Desa Hwi3000a, Mgh3000ga, Mgh3000a, Mgh4000d, Mgh4000di User Manual

...

PORTABLE GASOLINE

GENERATORS

OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL

Generator Models: HWI3000A, MGH3000GA, MGH3000A, MGH4000D, MGH4000DI, MGH5000E,

MGH5000EI, MGH5000EIE, and MGH6500AIE

IMPORTANT: Read and understand this manual before operating or servicing generator. Improper use of generator can cause serious injury. Keep this manual for future reference.

PORTABLE GASOLINE GENERATORS

SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNINGS

IMPORTANT: Read this owner’s manual and the engine owner’s manual carefully. Become familiar with this generator before trying to operate or service it. Know its uses, limitations, and any hazards involved. Improper use of generator can cause severe injury or death from explosion, ﬁre, burns, electrical shock, or carbon monoxide poisoning.

DANGER: Carbon monoxide

poisoning may lead to death!

Engine exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas. Overexposure will cause loss of consciousness and will lead to death. Use only in well-vented areas. Make sure area has plenty of free-moving, fresh, outside air. Never run generator in an enclosed or conﬁned area. Never run generator inside occupied building.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning re semble the ﬂu, with headaches, dizziness, and nausea. If you have these signs, get fresh air at once! Some people are more affected by carbon monoxide than others. These include pregnant women, persons with heart or lung disease or anemia, those under the inﬂuence of alcohol, and those at high altitudes. Make certain you read and understand all warnings. Keep this manual for reference. It is your guide to safe and proper operation of this generator.

Safety information appears throughout these instructions. Pay close attention to them. Below are deﬁnitions for the safety information listed throughout this manual.

DANGER: indicates a hazard which will cause severe personal injury, death, or substantial property damage if you ignore warning

WARNING: indicates a hazard which can cause severe personal injury, death, or substantial property damage if you ignore warning.

CAUTION: indicates a hazard which will or can cause minor personal injury or property damage if you ignore warning.

1. Gasoline presents a hazard of ﬁre or explosion. Gasoline is ﬂammable. Its vapor is explosive.

• Keep fuel out of children’s reach.

• Refuel generator in a well-vented

area. Do not ﬁll fuel tank in the dark. Do not refuel while engine is run ning. Unhook all electrical loads and shut off engine before refueling.

• Do not overﬁll fuel tank. Always al-

low room for fuel to expand. If you overﬁll tank, fuel can overﬂow onto hot generator. This can cause ﬁre or explosion. After refueling, tightly close fuel tank cap.

• Do not spill fuel. Fuel or fuel vapor

may ignite. If fuel spills, make sure area is dry before starting engine.

• Never smoke in refueling area. Never

allow open ﬂames or sparks in area.

• Store fuel in approved container.

Store fuel in a well-vented area free of open ﬂames or sparks.

2. Guard against ﬁre hazard. Keep operation area well-vented. Keep generator at least three feet away from any object. Do not place ﬂammable objects near generator.

• Do not use generator where ﬂam-

mable vapors are present. Some

vapors are heavier than air. These vapors settle in low-lying places.

• Do not use generator in enclosed

spaces. This includes motor home or RV generator compartments.

Guard against electric shock. Generator produces high voltage. This high voltage can cause severe electric shock. Only responsible adults should use generator.

• Properly ground generator before

starting.

•

Never let anyone operate or service generator without proper instructions.

• Avoid contact with live terminals or

bare wires.

• Do not use generator outdoors in rain

or snow.

• Do not use generator near standing

water or snow.

• Do not use if generator is wet or

damp.

• Do not use generator in highly conductive areas. These areas include metal decking and steelwork.

• Only use grounded extension cords.

• Do not use any worn or damaged electric cords. Electric shock or dam-

age to generator may result.

• Do not wear damp clothing or wet shoes when using generator.

4. Guard against burns. Hot engine parts can cause severe injury. Use caution and remain alert when using generator.

• Keep children and animals away from

generator while it is running or hot.

