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OPERATION
A rule of thumb for devices fitted with an electric
motor is to apply a starting power multiplier of 1.2 for
small hand-held or portable devices and a value of
3.5 for larger stationary devices. For example, a 900
W angle grinder can be assumed to have a starting
power demand of at least 1.2 × 900 W, which equals
1,080 W. Similarly, a 1,650 W air compressor can be
assumed to have a starting power demand of at least
3.5 × 1,650 W, which equals 5,775 W.
To prevent overloading of the generator's 240-Volt AC
system:
1. Add up the running power demand of all the
240-Volt AC devices that will be connected to
the generator at one time. This total must not be
greater than the generator's specified running
power output.
2. Add up the running power demand again, but for
the largest motor-driven device use the value of
its starting power demand instead of its running
power demand. This total must not be greater
than the generator's specified starting power
output.
3. The total running power demand of all the
devices that will be connected to any one of
the generator's outlets must not exceed the
generator's specified running power output or
3,600 W, whichever is the lesser.
The above guidelines serve as approximations only of
determining the running and starting power demands
of 240-Volt AC devices. If in doubt, always err on the
conservative side to avoid overloading the generator.
In the absence of any power demand information
whatsoever, one can assume that any device fitted
with a standard domestic 10 A plug has a maximum
running power demand of 2,400W (i.e. 240 V x 10
A = 2,400 W). Similarly, a device fitted with a heavy
duty 15 A plug can be assumed to have a maximum
running power demand of 3,600W (i.e. 240 V x 15 A =
3,600 W). And then apply the appropriate multiplying
factor for starting power demand if the device has an
electric motor.
There are large variations in the performance of
different makes and models of electrical devices and
the manufacturer's specifications are often inaccurate
or misleading. It is recommended that the generator
and powered device(s) be trialled to ensure that the
combination performs satisfactorily.
240-VOLT AC EXTENSION
CORDS
Wherever possible, it is recommended to connect
240-Volt AC devices directly to the generator's 240-
Volt AC outlet(s). This ensures that the device is
supplied with the best quality electricity.
17
In those instances where it's not practicable or safe
to directly plug an electrical device into the generator,
the use of an electrical extension cord is necessary.
1. Locate the generator in a convenient place,
avoiding long extension cords and possible
damage to them by pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
2. Use only the shortest possible extension cord for
the task. Voltage drop increases proportionately
with the length of an extension cord and may
result in damage to the powered device.
3. Use only a single extension cord and not multiple
cords joined together. This will minimise voltage
drop and prevent any hazard or inconvenience
arising from the joint(s) becoming disconnected.
4. Use only extra heavy duty 15 A extension cords
made from 3-core cable of at least 1.5 mm
conductor size and fitted with 15 A plugs and
sockets (see Figure 17). A 15 A plug cannot be
inserted into a standard domestic 10 A socket.
5. Extension cords with conductor size of 1.5 mm
or 2.5 mm
should not exceed 25 m or 40 m in
2
length, respectively, for general use in accordance
with AS/NZS 3199:2020.
NOTICE
DO NOT use extension cords with only 2-pin
(active and neutral) plugs and sockets. These
extension cords lack the earth connection that
is provided by a 3-pin plug and socket joined
with a 3-core cable; the vertical pin is the earth
connection.
6. DO NOT use extension cords with any visible
signs of damage to the plug, socket or cable.
7. DO NOT use extension cords that are rolled up or
knotted as they may overheat.
8. Use an electrician to check the continuity of the
extension cord's earthing core periodically from
pin to socket for assured electrical safety.
12 VOLT BATTERY CHARGING
There are two methods by which the generator can be
used to charge an external 12 Volt battery:
1. By direct connection to the generator's 12-Volt DC
electrical outlet; or
2. By using a mains-powered 12 Volt battery charger
connected to one of the generator's 240-Volt AC
outlets.
Never use either of these methods to charge the
generator's own 12 Volt battery.
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