Determining the right size generator

To select an engine-driven generator, youll need to determine the power (kilowatt) requirements which must be met under operating conditions. Undersizing the generator can be avoided by considering all of the loads that will be connected to the generator, and by determining the starting requirements (motor start) of electric motor-operated devices. tools, or other equipment to be connected to lights, heaters, and small appliances, simply the generator. add the nameplate ratings or see Chart 1 for average wattage requirements. For portable Check the nameplates to determine wattage. electric tools and equipment, check the If wattage is not shown, but amps and volts nameplate rating or use Chart 2 for average are given, the following simplified formula requirements. If watts and/or amps are not may be used: given and only the horsepower is shown, Amps x Volts = Watts use Chart 3 to determine the starting and (Ex. 12.5 amps x 120 volts = 1,500 watts) running watts. Chart 4 is furnished as a guide for selecting the proper size of insulated copper wire when extension cables are used. We recommend the use of outdoor-rated (U.L.) cable, recognized type SJTW-A.

To determine kilowatts (kW), use the Be sure the generator you select is large following formula: enough to handle your present requirements 1,000 Watts = 1 Kilowatt and anticipated needs. (Ex. 1,500 Watts/1,000 = 1.5 kW) To determine the right size generator, add Charts 1, 2, and 3 shown will help you up the total watts of all lights, appliances, in selecting the proper size generator. With Chart 1: Home applications

approximate wattage requirements Equipment Wattage Air conditioner, 10,000-Btu Blanket, electric Broiler Clothes dryer, electric Coffee maker Dishwasher Fan, attic Fan, furnace Fan, window Freezer, food Heater, radiant Hot plate Refrigerator/freezer Sump pump Toaster TV, color Water heater Water pump 2,0003,000 150 1,400 5,00010,000 850 1,5002,500 375 8001,200 200 300500 1,300 1,250 6002,000 4003,000 1,1001,700 100350 3,0004,500 1,0003,000

Chart 2: Portable electric tools approximate wattage requirements

Equipment Blower, electric Compressors Concrete vibrators, 34-hp Concrete vibrators, 1-hp Concrete vibrators, 2-hp Concrete vibrators, 3-hp Drain cleaners Drills, 14-in. Drills, 38-in. Drills, 12-in. Drills, 1-in. Grinders, bench Grinders, portable Hammers, demolition Hammers, rotary Heaters, space Lights

Wattage
123

Equipment Pump, electric Routers Sanders, belt Sanders, disc Sanders, orbital Saws, chain Saws, circular, 6-in. Saws, cutoff Saws, jig Saws, masonry Saws, radial arm Saws, table Screwdrivers Shears, metal-cutting Wrenches, impact, 12-in. Wrenches, impact, 34-in. Wrenches, impact, 1-in.

Wattage
12

hp 143 hp 840 1,080 1,560 2,400 250 250600 300600 3501,200 1,000 141 hp 1,0002,500 1,260 1,200 142 hp check wattage on bulb

hp and up 9001,100 6001,500 1,200 250 8001,500 1,0002,500 2,500 200800 25 hp 15 hp 13 hp 550 750 600 720 1,200

Chart 3: Motor starting requirements

Chart 4: Insulated copper wire size

Running Motor (hp) watts

18 16 14 13 12 34

Watts required to start motor Repulsion Split induction Capacitor phase 600 600 850 975 1,300 1,900 2,500 850 850 1,050 1,350 1,800 2,600 3,300 1,200 2,050 2,400 2,700 3,600

275 275 400 450 600 850 1,100

Current in amperage 2.5 5.0 7.5 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 45.0 50.0

Load in watts Maximum allowable cable length at at 120 240 #4 #6 #8 #10 #12 #14 #16 #18 volts volts wire wire wire wire wire wire wire wire 300 600 600 1,200 900 1,800 1,200 2,400 1,800 3,600 650 2,400 4,800 500 3,000 6,000 400 3,600 7,200 325 4,200 8,400 275 4,800 9,600 250 5,400 10,800 225 6,000 12,000 200 625 400 300 250 200 175 150 400 265 200 150 125 100 1,000 500 330 250 165 125 100 600 300 200 150 100 80 375 200 125 100 50 250 125 80 50 150 75 50 35

Note: These are suggested guidelines only, please contact a qualified electrician or licensed contractor for assistance.