(a) Hard-starting motors require 3-5 times the rated running watts.
(b) For extremely hard to start loads such as air conditioners and air compressors, consult the
equipment dealer to determine maximum wattage.
To calculate the running and starting wattage requirements for the devices you will be
powering, follow these steps:
1. Make a list of all electrical devices you will be powering at the same time with the generator.
2. List the greater of the running or starting wattage next to each device as obtained from the
devices’ nameplate or Table 1. If only the running wattage for a device with an electric
motor is known, the starting wattage can be estimated to be at least 3 times the running wattage.
3. Add the wattages for all devices on your list. This total must be lower than the continuous
output rating of your generator.
Example:
In this example, the generator must have a continuous output of at least 6275 W in order to
power all of the devices simultaneously.
STAGGERING LOADS
You can increase the number of devices your generator can power by staggering the load on the
generator. For example, you could alternately power your refrigerator and air conditioner for
limited periods of time -- powering only one of the devices at a time and never powering both
at the same time.
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