DON'T OVERLOAD
THE
GENERATOR
Overloading a generator in excess of its rated wattage
capacity can result in damage to the generator and to
connected electrical devices. Observe the following to
prevent overloading the unit:
•
Add up the total wattage of all electrical devices to
be connected at one time. This total should NOT
be greater than the generator's wattage capacity.
•
The rated wattage of lights can be taken from light
bulbs. The rated wattage of tools, appliances and
motors can usually be found on a data plate 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 you allow for this high starting wattage
when selecting electrical devices to connect to your
generator:
1. Figure 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 below is provided to
assist you in determining how many items your
generator can operate at one time.
NOTE: All figures are approximate. See data plate on
appliance for wattage requirements.
WATTAGE
REFENCE
GUIDE
Recreational/Home
Uses
Tool/Appliance
........................
Watts
AM/FM clock radio .........................
50
Light bulb ...............................
100
Fan ...................................
200
20" color TV .............................
400
*Deep freezer
...........................
500
Personal computer and 15" monitor ...........
800
"1/3 hp furnace fan blower ..................
800
Microwave oven ..........................
800
"18 cu ft refrigerator .......................
800
Sump pump ............................
1000
Electric skillet ...........................
1250
*½ hp water well pump ....................
1400
"12,000 Btu window air conditioner
..........
1400
Space heater ...........................
1800
Electric water heater .....................
4000
Professional/Contractor
Uses
Tool/Appliance
........................
Watts
"1/3 hp airless sprayer .....................
600
3/8" hammer drill .........................
600
Variable speed Sawzall® ...................
960
½" power drill ...........................
1000
Quartz-halogen
work light .................
1000
Belt sander
............................
1200
7 ¼" circular saw ........................
1500
7 ¼" worm drive saw .....................
1600
"1½ hp air compressor ....................
1800
"10" power miter saw .....................
1800
6" bench grinder
........................
1800
*6" table planer .........................
1800
"10" table/radial arm saw ..................
2000
Wire feed welder ........................
2400
* allow 3 times listed watts for starting this device
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