Connecting the Generator to a
Building Electrical System
It is recommended to use a manual transfer
switch when connecting directly to a building
electrical system. Connecting a portable gen-
erator to a building electrical system must be
made in strict compliance with all national and
local electrical codes and laws, and be com-
pleted by a qualified electrician.
Connecting Electrical Loads
DO NOT connect 240 Volt loads to 120 Volt
receptacles. DO NOT connect 3-phase loads
to generator. DO NOT connect 50 Hz loads to
generator.
Let engine stabilize and warm up for a few
minutes after starting.
Plug in and turn on the desired 120 or 240 Volt
AC, single phase, 60 Hz electrical loads.
Add up the rated watts (or amps) of all loads
to be connected at one time. This total should
not be greater than (a) the rated wattage/
amperage capacity of the generator or (b) cir-
cuit breaker rating of the receptacle supplying
the power. See
Know Generator
Know Generator Limits
Overloading a generator can result in damage
to the generator and connected electrical
devices. Observe the following to prevent
overload:
• Add up the total wattage of all electrical
devices to be connected at one time. This
total should NOT be greater than the gener-
ator's wattage capacity.
• The rated wattage of lights can be taken
from light bulbs. The rated wattage of tools,
appliances, and motors can be found on a
data label or decal affixed to the device.
• If the appliance, tool, or motor does not
give wattage, multiply volts times ampere
rating to determine watts (volts x amps =
watts).
• Some electric motors, such as induction
types, require about three times more watts
of power for starting than for running. This
surge of power lasts only a few seconds
when starting such motors. Make sure to
allow for high starting wattage when select-
ing electrical devices to connect to the gen-
erator:
1. Calculate the watts needed to start the
largest motor.
2. Add to that figure the running watts of all
other connected loads.
The
Wattage Reference Guide
assist in determining how many items the gen-
erator can operate at one time.
NOTE: All figures are approximate. See data
label on appliance for wattage requirements.
12
Limits.
is provided to
Table 3. Wattage Reference Guide
Device
*Air Conditioner (12,000 Btu)
*Air Conditioner (24,000 Btu)
*Air Conditioner (40,000 Btu)
Battery Charger (20 Amp)
Belt Sander (3")
Chain Saw
Circular Saw (6-1/2")
*Clothes Dryer (Electric)
*Clothes Dryer (Gas)
*Clothes Washer
Coffee Maker
*Compressor (1 HP)
*Compressor (3/4 HP)
*Compressor (1/2 HP)
Curling Iron
*Dehumidifier
Disc Sander (9")
Edge Trimmer
Electric Blanket
Electric Nail Gun
Electric Range (per element)
Electric Skillet
*Freezer
*Furnace Fan (3/5 HP)
*Garage Door Opener
Hair Dryer
Hand Drill
Hedge Trimmer
Impact Wrench
Iron
*Jet Pump
Lawn Mower
Light Bulb
Microwave Oven
*Milk Cooler
Oil Burner on Furnace
Oil Fired Space Heater (140,000
Btu)
Oil Fired Space Heater (85,000 Btu)
Oil Fired Space Heater (30,000 Btu)
*Paint Sprayer, Airless (1/3 HP)
Paint Sprayer, Airless (hand-held)
Owner's Manual for Portable Generator
Running
Watts
1700
3800
6000
500
1000
1200
800 to 1000
5750
700
1150
1750
2000
1800
1400
700
650
1200
500
400
1200
1500
1250
700
875
500 to 750
1200
250 to 1100
450
500
1200
800
1200
100
700 to 1000
1100
300
400
225
150
600
150