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Power Load Planning & Management (cont'd)
To calculate the running and starting wattage requirements for the devices you will be
powering, follow these steps:
1. Make a list of all electrical devices you will be powering at the same time with the generator.
2. List the greater of the running or starting wattage next to each device as obtained from the
devices' nameplate or Table 1. If only the running wattage for a device with an electric
motor is known, the starting wattage can be estimated to be at least 3 times the running
wattage.
3. Add the wattages for all devices on your list. This total must be lower than the continuous
output rating of your generator.
Example:
Device to be Powered
Light Bulbs (10 – 75 watt)
Refrigerator Freezer
Microwave Oven 1000W
Air Conditioner, Window (10,000 BTU)
Sump pump (1/3 hp)
Total
In this example, the generator must have a continuous output of at least 6750 watts in order to
power all of the devices simultaneously.
STAGGERING LOADS
You can increase the number of devices your generator can power by staggering the load on the
generator. For example, you could alternately power your refrigerator and air conditioner for
limited periods of time -- powering only one of the devices at a time and never powering both at the
same time.
Greater of
Starting/Running Wattage
750 W
1500 W
1000 W
2200 W
1300 W
6750W
14
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