APPLIANCE LOADS
Generator sets in recreational vehicles are often used to supply AC voltage for appliances. With
the exception of a resistance-type load such as a water heater, requirements for appliances are usually
low. However, such loads must not be overlooked when calculating the total wattage requirements. To
avoid an overload situation, reserve capacity should also be calculated for unanticipated appliance loads.
The average power requirements for some common electrical appliances are listed below as a guide.
DETERMINING ALTERNATOR LOAD REQUIREMENTS
CHECK √ APPLIANCE WATTS REQUIRED
VCR 70
LIGHT BULB 100
RADIO 100
TELEVISION 100
STEREO 100
FRY PAN 150
HOME COMPUTER 150
VACUUM CLEANER 250
ATTIC FAN 1/4 HP 400
SUMP PUMP 1/3 HP 500
REFRIGERATOR 500
FURNACE FAN 1/3 HP 600
FREEZER 800
JET WATER PUMP ¾ HP 900
ELECTRIC STOVE ELEMENT 1000
SUBMERSIBLE WATER PUMP 1 HP 1000
TOASTER 1000
COFFEE MAKER 1200
DISHWASHER 1200
HAIR DRYER 1200
MICROWAVE OVEN 1500
SUBMERSIBLE WATER PUMP 2 HP 1600
WATER HEATER 3000
OVEN 4500
TOTAL WATTS CHECKED
EXTENSION CORDS
An extension cord is normally used to provide electrical power from the generator set to a remote
location. The extension cord size (AWG#) and length must be adequate to safely maintain the amperage
requirements. A proper size extension cord will help minimize the voltage drop between the generator
set and remote location.
AMPS LOAD IN WATTS CORD LENGTH
120 VOLTS 240 VOLTS AWG#10 AWG#12 AWG#14
5 600 1200 500 FT 300 FT 200 FT
10 1200 2400 250 FT 150 FT 100 FT
20 2400 4800 125 FT 75 FT 50 FT
30 3600 7200 60 FT 35 FT 25 FT
40 4800 9600 30 FT 15 FT 10 FT
50 6000 12000 15 FT ----- -----
14
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