• Keep all covers and shields in place.

Keep them tightly secured.

• The mufﬂer becomes very hot dur-

ing operation. The mufﬂer remains hot for a while after shutdown. Do not touch muffler while it is hot. Do not let mufﬂer touch anything ﬂammable. Let engine cool before transporting or storing.

5. Have standby installation to home or building performed by a licensed electrician. Do not let anyone else wire into a utility circuit. Personal injury, equipment damage, or damage to home could occur.

6. Never connect generator to any existing electrical circuits. The generator output will back-feed into the utility power line. This may electrocute a power company line repair person. Also, if generator is powering electrical circuits, the chance of an electrical ﬁre exists.

7. Battery gives off explosive gases. Keep sparks, ﬂames, and cigarettes away. Do not remove or install battery cables when engine is cranking or running. Only service or use battery in a wellvented area.

8. Battery contains sulfuric acid. Battery acid is poisonous if swallowed. Contact with skin or eyes may cause severe burns. Do not tilt generator with battery installed. Tilting could cause battery acid to spill. Wear protective clothing and face shield when servicing. Keep out of children’s reach.

118683

OWNER’S MANUAL

FUEL

FUE

1 2 0

N L

1 2

0 2 4 0

R E

S E

E S

1 2

0 V

O L

T S

1 2

0 / 2

4 0

O L

T S

R E

S E

R E

S E

N M

000

0 0

H O U

1 /1

FULL

WER

SAFETY INFORMATION

Continued

Only a qualiﬁed electrical service person should service and repair generator.

• Generator produces high voltage. Use extreme caution when working on electrical parts.

• Always remove spark plug wire from spark plug before servicing. This will prevent accidental starting.

•

When working on generator, avoid hot mufﬂer, exhaust manifold, and engine parts. Severe burns may occur.

• Do not work on generator when tired.

• Use only factory approved replacement parts.

10. Store generator in a well-vented area. Make sure fuel tank is empty. Never store with fuel in tank. Vapors may reach an open ﬂame or spark. Fire or explosion may result.

11. Never operate generator

• if engine speed changes greatly

• if engine misﬁres often

• if powered items overheat

• if electrical output drops

• if it is sparking

• if it produces smoke or ﬂames

• if it vibrates at high levels

• if it has a damaged receptacle

12. Kee p generator and nearby areas clean.

• Keep generator free of oil, mud, and

other foreign matter.

• Remove anything that creates slip

pery areas around generator.

• Remove oily rags and other items

that create ﬁre hazards.

• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

Make sure it is rated ABC by the NFPA. They are good for all uses. Consult your local ﬁre department.

• Keep ﬁre extinguisher well main-

tained. Be familiar with its use.

13. Know how to stop engine quickly. Know how to use all controls.

14. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause hearing loss.

• When working around generator,

wear approved hearing protection.

• Remember neighbors when using

generator.

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Gas Cap/Fuel Gauge

Control Panel

120 Volt Receptacle

Full Power

120 Volt Receptacle (GFCI)

120 Volt Receptacle (Duplex)

Run Lamp

Hour Meter

Choke Lever

Fuel

Valve Lever

Starter Grip

Engine

Figure 1 - Portable Generator (Model MGH4000D Shown)

Selector Switch

120/240 Volt Receptacle

Circuit Breaker

Engine ON/ OFF Switch

Provision for Auto-Idle Switch

Roll Cage

Gas Tank

Ground Lug

Alternator

Oil Dipstick

118683

PORTABLE GASOLINE GENERATORS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Master portable generators are rugged and compact. These generators use brushless alternators for dependable, trouble-free service. Honda gasoline engines provide long life under heavy use. Honda engines have overhead valves (OHV). This provides high performance with lower fuel consumption. These engines are governed to maintain engine speed of 3600 RPM under load. 3600 RPM engine speed provides 120/240V, 60 Hz power.

