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Don't Overload Generator
Capacity
You must make sure your generator cansupply enough
rated (running) and surge (starting) watts for the items you
will power at the same time. Follow these simple steps:
1. Selectthe itemsyou will power at the same time.
2. Total the rated(running) watts of these items. This is
the amount of power your generator must produce to
keep your items running. SeeWattageReferenceGuide.
3. Estimatehow many surge (starting) watts you will need.
Surge wattageis the short burst of power neededto
start electric motor-driven tools or appliancessuch asa
circular saw or refrigerator. Becausenot all motors start
at the sametime, total surge watts can be estimatedby
adding only the item(s) with the highest additionalsurge
watts to thetotal rated watts from step 2.
Example:
Tool orAppliance
Window Air
Conditioner
Refrigerator
DeepFreezer
Television
Light (75 Watts)
Rated (Running)
Watts
1200
800
500
500
75
3075 Total
Running Watts
AdditionalSurge
(Starting)Watts
1800
1600
5OO
1800 Highest
SurgeWatts
Total Rated(Running) Watts = 3075
Highest Additional Surge Watts = 1800
Total GeneratorOutput Required = 4875
Power Management
To prolong the life of your generator and attached devices, it
is important to take carewhen adding electrical loadsto your
generator. Thereshould be nothing connectedto the
generator outlets before starting its engine. Thecorrect and
safe way to manage generator power isto sequentiallyadd
loads as follows:
1. With nothing connectedto the generator,start the
engine asdescribed in this manual.
2. Plug in andturn on the first load, preferablythe largest
load you have.
3. Permit the generatoroutput to stabilize (engine runs
smoothly and attached deviceoperates properly).
4. Plug in andturn on the next load.
5. Again, permit the generatorto stabilize.
6. Repeatsteps 4 and 5 for eachadditional load.
NEVERadd more loads than the generatorcapacity.Take
special careto consider surge loads in generator capacity, as
described above.
Wattage ReferenceGuide
Rated*
Tool or Appliance
Essentials
Light Bulb - 75 watt
Deep Freezer
Sump Pump
Refrigerator/Freezer- 18 cf
Water Well Pump- 1/3 hp
Heating/Cooling
Window AC - 10,000 BTU
Window Fan
FurnaceFan Blower- 1/2 hp
Kitchen
Microwave Oven- 1000 Watt
Coffee Maker
Electric Stove - Single Element
Hot Plate
Family Room
DVD/CDPlayer
VCR
Stereo Receiver
Color Television - 27 in
Personal Computer w/17 in
monitor
Other
Security System
AM/FM Clock Radio
GarageDoor Opener- 1/2 hp
Electric Water Heater- 40 gallon
DIY/Job Site
Quartz HalogenWork Light
Airless Sprayer- 1/3 hp
Reciprocating Saw
Electric Drill- 1/2 hp
Circular Saw - 7-1/4 in
MiterSaw- 10 in
Table Planer- 6 in
Table Saw/RadialArm Saw - 10 in
Air Compressor - 1-1/2 hp
* Wattageslisted are approximate only.
appliance for actual wattage.
(Running)
Watts
Additional
Surge
(Starting)
Watts
75
500 500
800 1200
800 1600
1000 2000
1200 1800
300 600
800 1300
1000
1500
1500
2500
100
100
450
500
800
180
300
480 520
4000
1000
600 1200
960 960
1000 1000
1500 1500
1800 1800
1800 1800
2000 2000
2500 2500
Checktool or
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