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D20508
OBTAINING ELECTRICITY FROM
GENERATOR
There are basically two ways to obtain electricity form
a generator:
• Use of extension cords directly from the genera-
tor to the appliance, lights, tools, etc.
• Use of a double-throw transfer switch installed
directly to the main electrical supply outside of
the house.
Extension Cord
When using an appliance or tool at a considerable
distance from the generator, a 3-wire extension cord
that has a 3-blade grounding plug and 3-slot recep-
tacle that accepts the tool’s plug should be used. A
cord of adequate size must be used. A minimum of
12 gauge wire size with at least a 20 amp draw can
be used. When amperage exceeds 20 amps a 10
gauge wire size should be used.
The wattage ratings shown are averages. Wattage requirements may vary
with different brands of appliances.
Application Guide
To select the right generator for your needs, total the wattage
of the items to be run at the same time.
Run
Electric Appliance
Wattage
ContractorEmergency ReliefRecreational
3/8" Hand Drill
Jigsaw
1/3 HP Airless Sprayer
6" Bench Grinder
Belt Sander
Demolition Hammer
7 1/4" Circular Saw
Light Bulb
Home Security
Television
Microwave
Toaster Oven
Portable Heater (5,000 BTU)
Furnace Fan
Refrigerator/Freezer
Sump Pump
Clothes Washer
Water Heater
Air Conditioner (20,000 BTU)
12V DC Battery Charger
Radio
Slow Cooker
Electric Blanket
Electric Skillet
Coffee Maker
Small Refrigerator
100
250
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
5000
5500
6000
6500
7000
7500
Start
An extension cord that is hot
to the touch is overloaded.
Repair or replace damaged extension cords
immediately.
LOW OIL SHUTDOWN
Your Sears generator engine is equipped with Low Oil
Shutdown. Low Oil Shutdown is a safety device
designed to protect your engine from damage in the
event the oil level in the crankcase is low.
If while the engine is running, the oil gets low, it will
automatically shut itself down and will not restart until
the oil is added. If the oil is low before start-up, the
generator will not start until oil is added.
NOTE: The Low Oil Shutdown mechanism is very sen-
sitive. You must fill the engine to the full mark on the
dipstick to inactivate this safety device.
GENERATOR CAPACITY
Exceeding the rated capacity of your generator can
result in serious damage to your generator and
connected electrical devices. You should observe the
following to prevent overloading the unit:
• Starting and running wattage requirements should
always be calculated when matching a generators
wattage capacity to the appliance or tool.
• There are two types of electrical appliances that
can be powered by your generator:
A. Items such as radios, light bulbs, television
sets, and microwaves have a "resistive load".
Starting wattage and running wattage are the
same.
B. Items such as refrigerators, air compressors,
washer, dryer, and hand tools that use an
electrical motor have an "inductive load".
Inductive load appliances and tools require
approximately 2 to 4 times the listed wattage
for starting the equipment. This initial load
only lasts for a few seconds on start-upbut is
very important when figuring your total
wattage to be used.
NOTE: Some inductive appliances and tools will list
on the motor name plate, the starting and running
voltage and amperage requirements. Use the follow-
ing formula to convert voltage and amperage to
wattage: (Volts X Amp = Watts)
• Always start your largest electric motor first, and
then plug in other items, one at a time.
NOTE: On 120-volt loads the maximum starting watt-
age should NOT exceed one half of the rated generator
wattage. Example: a 5250 rated wattage generator =
2625 maximum starting wattage.
The guide is provided to assist you in determining the
appliances and tools that can be ran with the wattage
capacity of your generator.