Additional Features

• Circuit breaker protection

• Spark-arresting mufﬂer

• Large fuel tank

• Oil alert system

• Electric starter (models MGH5000EIE

and MGH6500AIE)

• 15-Amp ground fault circuit interrupter

(GFCI) receptacle (Except HWI3000A Model)

UNPACKING

1. Remove generator from carton.

2. Remove any protective packaging applied to generator for shipment.

3. Check for loose or missing parts. Check for shipping damage. If any parts are missing or damaged, promptly inform dealer where you bought generator.

4. Battery cables are supplied for models MGH5000EIE and MGH6500AIE only. These cables are in a separate bag inside generator carton. You must install these cables to engine. See Battery, page 8 for installation instructions.

VENTILATION

DANGER: Use only in wellvented areas. Make sure area has plenty of free-moving, fresh, outside air. Never run generator in an enclosed or conﬁned area. Never run generator inside occupied building. Engine exhaust con tains p o isonous carbon monoxide gas. Overexposure will cause loss of consciousness and will lead to death.

This generator needs cooling air to run properly. Never block free-ﬂowing, cooling air to generator. Overheating will occur without cooling air. This will damage the generator. Keep generator at least three feet away from any object.

DUST, DIRT, RAIN, AND SNOW

WARNING: Do not use generator outdoors in rain or snow. Do not use generator near standing water or snow. Do not use if generator is wet or damp. Operating generator in these conditions increases the risk of electrocution. Severe injury or death can occur.

Do not use generator in extremely dusty or dirty conditions. This will severely affect its life. Keep generator clean. Do not allow dust, dirt, rain, or snow to collect on it. Protect generator from outdoor elements.

HIGH AND LOW TEMPERATURE OPERATION

Air temperature affects generator output. Output drops 1% for each 10° temperature rise above 60° F. Very low temperatures may make the engine hard to start. See engine owner’s manual for more information.

118683

OWNER’S MANUAL

SPECIFICATIONS

MGH5000E

MGH4000D MGH5000EI

MODEL HWI3000A MGH3000GA MGH3000A MGH4000DI MGH5000EIE MGH6500AIE

Electrical

Rated Wattage

Rated Amperage

120 V

240 V

Receptacle

120-V Duplex

120-V, 20-A Duplex Yes

120-V, 15-A GFCI

120-V Twist-Lock

120/240-V Twist-Lock

120-V Full-Power Switch

120/240-V, 50-A

General

Honda Engine H.P.

Honda Model GX160K1VX GX160K1VX GX160K1VX GX240K1VA GX270VA GX390K1VXE

Fuel Type

Fuel Tank Capacity

Oil Alert System Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Start Method

Weight (pounds)

2500 2500 2500 4000 5000 6500

20.8 20.8 20.8 33.3 41.7 57

–– –– –– 16.7 20.8 28.3

–– –– –– Yes Yes Yes

–– –– –– –– ––

No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

No No No 30 Amp 30 Amp 30 Amp

No No No 20 Amp 20 Amp 30 Amp

No No No Yes Yes No

No No No No No No

5.5 5.5 5.5 8 9 13

Gasoline Gasoline Gasoline Gasoline Gasoline Gasoline

3.9 qt. 3.9 qt. 3.9 qt. 5 gal. 8 gal. 8 gal.

Recoil Recoil Recoil Recoil Recoil/Elec. Electric

85.5 85.5 85.5 139 173 247

* Single-phase, 1.0 power factor

118683

Note: Ratings apply to SAE standard conditions. Reduce ratings 3 1/2% for each 1000 feet above sea level and 1% for each 10° Fahrenheit rise above 60°F.

PORTABLE GASOLINE GENERATORS

HONDA

OFFONSTART

ENGINE SW

CIRCUIT BREAKER

ENGINE SW

OFF

GENERATOR FEATURES

OIL ALERT SYSTEM

The oil alert system protects the engine from low oil damage. This system automatically shuts down the engine and prevents engine restarting if the oil level falls too low.

Note: When this happens, the engine switch remains in the ON position. The oil alert system is wired into the ON/OFF Switch.

