Electric Motor Loads; Generator Capacity - RIDGID RD903600 Series Operator's Manual

ELECTRICAL

ELECTRIC MOTOR LOADS

It is characteristic of common electric motors in normal operation to draw up to six times their running current while starting.
This table may be used to estimate the watts required to start electric motors; however, if an electric motor fails to start or
reach running speed, turn off the appliance or tool immediately to avoid equipment damage. Always check the requirements
of the tool or appliance being used compared to the rated output of the generator.
Motor Size (H.P.)
1/8
1/6
1/4
1/3
1/2
3/4
1
CAUTION:
Operating voltage and frequency requirement of
all electronic equipment should be checked prior
to plugging them into this generator. Damage may
result if the equipment is not designed to operate
within a +/- 10% voltage variation, and +/- 3 hz
frequency variation from the generator name
plate ratings. To avoid damage, always have an
additional load plugged into the generator if solid
state equipment (such as a television set) is used.
A power line conditioner is recommended for some
solid state applications.
GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER
See Figure 1.
The 20 amp, 120 volt receptacles on the generator are pro-
tected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), which
guards against the hazards of ground fault currents. An
example of ground fault current is the current that would
flow through a person who is using an appliance with faulty
insulation and, at the same time, is in contact with an electri-
cal ground such as a plumbing fixture, wet floor, or earth.
GFCI receptacles do not protect against short circuits,
overloads, or shocks.
The GFCI receptacles can be tested with the TEST and
RESET buttons.
To test:
 Depress the TEST button. This should cause the Reset
button to pop out.
 To restore power, depress the RESET button.
Perform this test monthly to ensure proper operation of the
GFCI. If the generator is stored outdoors, unprotected from
the weather, test the GFCI receptacle before each use.
Running Watts
275
275
400
450
600
850
1100
Watts Required to Start Motor
Universal
N/A
600
800
950
1000
1200
N/A

GENERATOR CAPACITY

Make sure the generator can supply enough continuous (run-
ning) and surge (starting) watts for the items you will power
at the same time. Follow these simple steps.
1. Select the items you will power at the same time.
2. Total the continuous (running) watts of these items. This is
the amount of power the generator must produce to keep
the items running. See the wattage reference chart at right.
3. Estimate how many surge (starting) watts you will need.
Surge wattage is the short burst of power needed to
start electric motor-driven tools or appliances such as a
circular saw or refrigerator. Because not all motors start
at the same time, total surge watts can be estimated by
adding only the item(s) with the highest additional surge
watts to the total rated watts from step 2.
Example:
Tool or Appliance
Quartz Work Light
(1000 Watt)
Drill (1/2 inch,
5.4 amps)
Airless Sprayer (1/3
HP)
Radio
Fan
8 — English
Capacitor Split Phase
850
850
1050
1350
1800
2600
3300
Running
Watts* Starting Watts*
1000
600
600
200
60
2460 Total
Running Watts
Total Running Watts
Highest Starting Watts
Total Starting Watts Needed
1200
2050
2400
2700
3600
—
—
Additional
0
900
1200
0
200
1200 Highest
Starting Watts
2460
+ 1200
3660