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contaminants. Over time the effectiveness of the
insulation is eliminated and a dead short can result.
Always compare the generator nameplate data
with that of the equipment to be used to ensure that
watts, volts, amperage, and frequency requirements
are suitable for operating equipment. The wattage
listed on the equipment nameplate is its rated
output.
However, some equipment may require
three to ten times more wattage than its rating on
the nameplate, as the wattage is influenced by the
equipment efficiency, power factor and starting
system.
NOTE: If wattage is not given on
equipment nameplate, approximate wattage may
be determined by multiplying nameplate voltage
by nameplate amperage.
VOLTS X AMPS = WATTS
Example: 120V
600W
When connecting a resistive
incandescent lights, heaters or common electric
power tools, a capacity of up to the generator full
rated wattage output can be used.
When connecting a resistive-inductive load such
as a fluorescent or mercury light, transformers or
inductive coils, a capacity of up to 0.6 times the
generator's full rated output can be used.
Always allow the generator to reach operating
speed before a load is applied.
STARTING ELECTRIC MOTORS
Electric motors require much more current
(amps) to start than to run.
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.
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 them whether they are of
Repulsion-Induction (RI), Capacitor (Cap), or Split-
Phase (SP) type. The following chart shows the
approximate current required to start and run
various types and sizes of 120 volt 60 cycle electric
motors under various conditions.
120V,
60
Hz
Motors
Hp
Running
RI type
motor
Watts
1/6
525
X 5A
=
load such as
Some motors,
Repulsion Induction
Starting Amps
Cap
SP
type
type
7-11
9-18
16-22
1/4
700
1/3
875
1/2
1175
1
1925
1 1/2
2400
2
2900
3
4075
5
6750
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
differently than the power line. 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.
operate at very low speeds, the electric motor
starting 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 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.
EXTENSION CORDS
When electric power is to be provided to various
loads at some distance from
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 set
and point of use is held to a minimum.
Current/Pow e
Maximum Extension Cord Length
r
Amps
Load
at
(watts)
240V
10
2400
20
4800
30
7200
7
9-15
12-23
11-18
14-29
15-25
20-40
24-40
32-64
30-50
40-80
36-60
48-96
51-85
68-136
84-140
112-224
severe
overloading
If allowed to
the
generator,
#10
#12
#14
Ga.
Ga.
Ga.
Cord
Cord
Cord
250'
150'
100'
125'
75'
50'
60'
35'
25'
22-32
26-35
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
#16
Ga.
Cord
75'
25'
10'
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