Trying to Decide Which Generator to Buy?
Buying the right generator
can seem like a formidable task. But in just a few easy steps, you can
effecitvely determine which generator is right for you.
1. Identify the tools and appliances you wish to operate
with your generator.
2. Determine the required wattage for each tool / appliance.
3. Total the required wattage of items that will be run
simultaneously.
4. Choose
the generator that meets or exceeds this total wattage reqirement.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
Motor Starting is another
consideration when buying a generator. Keep in mind, that depending on
the efficiency of the motor, it may require up to 2 times the running
watts to start or 7 times for air compressors, pumps and air conditioners.
NOTE: If you do not
know the wattage requirements of certain tools and appliances, they can
be found by applying the following formula.
(VOLTS x AMPS =
WATTS)
Generator Wattage Guide
|
Appliance |
Running
Watts |
Appliance |
Running
Watts |
Tool |
Running
Watts |
|
Air Conditioner (10K BTU) |
2500
|
Radio/Stereo |
50-200
|
Air Compressor, 2HP |
2000
|
|
Attic Fan |
400-800
|
Refrigerator / Freezer |
1000
|
Airless Sprayer 2/4 HP |
850
|
|
Blender |
300
|
Space Heater |
1300
|
Battery Charger |
120
|
|
Broiler |
1400
|
Stove Element |
1500
|
Concrete Vibrator |
900-3000
|
|
Clother Dryer (E) |
5750
|
Sump Pump 1/4 HP |
400
|
Demolition Hammer |
1500
|
|
Clother Dryer (G) |
700
|
Sump Pump1/2 HP |
600
|
Grinder 6” |
1500
|
|
Coffee Maker |
1000
|
Tape/CD Player |
50
|
Hand Drill 1/2” |
650
|
|
Computer & Monitor |
775
|
Television |
350
|
Impact Wrench 1/2” |
600
|
|
Dehumidifer |
500
|
Toaster |
900-1500
|
Router |
1100
|
|
Dishwasher |
500
|
Vacuum Cleaner |
600-1500
|
Sander, 2x24” belt |
1200
|
|
Freezer |
500
|
Washing Machine |
1200
|
Sander 7” disc |
1440
|
|
Furnace Fan |
700
|
Water Heater |
2500
|
Chain Saw |
1000
|
|
Garage Door 1/2 HP |
600
|
Water Pump 1/2 HP |
600
|
Circular Saw 71/4” |
1560
|
|
Hair dryer |
1000
|
Water Pump 1HP |
1200
|
Jig Saw |
500
|
| Iron
|
1200
|
Tools |
Running
Watts |
Orbital
Saw |
300
|
| Lamps
& Lighting |
40-200
|
Air
Compressor 1HP |
1000
|
Radial
Arm Saw |
1200
|
| Microwave
Oven |
800
|
Air
Compressor 1 1/2HP |
1600
|
Reciprocating
Saw |
500
|
Motor Power Requirements
|
|
Horsepower |
Running
Watts |
Horsepower |
Running
Watts |
Horsepower |
Running
Watts |
| 1/8
|
275
|
1/2
|
600
|
1
1/2 |
1600
|
| 1/4
|
400
|
3/4
|
850
|
2
|
2000
|
| 1/3
|
450
|
1
|
1000
|
3
|
3000
|
* These ratings are estimates and should only be used as
a rough guide. Confirm power requirements of each of the items you will
run by looking at its information panel. If wattage is not shown, you
can calculate it by multiplying the amps times the volts (Amps x Volts =
Watts).
|
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