For example, a manufacturer might specify that a small portable generator can supply a maximum of watts, but it is rated for continuous watts. Maximum watts in this case refer to the surge watts or starting watts. Continuous watts refer to running watts. The distinction between starting vs running watts makes a difference when choosing a generator and especially when electric motors make up part of the total electrical load the generator supplies.
When an electric motor turns on, a momentary inrush of electric current starts the motor turning. For a fraction of a second, the motor has a very low resistance which allows a very high current to flow. As current begins to flow, the magnetic fields form and push and pull on each other and force the motor to start turning.
Electrical Power is usually expressed in watts and is a function of the voltage volts and current amperes or amps. As the motor speed increases, the current flowing decreases until the motor reaches full speed and the current remains steady.
The inrush or surge of current starts very high and tapers off quickly as the motor reaches full speed. During this short startup period, the average current is three to five times higher than at full speed under load.
Note — some models can exceed the maximum wattage without triggering the circuit breaker. This can also be estimated as X the running watts. For instance, if the current is 2A and the voltage is V, you just multiply 2A by V to get watts. Most circuit breakers will have the watts written on the handles.
This is basically, the maximum amount of power a circuit can handle before it trips. Be sure to read the operating manual to determine the amps and volts. The wattage output will determine the number of appliances you can run at a time or simultaneously. For those items with higher startup power wattage, you should use a higher rating to know the exact power requirements.
Some portable generators may require additional power that can only last for a few seconds. The initial load is very important when calculating your wattage. When you ignore the power outage of your generator, you could end up stressing the internal components which may lead to failure.
Check out our recommendations for the best budget portable generators here. Most generator manufacturers use startup watts as the value when choosing a generator. This is what you should look for after reading the specs of the generator you want. While you may expect a W generator to power W appliances, this is not always the case.
That is the safe number that you need your generator to handle. With that number, you can know exactly how much power your generator must be able to provide to run things smoothly without further problems. So, make sure that you have a generator that can safely run the amount you need. Get yours on Amazon here. The average American household needs a lot of electrical power to run normally. You have computers, television, fridge, freezer, stove, shower, and a lot of other things that run on electricity.
You can have one for the essential things and another for the less essential things. You still get to keep your lifestyle for as long as possible without compromising the essential things. So, make sure to consider having more than one generator. Click to view the best pricing on Amazon here. There are a lot of great options for compact generators.
This is great in case you need to move somewhere else and need to take the generator with you. Now, if you get the right capacity, you can run all the basic things on a portable generator.
This boost requires more watts then the standard running wattage. Once the motor has turned on the amount of watts required slowly goes down until it reaches the rated running watt level. Most of the time these extra watts are needed at the start of the appliance being turned on, but there are occasional instances where a compressor or motor will need to run during regular operation of the appliance.
Again, starting watts will be used these scenarios as well. Starting watts are only meant to be used for a very short period of time. Just a few seconds at most. If you try to run numerous applications and you exceed the running watts but are still within the starting watts you will still overload your system. For more information on exactly what sized generator you should purchase please click here to be taken to our Generator Sizing Guide.
When purchasing a generator you should pay very close attention to what the maximum watts of the generator is and the running watts. When looking at generators you should be able to find the specific maximum starting watts and the running watts.
If it is unclear or you cannot find it on the product either ask for help or move onto a different product.
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