Generator Capacity

2018-03-01 ibf2005 Generators Comments Off on Generator Capacity

Generator Power Output Ratings

The most contentious topic regarding generators is the output rating. They are advertised output ratings are quoted in Watts.

A basic rule of thumb is that the generator is outputting 120 VAC so the wattage rating is equal to (the calculation is simple Ohm's law Amps = Watts / Voltage) so if a device that is rated at 1 amp at 120 VAC = 120 watts. Two things complicate the calculation. The first is that if the device has a motor it will draw a significantly higher amount of power than while it is running (this is known as spin up). The second issue is that the manufacturers fudge the numbers. Much like the output rating system for car stereo systems the advertised output rating is rarely ever the same on any two different brands. I have seen as much as 1000 watt differences in load tests. So do your homework and make sure that you give yourself some head room on the wattage rating.

There are several issues when selecting the size of a generator that you need to consider. Your basic power demands are the first consideration. I have provided an example below: (try the calculator at Honda) http://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/wattage-calculator

Generator Noise

Generators
2018-03-01 ibf2005 Generators Comments Off on Generator Noise
Generators are basically an engine with an alternator and inverter. The most common type generator engine is a 4-cycle gas engine similar to those on your lawnmower. The generator has three basic points of noise [...]

Generator Security

Generators
2018-03-01 ibf2005 Generators Comments Off on Generator Security
  Lock It or Lose It There is no value in spending hard earned money and effort to obtain a generator if you have it stolen before you even get to use it. The unfortunate [...]
Generators

Generator Capacity

2018-03-01 ibf2005 Generators Comments Off on Generator Capacity
Generator Power Output Ratings The most contentious topic regarding generators is the output rating. They are advertised output ratings are quoted in Watts. A basic rule of thumb is that the generator is outputting 120 [...]
Generators

Generator Safety

2018-03-01 ibf2005 Generators Comments Off on Generator Safety
  As With Everything Safety is the First Priority With Generators As always safety is paramount. You should have a fire extinguisher (B C dry powder or Purple K) nearby. Never store gas cans in [...]
Generators

Generator Fuel Consumption

2018-03-01 ibf2005 Generators Comments Off on Generator Fuel Consumption
Generator Fuel Use Generators are powered by gasoline or diesel engines. There are many factors that effect the level of fuel consumption. The load (amount of amperage / wattage draw) that you place on the [...]

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