If this system shuts down the engine, the engine will not start until you add oil. Add oil to engine (see Engine Oil, page 7).

Note: Operate generator on a level surface. If not level, the oil may ﬂow away from the oil level sensing device. This will cause the oil alert system to shut down engine.

See engine owner’s manual for more information.

Models HWI3000A, MGH3000GA, MGH3000A, MGH4000D, MGH4000DI, MGH5000E, and MGH5000EI

FULL POWER SELECTOR SWITCH

A l l m o d e l s ex c e p t HW I 3 0 0 0 A , M G H3 0 00 G A, M GH 3 00 0 A a n d MGH6500AIE have a full power selector switch on the control panel. The switch has two positions: 120 VOLT ONLY, and 120/240 VOLT.

120 VOLT ONLY: This position sends full power to the 120V receptacles only. 240V power is not available. Use this position when powering 120V items only.

120/240 VOLT: This position sends full power to the 120/240V receptacle. It also powers the 120V receptacles at reduced wattage capacity.

IMPORTANT: Do not move the full power selector switch while powering electrical items. Unplug all items before moving switch. Failure to do so can damage switch. Models HWI3000A, MGH3000GA, MGH3000A, and MGH6500AIE do not have this switch. These models provide full power to all receptacles.

ELECTRIC START

(Models MGH5000EIE and MGH6500AIE)

Models MGH5000EIE and MGH6500AIE have electric starters. A battery is not supplied with generator. You must provide a 12volt, 32-amp-hour battery. For more battery information, see Battery, page 8.

GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER RECEPTACLE

All models (Except HWI3000A) have a 120volt ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle. The GFCI receptacle is on the control panel or top cover of alternator (models MGH3000GA and MGH3000A only). The GFCI protects you against hazardous electrical shock caused when your body becomes a path through which electricity travels to reach ground. This could happen when you touch an appliance or cord that is ‘live’ through faulty mechanism, damp or worn insulation, etc.

When protected by the GFCI, you may still feel a shock, but the GFCI should cut it off quickly. A person in normal health should not receive serious injury. Note: Infants and very small children may still be affected.

Models MGH5000EIE and MGH6500AIE

Figure 2 - Engine Switch Location

120 VOLT ONLY

Position

Figure 3 - Full Power Selector Switch

120/240 VOLT

Position

AUTO-IDLE SYSTEM

The Auto-Idle System allows the engine to idle down or run at a slower speed when the generator is not being used to supply power. The Auto-idle system can be turned ON or OFF by a rocker switch on the control panel. When the switch is in the OFF position, the engine runs at full speed all of the time. When the switch is in the ON position, the engine slows down to idle speed until an electrical load is applied. When a load is applied to the generator (an electrical item is plugged in and turned on) the engine speeds up to the preset speed required to produce the correct voltage.

IMPORTANT: A minimum current load of 1 Amp is required to disengage the auto idle solenoid and cause the engine to come up to speed for correct voltage. Powering items at reduced engine speed will damage generator and powered items.

Test Procedure

Check the GFCI receptacle every month. This insures it is working right.

1. Push black TEST button. Red RESET button should pop out. This should trip GFCI, resulting in no electrical power at receptacle. Verify this by plugging test lamp with good bulb into recep tacle. If lamp does not work, GFCI receptacle is good.

WARNING: If RESET button does not pop out, do not use the GFCI receptacle. Contact a qualiﬁed electrician for repairs.

118683

OWNER’S MANUAL

HONDA

OFFONSTART

ENGINE SW

CIRCUIT BREAKER

ON/push OFF

GENERATOR FEATURES

Continued

2. If the GFCI receptacle tests okay, restore power by pushing the RESET button back in. The test lamp should work at this time. IMPORTANT: You must press the RESET button ﬁrmly and fully. It should lock into place. If the GFCI does not lock into place, do not use receptacle. Contact a qualiﬁed electrician for repairs.

