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GENERATOR
CAPACmTY
Exceeding
the rated capacity
of your generator
can
result in serious
damage
to your generator
and
connected
electrical
devices.
You should
observe
the
following
to prevent
overloading
the unit:
Starting
and running
wattage
requirements
should
always
be calculated
when matching
a generators
wattage
capacity
to the appliance
or tool.
There are two types
of electrical
appliances
that
can be powered
by your generator:
A.
Items such as radios,
light bulbs, television
sets, and microwaves
have a "resistive
load".
Starting
wattage
and running
wattage
are the
same.
B.
Items such as refrigerators,
air compressors,
washer,
dryer, and hand tools that use an
electrical
motor
have an "inductive
load".
Inductive
load appliances
and tools require
approximately
2 to 4 times
the listed wattage
for starting
the equipment.
This initial load
only lasts for a few seconds
on start-up
but is
very important
when figuring
your total
wattage
to be used.
NOTE:
Some
inductive
appliances
and tools wiii list
on the motor
name plate, the starting
and running
voltage
and amperage
requirements.
Use the follow-
ing formula
to convert
voltage
and amperage
to
wattage:
(Volts
X Amp
= Watts}
*
Always
start your largest
electric
motor
first, and
then
plug in other
items, one at a time.
The guide
is provided
to assist
you in determining
the
appliances
and tools that can be ran with the wattage
capacity
of your generator.
OBTAiNiNG
ELECTRiCiTY
FROM
GENERATOR
There are basically two ways to obtain electricity from
a generator:
o
Use of extension cords directly from the genera-
tor to the appliance, lights, tools, etc.
Use of a double-throw
transfer switch installed
directly to the main electrical supply outside of
the house.
Extension
Cord
When using an appliance or tool at a considerable
distance from the generator, a 3-wire extension cord
that has a 3-blade grounding plug and 8-dot recep-
tacle that accepts the tool's plug MUST be used in
order to reduce the risk of electrical shock. A cord of
adequate size must be used. A minimum of 12 gauge
wire size with at least a 20 amp draw can be used.
When amperage exceeds 20 amps a 10 gauge wire
size should be used.
An extension
cord that is hot
to the touch is overmoaded.
Repair or replace
damaged
extension
cords
Connecting
Generator
To Main Electrical
Supply
Potential hazards exist when a electrical generator is
connected to the main electrical supply coming into
the house, It is at that point that the generator could
feed back into the utility company's system causing
possible electrocution
of workers who are repairing
electrical lines, To avoid back feeding of electricity into
utility systems, a double=throw
transfer
switch
should be installed between the generator and utility
power, This device should be installed by a licensed
electrician and in compliance
with all local electrical
codes,
NOTE: When installing a Double-Throw
Transfer
Switch, a minimum of 10 gauge wiring must be used.
MGP 670030
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