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NOTE: Some inductive appliances and tools will list
on the motor name plate, the starting and running
voltage and amperage requirements.
Use the following
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.
NOTE:
On 120-volt loads the maximum starting watt-
age should NOT exceed one half of the rated generator
wattage.
Example: a 4250 rated wattage generator
=
2125 maximum starting wattage.
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:
•
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 a 3-slot
receptacle 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.
on cord that is hot
touch is overloaded.
Repair or replace damaged extension cords
immediately.
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-ThrowTransfer
Switch, a minimum of 10 gauge wiring must be used.
13 -- ENG
MGP-670041
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