements |
Starting Wattage
Requirements |
| Air Compressor |
| ½ hp |
1000 |
2000 |
| 1 hp |
1500 |
4500 |
| 1½hp |
2200 |
6000 |
| 2 hp |
2800 |
7700 |
| Bench Grinder 6-inch |
720 |
1000 |
| Bench Grinder 8-inch |
1400 |
2500 |
| Bench Grinder 10-inch |
1600 |
3600 |
| Electric Cultivator 1/3 hp |
700 |
1400 |
| Electric Grass Trimmer |
500 |
650 |
| Drum Mixer ¼hp |
700 |
1400 |
| Flood Lights |
As Indicated |
As Indicated |
| Mercury/Halogen |
1000 |
1000 |
| Floor Polisher |
| 16-inch,¾hp |
1400 |
3100 |
| 20-inch, 1hp |
1600 |
4500 |
| Hand Drill¼inch |
350 |
350 |
| Hand Drill 3/8 inch |
400 |
400 |
| Hand Drill½inch |
600 |
600 |
| Submersible |
| Water Pump 400gp |
200 |
400 |
| Water Pump Centrifugal Type |
500 |
650 |
| Wet And Dry Vacuum |
| 1.7 hp |
900 |
900 |
| 2.5 hp |
1300 |
1300 |
| Saws |
| Worm Drive (chop saw) |
1800 |
2600 |
| Circular Saw 6½inch |
800 |
1200 |
| Circular Saw 7¼inch |
1400 |
2300 |
| Circular Saw 8 ¼ inch |
1800 |
3000 |
| Electric Chain Saw |
1100 |
1400 |
| Table Saw 9 inch |
1500 |
3000 |
| Table Saw 10 inch |
1800 |
4500 |
| Electric Welder 70 amp |
2800 |
2800 |
| Band Saw |
1100 |
1400 |
| Farm Equipment |
Running Wattage Requirements |
Starting Wattage Requirements |
| Electric Fence, 25 miles |
250 |
250 |
| Stock Tank De-Icer |
1000 |
1000 |
| Grain Cleaner |
650 |
1000 |
| Portable Conveyer½hp |
1000 |
2400 |
| Grain Elevator¾hp |
1000 |
2400 |
| Milk Cooler |
1100 |
2300 |
| Mixer 3½Cubic Feet |
| ¾hp |
2800 |
7700 |
| Milking Machine, 2 hp |
1100 |
2300 |
|
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