Figure 4 - GFCI Receptacle

ENGINE CIRCUIT BREAKER

(Models MGH5000EIE and MGH6500AIE)

This circuit breaker, or fuse, protects the battery charging circuit. A short circuit will trip the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker will also trip if you install battery wrong. Push circuit breaker button to reset.

Engine Circuit Breaker Button

Figure 5 - Engine Circuit Breaker

118683

RECEPTACLE CIRCUIT BREAKER

The circuit breakers protect the receptacles and alternator. Overloading generator will trip circuit breaker. A short circuit in item being powered will also trip breaker. If this occurs, unplug electrical load from receptacle. Let circuit breaker cool down. Push circuit breaker button to reset.

Electric motors need higher starting current. They require up to three-times their rated wattage to start. The starting current needed may be too high. This can cause nuisance circuit breaker tripping. To help prevent this, start electric motors ﬁrst. Connect additional items to generator after starting motors. If this continues to happen, reduce the total generator load.

Normal

Figure 6 - Receptacle Circuit Breaker Button

Tripped

Note: High ambient temperature will cause nuisance tripping.

ENGINE OIL

We ship the generator without oil in the engine crankcase. You must add oil before starting engine. See engine owner’s manual for speciﬁc oil type.

CHECKING OIL LEVEL AND ADDING OIL

Follow steps below to check oil level. Make sure engine is level and stopped.

1. Remove dipstick (see Figure 7). Wipe dipstick clean.

2. Insert dipstick into oil ﬁller neck. Do not screw it in. Oil level should be at top of ﬁller neck. Oil should cover most of dipstick.

3. If level is low, ﬁll to top of oil ﬁller neck (see Figure 7). Only use oil recommended in engine owner’s manual.

Note: If oil level is too low, oil alert system will shutdown engine and prevent engine from restarting.

Oil Level At Top Of Filler Neck

Oil

Figure 7 - Checking Oil Level (Model MGH4000D Shown)

Dipstick

FUEL

WARNING: Gasoline presents a hazard of ﬁre or explosion. Gasoline is ﬂammable. Its vapor is explosive.

• Keep fuel out of children’s

reach.

•

Refuel generator in a wellvented area. Do not ﬁll fuel tank in the dark. Do not refuel while engine is running. Unhook all electrical loads and shut off engine before refueling.

• Do not overﬁll fuel tank. Always

allow room for fuel to expand. If you overﬁll tank, fuel can overﬂow onto hot engine. This can cause ﬁre or explosion. After refueling, tightly close fuel tank cap.

• Do not spill fuel. Fuel or fuel

vapor may ignite. If fuel spills, make sure area is dry before starting engine.

• Never smoke in refueling area.

Never allow open ﬂames or sparks in area.

• Store fuel in approved contain-

er. Store fuel in a well-vented area free of open ﬂames or sparks.

Use clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline. Use gasoline with octane rating of 86 or higher. Service station gasoline pumps should dis play the octane rating. Using gasoline with lower octane level could damage engine. Avoid getting dirt, dust, or water in fuel tank. Do not mix oil with gasoline.

See engine owner’s manual for more information.

PORTABLE GASOLINE GENERATORS

TO STARTER SOLENOID

TO ENGINE BLOCK

1 2

0 O N

4 0

0 0

H O

R S

1 /1 0

L L

P O W

E R

1 2 0 O N L Y

2 0

4 0 V

0 05

H O

/1 0

FULL PO

WER

BATTERY

(Models MGH5000EIE and MGH6500AIE)

WARNING: Battery gives off explosive gases. Keep sparks, ﬂames, and cigarettes away. Do not remove or install battery cables when engine is cranking or running. Only service or use battery in a well-vented area.

WARNING: Battery contains sulfuric acid. Contact with skin or eyes may cause severe burns. Do not tilt generator with battery installed. Tilting could cause bat tery acid to spill. Wear protective clothing and face shield when servicing. Keep out of children’s reach.

• If battery acid gets on your skin,

wash with water.

• If battery acid gets in your eyes,

ﬂush with water at least 15 minutes. Call a doctor at once. Battery acid is poisonous.

