USING YOUR GENERATOR
Table 3 - Power Cord Requirement Guide
SOME NOTES ABOUT POWER CORDS
Long or thin cords can drain the power provided to an electrical device by the generator. When using such cords,
allow for a slightly higher rated wattage requirement by the electrical device.
*NR = Not Recommended
Device Requirements Max. Cord Length (ft) by Wire Gauge
Amps
Watts
(120V)
Watts (240V) #8 wire #10 wire #12 wire #14 wire #16 wire
2.5 300 600 NR NR NR 375 250
5 600 1200 NR NR 300 200 125
7.5 900 1800 NR 350 200 125 100
10 1200 2400 NR 250 150 100 50
15 1800 3600 NR 150 100 65 NR
20 2400 4800 175 125 75 50 NR
25 3000 6000 150 100 60 NR NR
30 3600 7200 125 65 NR NR NR
40 4800 9600 90 NR NR NR NR
NOTE: For power outages, permanently installed, stationary generators are better suited for providing backup
power to your home. Even a properly connected portable generator can become overloaded. This may result in
overheating or stressing the machine’s components, possibly leading to generator failure.
WARNING! Generator should only be connected to electrical devices, either directly or with an extension
cord. NEVER CONNECT TO A BUILDING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM without a qualified electrician and connected to
a transfer switch as a separately derived system. Such connections must comply with local electrical laws and
codes. Failure to comply can create a back-feed, which may result in serious injury or death to utility workers.
CIRCUIT BREAKERS (FIG. 10)
The 30A circuit breaker protects the NEMA TT-30R outlet and the NEMA L5-30R outlet. The 20A circuit breaker
protects the NEMA 5-20R outlets. The 37A main circuit breaker protects the entire panel. The circuit breakers will
activate when the outlets exceed the indicated amperage. When the circuit breaker activates, turn off and disconnect
the device from its respective outlet and press the circuit breaker to reset.
Fig. 10
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