Generator Sizing Guidelines

A generator must be properly sized for the load it 1. Total the wattages of all small appliances, Running Starting
Step 1 1800W 1800
will be called upon to handle. Electric motors are tools, and light bulbs to be operated at the same
particularly difficult for a generator because start- time. Most appliances have labels showing Step 2 + 600 + 1800
ing an electric motor requires 2 to 3* times its wattage (if volts and amps are given: volts x Step 3 2400W 3600VA
nameplate amperage or wattage. amps = wattage (VA) times power factor). For + 25% + 600 + 900
A current surge of short duration can be supplied example, you may wish to operate the following Step 4 3000W 4500VA
by a generator, but a current demand of longer equipment: 5. See performance data charts for each genera-
duration, such as a heavily loaded motor starting Electric heater 1000 Watts tor listing for the unit that meets your total load
a high inertia system, can overload a generator, Eight 100-watt light bulbs 800 criteria.
possibly damaging both the generator and motor. TOTAL 1800 Watts
In summary: For example, a generator that
For this reason, when determining the power 2. Next, determine volt-amperes (wattage) provides at least 4500 max. VA and 4000 watts
your generator is to provide, it is important to requirement of electric motors to be operated meets the load requirement for the example
calculate electric motor requirements at 3* times (e.g., furnace blower motor 1/3 HP), remember- above. A 3000-watt generator should not be
the running watts to compensate for the surge ing that the starting requires 2 to 3* times the selected because it does not have enough max.
needed to start the motor. When sizing by KVA nameplate or running (rated) watts. Thus, if VA to start the electric motor load.
use the following calculation to determine watts: running watts of the motor is 600, multiply the
number by 3 to determine approximate max. VA Note: The starting (max.) VA can also be determined by
KW = KVA x Power Factor. With this in mind, the referring to the motor code listing that indicates starting
following guidelines can be helpful in selecting needed. KVA per horsepower (see chart below).
the right size generator for your application. 3. Total watts and VA in Steps 1 and 2 to get (*) Some motors can require as much as 5 to 6 times their
total requirements: full load amps at start. Check the motor code listing to be
Running = 1800 Watts sure.
Starting = 600 x 3 = 1800 Max. VA
4. To allow for anticipated future needs or use of
extra equipment, add 25% to total in Step 3.
Typical Electric Tool and Appliance Wattages Motor Code Listing
Running Maximum VA KVA Per KVA Per KVA Per
Equipment Watts (Surge Watts) Code Horsepower Code Horsepower Code Horsepower
Light bulb (100W) 100 100 A 0 to 3.15 H 6.3 to 7.1 R 14.0 to 16.0
Radio 150 150 B 3.15 to 3.55 J 7.1 to 8.0 S 16.0 to 18.0
Fan 200 600 C 3.55 to 4.0 K 8.0 to 9.0 T 18.0 to 20.0
Television 400 400 D 4.0 to 4.5 L 9.0 to 10.0 U 20.0 to 22.4
Refrigerator (conventional) 400 1200 E 4.5 to 5.0 M 10.0 to 11.2 V 22.4 & up
Furnace fan - 1/3 HP F 5.0 to 5.6 N 11.2 to 12.5
600 1800 G 5.6 to 6.3 P 12.5 to 14.0
with blower
Vacuum cleaner 600 1800 RECOMMENDED EXTENSION CORDS FOR USE WITH GENERATORS AND PORTABLE ELECTRIC TOOLS
Sump pump - 1/3 HP 700 2100
Refrigerator/freezer It is important to use extension cords of adequate current carrying capacity when utilizing a genera-
800 2400
combination tor to operate portable electric tools. Undersized cords result in excessive voltage drops and
6" circular saw 800 2400
1/2" drill 1000 3000
additional generator loading. This also causes excessive heating of the portable tool because voltage
Coffeemaker 1200 1200 drop reduces tool capacity and increases amp draw.
Water well pump - 1/2 HP 1400 4200 Ampere Wire Gauge @ Cord Length Ampere Wire Gauge @ Cord Length
Water heater Rating 50 ft. 100 ft. 150 ft. Rating 50 ft. 100 ft. 150 ft.
5000 5000
(storage-type) 2 18 18 18 8 16 14 12
Electric oven 10,000 10,000 3 18 18 18 10 16 14 12
Note: This chart is provided to suggest typical values. 4 16 16 16 12 14 14 12
Actual wattages may be significantly higher or lower 5 16 16 16 14 14 12 10
depending on age, size, make, and condition of appliance. 6 16 16 14 16 12 12 10