•

If swallowed, drink large amounts of water or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia or vegetable oil. Call a doctor at once.

Always wear safety glasses when working with battery. Make sure battery terminals are clean. Make sure cable connections are tight.

Always shut down engine before removing or attaching battery cables. Always remove the negative (–) cable ﬁrst. Always attach negative (–) cable last.

INSTALLING BATTERY CABLES TO ENGINE

1. Attach the red, positive (+) battery cable to the starter solenoid on engine (see Figure 8). This cable is factory installed.

CAUTION: Do not over tighten positive terminal on starter solenoid. Positive terminal could rotate and cut into negative ter minal, causing a short.

2. Attach the black, negative (–) battery cable to the engine block. Use the bolt, nut, and two washers provided with the battery cables. Use long mounting hole on opposite side of engine from starter solenoid. Attach cable as shown in Figure 9.

MOUNTING BATTERY TO GENERATOR

1. Secure battery to generator by battery hold-down system. This system consists of the battery mounting bracket, hook bolts, and nut (see Figure 10).

2. Locate the red, positive (+) battery cable from starter solenoid. Connect it to the positive (+) battery terminal (see Figure 11).

3. Locate the black, negative (–) battery cable attached to engine block. Connect it to the negative (–) battery terminal (see Figure 11).

4. Check battery before starting engine. Make sure ﬂuid levels are full. Make sure battery is charged.

See engine owner’s manual for more information.

Battery Mounting Bracket

Nut

Battery

Hook Bolt

CAUTION: If you remove battery, insulate the red, positive (+) battery cable terminal. Insulate with electrical tape. Exposed terminal may spark when genera

tor runs.

IMPORTANT: Make sure battery connec tions are the correct polarity. Electric start generators use negative ground, 12-volt DC starting system.

Models MGH5000EIE and MGH6500AIE have an electric starter. A battery is not supplied with generator. You must provide a 12-volt, 32-amp-hour battery. The positive and negative battery cables are supplied with generator. You must install these cables before mounting battery.

Starter Solenoid

Red, Positive (+) Battery Cable

Figure 8 - Connecting Red, Positive (+) Battery Cable to Engine Starter Solenoid

(Model MGH6500AIE Shown)

Black, Negative (–) Battery Cable

Figure 9 - Connecting Black, Negative (-) Battery Cable to Engine Block (Model MGH6500AIE Shown)

Figure 10 - Battery Hold-Down System (Model MGH6500AIE Shown)

Figure 11 - Connecting Positive and Negative Cables to Battery (Model MGH6500AIE Shown)

118683

OWNER’S MANUAL

FUEL

EXTENSION CORDS

Only use grounded extension cords. Be sure to use extension cord with proper wire gauge size. See chart below.

Recommended Minimum Wire Gauges (AWG) for Extension Cords

Ampere AWG for Length of

Load Cord in Feet

50' 100' 150'

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 20 10 10 8

GENERATOR GROUNDING

WARNING: You must properly earth-ground generator before starting. This will help guard against deadly electric shock. Only use grounded plugs with generator. Only use grounded extension cords. Only use three-wire or double-insulated power tools.

Grounding generator helps prevent electric shock from a ground fault condition. Locate ground lug on roll cage (see Figure 12). Attach a #10 stranded-copper ground wire to ground lug. Drive grounding point into ground. Grounding point can be a stake, grounding rod, or pipe. Grounding point should be copper or brass. Attach ground wire to grounding point. You must supply the ground wire and grounding point. These do not come with generator. Follow the National Electrical Code and all state and local codes. Consult your power company or a licensed electrician.

WARNING: For a grounding point, do not use metal pipe being used to carry combustible materials or gases.

Ground Lug

Copper or Brass Grounding Point

STANDBY INSTALLATION TO HOME OR BUILDING

WARNING: Have standby installation performed by a skilled, licensed electrician. Do not let anyone else wire into a utility circuit. Personal injury, equipment damage, or damage to home could occur.

