Filter
Top Products
10
120V, 60 Hz Motors Starting Amps
HP Motor Running
Watts
RI Type Cap Type SP Type
1/6 525 7-11 9-18 16-22
¼ 700 9-15 12-23 22-32
1/3 875 11-18 14-29 26-35
½ 1175 15-25 20-40 NA
1 1925 24-40 32-64 NA
1 ½ 2400 30-50 40-80 NA
2 1900 36-60 48-96 NA
3 4075 51-85 68-136 NA
5 6750 84-140 112-124 NA
Current/Power Maximum Extension Cord Length
Amps
at
240V
Load
(Watts)
#10 Ga
Cord
#12 Ga
Cord
#14 Ga
Cord
#16 Ga
Cord
10 2400 250’ 150’ 100’ 75’
20 4800 125’ 75’ 50’ 25’
30 7200 60’ 35’ 25’ 10’
40 9600 30’ 15’ 10’ *
50 12000 15’ * * *
*
Not Recommended
Operation Instructions
4. Starting Electric Motors
Electric motors require much more current
(amps) to start than to run. Some motors,
particularly low cost split-phase motors, are
very hard to start and require 5 to 7 times more
current to start than to run. Capacitor motors
are easier to start and usually require 2 to 4
times as much current to start than to run.
Repulsion Induction motors are the easiest to
start and require 1.5 to 2.5 times as much to
start than to run.
Most fractional motors take about the same
amount of current to run whether they are of
Repulsion-Induction (RI), Capacitor (Cap), or
Split-Phase (SP) type. The chart shows the
approximate current required to start and run
various types and sizes of 120 volt 60 cycle
electric motors under various conditions.
The figures given above are for an average load such as a blower or fan. If the electric motor is
connected to a hard starting load such as an air compressor, it will require more starting current. If it is
connected to a light load or no load such as a power saw, it will require less starting current. The exact
requirement will also vary with the brand or design of the motor.
Generators respond to severe overloading differently than power lines. When overloaded, the engine is
not able to supply enough power to bring the electric motor up to operating speed. The generator responds
to the high initial starting current, but the engine speed drops sharply. The overload may stall the engine. If
allowed to operate at very low speeds, the electric motor starter winding will burn out in a short time. The
generator head winding might also be damaged.
Running the generator under these conditions may result in damage to the generator stator as well as the
electric motor windings. Because the heavy surge of current is required for only an instant, the generator will
not be damaged if it can bring the motor up to speed in a few seconds. If difficulties in starting a motor are
experienced, turn off all other electrical loads and if possible reduce the load on the electric motor.
5. Extension Cords
When electric power is to be provided to
various loads at some distance from the
generator, extension cords can be used.
These cords should be sized to allow for
distance in length and amperage so that the
voltage drop between the generator and point
of use is held to a minimum.
CAUTION: Equipment damage can result from
the low voltage caused by using an extension
cord with a small wire size.
WARNING Keep a fire extinguisher close by your generator and be familiar with how to use it. Consult
your local fire department for correct extinguisher type.