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Equipment

Generator Sizing Calculation Guide

1/16/17
Revised: 8/27/19
Grainger Editorial Staff

It's important to understand generator sizing in order to account for the load it will need to handle.
Electric motors are particularly di cult for a generator because starting an electric motor requires 2
to 3* times its nameplate amperage or wattage.
A current surge of short duration can be supplied by a generator, but a current demand of longer
duration, such as a heavily loaded motor starting a high inertia system can overload a generator,
possibly damaging both the generator and motor.

For this reason, when determining the power your generator is to provide, it is important to calculate
electric motor requirements at 3* times the running watts to compensate for the surge needed to
start the motor. When sizing by KVA use the following calculation to determine watts: KW= KVA x
Power Factor. With this in mind, the following guidelines can be helpful in selecting the right size
generator for your application.
How do you determine what size generator you need?
Total the wattages of all small appliances, tools, and light bulbs to be operated at the same time.
Most appliances have labels showing wattage (if volts and amps are given: volts x amps = wattage
(VA) times power factor).
For example you may wish to operate the following equipment:
 Electric heater   1000W

Eight 100w light bulbs   800

TOTAL   1800W

The next item to look at for generator sizing is the volt-amperes (wattage) requirement of electric
motor to be operated (e.g., furnace blower motor 1/3 HP), remembering that the starting requires 2 to
3* times the nameplate or running (rated) watts. Thus, if running watts of the motor is 600, multiply
the number by 3 to determine approximate max. VA needed.
Total watts and VA in Steps 1 and 2 to get total requirements:

Running = 1800W

Starting = 600 x 3 = 1800 Max. VA

To allow for anticipated future needs or use of extra equipment, add 25% to total in Step 3 when
considering generator sizing.

Running Starting
Step 1    
1800W 1800

Step 2   +600   +1800

Step 3   2400W   3600VA

+25%   +600   +900

Step 4   3000W   4500VA

See performance data charts for each generator listing for the unit that meets your total load criteria.
In summary: For example, a generator that provides at least 4500 max. VA and 4000 watts meets the
load requirement for the example above. A 3000-watt generator should not be selected because it
does not have enough max. VA to start the electric motor load.
Note: The starting (max.) VA can also be determined by referring to the motor code listing that
indicates starting KVA per horsepower (see chart below).
(*) Some motors can require as much as 5 to 6 times their full load amps at start. Check the motor
code listing to be sure.

M o to r C o d e L i s t i n g
Code KVA Per Horsepower Code KVA Per Horsepower Code KVA Per Horsepower

A 0 to 3.15 H 6.3 to 7.1 R 14.0 to 16.0

B 3.15 to 3.55 J 7.1 to 8.0 S 16.0 to 18.0

C 3.55 to 4.0 K 8.0 to 9.0 T 18.0 to 20.0

D 4.0 to 4.5 L 9.0 to 10.0 U 20.0 to 22.4

 E 4.5 to 5.0 M 10.0 to 11.2 V 22.4 & up

F 5.0 to 5.6 N 11.2 to 12.5    

G 5.6 to 6.3 P 12.5 to 14.0    

E x a m p l e E l e c t r i c To o l a n d Ap p l i a n c e Wa t t a g e s
Equipment Running Watts Maximum VA (Surge Watts)

Light bulb (100W) 100 100

Radio 150 150

1/3 HP Furnace w/Blower 600 1800

1/3 HP Sump Pump 700 2100

Refrigerator/Freezer 800 2400

6" Circular Saw 800 2400

1/2" Drill 1000 3000

Water heater (storage-type) 5000 5000

Note: This chart is provided to suggest typical values. Actual wattages may be signi cantly higher or
lower depending on age, size make and condition of appliance.
Recommended Extension Cords for Use with Generators

Wire Gauge @ Cord Length

Ampere Rating 50 ft. 100 ft. 150 ft

2 18 18 18

3 18 18 18

4 16 16 16

5 16 16 16

6 16 16 14

8 16 14 12

10 16 14 12

12 14 14 12

14 14 12 10

16 12 12 10
It is important to use extension cords of adequate current carrying capacity when utilizing a generator
to operate portable electric tools. Undersized cords result in excessive voltage drops and additional
generator loading. This also causes excessive heating of the portable tool because voltage drop
reduces tool capacity and increases amp draw.
The product statements contained herein are intended for informational purposes only. Such product
statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness
for a speci c application or use. W. W. Grainger, Inc. does not guarantee the result of product
operation or assume any liability for personal injury or property damage resulting from the use of such
products.

The information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial
date of publication. No representation is made that the information or references are complete or remain current. This article is not a substitute for
review of current applicable government regulations, industry standards, or other standards speci c to your business and/or activities and should
not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with speci c questions should refer to the applicable standards or consult with an attorney.

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