IMPORTANT: This generator will not power your entire home. Most home utility electric service is more than 60 amps. This will exceed generator output. Only power needed items during a power outage. Make sure total wattage of electrical load does not exceed rated wattage of generator.

You may need to use this generator as a standby power source. During a power out age, the generator will power selected items in a building. Have generator and additional wiring installed by a skilled, licensed electrician. This is not a do-it-yourself job. Follow all local codes.

WARNING: The electrician must ins tall a double-throw transfer switch. This isolates ex isting electrical circuits from the utility power line. If not isolated, generator output will back-feed into utility power line. This may electrocute a power company line repair person.

118683

Ground Wire

Alternator

Fig u r e 12 - Gr ounding Genera t or (Model MGH4000D Shown)

PORTABLE GASOLINE GENERATORS

DETERMINING ELECTRICAL LOAD FOR GENERATOR

You must decide what electrical load your generator can power. Do this before us ing generator. Use the following four-step method. It will help you select a load that is not too large. Make sure total wattage of all electrical loads does not exceed rated wattage of generator. For rated wattage of your generator, see Speciﬁcations, page 5. Electric motors present a special problem when ﬁguring load. Read Step 3 carefully.

1. Make two lists of items you want pow ered by generator. List all motors and motor powered appliances in one. List all lights, small appliances, etc. in the other. For standby service to home or building, only include items you must power.

2. Enter running watts of each item except motors. The light bulb or appliance nameplate lists its wattage. Remem ber, 1KW = 1000 watts. Note: The nameplate may not list wattage. It may only list volts and amps. The formula

for ﬁnding wattage is: Volts x Amps = Watts. For example: An appliance nameplate states 3 amps at 120 volts. 3 amps x 120 volts = 360 watts.

3. Electric motors present a special problem. They require up to three-times their rated wattage to start. Chart 2, below, shows starting watts for different size motors. For example: an electric

motor nameplate states 5 amps at 120 volts. 5 amps x 120 volts = 600 watts running. Multiply this ﬁgure by 3. This will show the starting watts needed. 600 watts x 3 = 1800 watts to start. When ﬁguring the generator load for motors, you must use the starting watts ﬁgure.

Typical Electric Appliance Wattages

Chart 1 Chart 2

Running

Equipment

Light bulb (100W)

Radio 150 150

Fan

Television

Furnace fan with blower

Vacuum cleaner

Sump pump

Refrigerator/freezer

6" Circular saw

Floodlight 1000 1000

1/2" Drill

Toaster

Coffee maker

Skillet 1200 1200

14" Chain saw

Water well pump (1/2 hp)

Hot plate/range (per burner)

10" Table saw

Water heater (storage-type)

(1/3 hp)

Watts

100 100

200 600

400 400

600 1800

600 750

700 2100

800 2400

800 1000

1000 1250

1200 1200

1200 1500

1000 3000

1500 1500

2000 6000

5000 5000

Starting

Watts

Motor

Rating

1/8 500 625 1100 1500 2250

1/4 700 875 1550 2100 3150

1/3 800 1000 1750 2400 3600

1/2 1100 1375 2400 3300 4950

3/4 1400 1750 3100 4200 x

1 1700 2125 3750 5100 x

1 1/2 2100 2625 4620 6300 x

2 2450 3075 5400 7350 x

3 3600 x 7900 10800 x

* – Always use starting watts, not running watts, when ﬁguring correct electrical load. x – Motors of higher horsepower are not generally used.

Approximate

Running

Watts

Approximate Starting Watts*

Universal

Motors

(small appliance)

Do not use the running watts ﬁgure. Note: Some motors require nearly the same wattage to run as to start. These items include saws, drills, hair dryers, and food mixers. See Chart 1 for typical appliance wattage examples.

4. Add watts and starting watts of all items. This total must not be larger than the rated wattage of your generator. It is a good idea to have up to 25% extra capacity for future needs or extra equipment.

Repulsion

Induction

Motors

Capacitor

Motors

Split

Phase

Motors

118683

+ 22 hidden pages