Generac Power Systems GP Series Diagnostic Repair Manual page 5

Know Generator Limits
Overloading a generator can result in damage to the
generator and connected electrical devices. Observe
the following to prevent overload:
• Add 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
appliances, and motors can be found on a data
label 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 approximately 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 to allow for high
starting wattage
devices to connect to the generator:
1. Calculate 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 is provided to assist in
determining how many items the generator can
operate at one time.
NOTE: All figures are approximate. See data label on
appliance for wattage requirements.
Wattage Reference Guide
Device
*Air Conditioner (12,000 Btu)
*Air Conditioner (24,000 Btu)
*Air Conditioner (40,000 Btu)
Battery Charger (20 Amp)
Belt Sander (3")
Chain Saw
Circular Saw (7-1/4")
*Clothes Dryer (Electric)
*Clothes Dryer (Gas)
*Clothes Washer
Coffee Maker
*Compressor (1 HP)
*Compressor (3/4 HP)
*Compressor (1/2 HP)
Curling Iron
*Dehumidifier
Disc Sander (9")
Edge Trimmer
Diagnostic Repair Manual
rated wattage of tools,
when selecting electrical
Running Watts
1700
3800
6000
500
1000
1200
1250 to 1400
5750
700
1150
1750
2000
1800
1400
700
650
1200
500
Device
Electric Blanket
Electric Nail Gun
Electric Range (per element)
Electric Skillet
*Freezer
*Furnace Fan (3/5 HP)
*Garage Door Opener
Hair Dryer
Hand Drill
Hedge Trimmer
Impact Wrench
Iron
*Jet Pump
Lawn Mower
Light Bulb
Microwave Oven
*Milk Cooler
Oil Burner on Furnace
Oil Fired Space Heater (140,000 Btu)
Oil Fired Space Heater (85,000 Btu)
Oil Fired Space Heater (30,000 Btu)
*Paint Sprayer, Airless (1/3 HP)
Paint Sprayer, Airless (hand-held)
Radio
*Refrigerator
Slow Cooker
*Submersible Pump (1-1/2 HP)
*Submersible Pump (1 HP)
*Submersible Pump (1/2 HP)
*Sump Pump
*Table Saw (10")
Television
Toaster
Weed Trimmer
* Allow 3 times the listed watts for starting these devices.
Table of Contents
Running Watts
400
1200
1500
1250
700
875
500 to 750
1200
250 to 1100
450
500
1200
800
1200
100
700 to 1000
1100
300
400
225
150
600
150
50 to 200
700
200
2800
2000
1500
800 to 1050
1750 to 2000
200 to 500
1000 to 1650
500
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