Generators and wattage ratings

[donut757]

Tired of borrowing a generator when i need a portable one, and not lugging bigger one around.

Really thinking of one of the invertor generators so i can run more sensitive stuff if needed, and so its easily portable. I need to run 15 amp electric motor from time to time...not long durations, but maybe 15-45 min at a time with start/stop operations.

From what im reading on the world wide web, 15 amps converts to like 1800 watts. I dont want to overload anything, but there are very few generators i have found that are rated at 1800 running watts. Plenty of 2000 watt generators, but very few that have the running watts im looking for.

If a generator is rated at 2000 starting watts and 1600-1700 running watts, would i be able to use this without harming the generator by overloading or burning up a motor by it running at less than full load?

Ideally id love to have a Honda/Yamaha, or good name brand,but seems they are either little smaller or bigger at 3000 starting... i dont want/need any bigger than what is nessecary so i dont have to carry and deal with the extra weight. Have been borrowing one of the Ryobi invertors that is 2200 starting 1800 runnings watts... it work well, and dont mind going that route if needed, but again would prefer higher end if itll work.

 

[tinman]

Never had an invertor version but been considering one. I'll be standing by here to get some info from actual users.

 

[blume357]

First, and I think from what you said you all ready know, that the most important part is to get a generator that creates a good sine wave for the AC current....

if you are needing a real 15 amps, I'd think 2400 watts (20amps) at a minimum.....

 

[Jeepnik]

On the motor you want to run two questions.

Is 15 amps the in rush when the motor starts?

Also, just because a motor is rated at 15 amps, what is it really drawing when it's running?

 

[Dave P.]

I've been a Honda dealer for a very long time, you might want to take a look
at the new EG2800.....
http://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/models/eg2800i

it's not a quiet as the EU series but it's less money and weight.
I usually suggest people get something with a bit of "reserve"
capacity.....seems they usually end up wanting it.
Dave

 

[donut757]

On the motor you want to run two questions.

Is 15 amps the in rush when the motor starts?

Also, just because a motor is rated at 15 amps, what is it really drawing when it's running?

Listed at 15 amp, 120 VAC. Its a snowblower, so imagine start up and light use not drawing max...under heavy load i would imagine.

Will also be using it for powers like mitre saw and Stihl electric chainsaw, only when cutting firewood so off and on use.

 

[donut757]

I've been a Honda dealer for a very long time, you might want to take a look
at the new EG2800.....
http://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/models/eg2800i

it's not a quiet as the EU series but it's less money and weight.
I usually suggest people get something with a bit of "reserve"
capacity.....seems they usually end up wanting it.
Dave

Ahhh 66 lbs is doable. Will certainly check it out, thank you. What do real world prices range at?

 

[Pat-inCO]

Two of the posts above are referring to surge current. That is to say the
amount of current that the device pulls as it starts. Some devices pull
ten or so percent extra, while others can easily pull 33% extra. If it were
me, I would get a generator that will easily handle the 33%, because you
could easily have another device you need to run that does draw that
much.

Additionally, what happens if you need to run yet another device while
the first one is in operation? The extra capacity could be more than handy.
In other words, I suggest you size your generator at least twenty percent
above your planned use.

 

[gtxmonte]

One of the 2000 inverters should easily do what you want to. I recently bought one myself and like most others, I was looking at a Honda. I ended up buying the 2000 inverter from Harbor Freight. It's half the cost of the Honda and so far for me has worked great. Like the Honda, it also has the capability to link two of them together.
HF actually has them on sale right now for $449

I actually went ahead and bought two, as well as the linking kit. So for light jobs I have the 40lb single that is easily moved around and for bigger jobs I add the other to it. This for the same price as the single Honda unit. While I also have a much bigger unit, I find I use the smaller ones much more as they are really handy

 

[DGW1949]

Your "15 amp" motor will draw more amps as it ages and/or if for whatever reason, the equipment which it is running starts placing a higher than normal drag on it. Plus, if you're using a long extension cord, you're also creating a voltage drop which no matter how slight, also results in higher amperage, which in turn creates heat, and heat burns up electrical stuff. Might be the motor, might be something in the generator...point is though, minimally sized electrical stuff only works when used exactly as designed...so...

....Everything considered, my rule of thumb when it comes to "which generator" is to buy one which is "one size up" from what the numbers say I need.

DGW

 

[Pat-inCO]

If a generator is rated at 2000 starting watts and 1600-1700 running
watts, would i be able to use this without harming the generator by
overloading or burning up a motor by it running at less than full load?

No problem at all.

You could run a 5KW generator and use your 1600 watts with . . zero . .
problems. You would use a tad more gas than necessary, but that is the
worst problem it would have. Well . . . except for the extra noise.

....Everything considered, my rule of thumb when it comes to "which generator"
is to buy one which is "one size up" from what the numbers say I need.

Good idea.

 

[wizofwas]

Jeepnik is asking the right questions. 15 amps is probably the start-up draw and/or max draw on max load, which ever is higher. So if you never put a max load on the motor, you'll be OK with your little 2000 watt generator. Personally, I'd go with the 3000 watt generator because then I wouldn't have to even think about worrying about overloading it and if the need arises, I can always expand its use for other things. Also, the 3000 watt generator will probably last longer, if just for the simple reason that it's not being put to max use at any time. The usual precautions, YMMV.

 

[H.H. Hipshot]

I used the Honda EU3000i to power portable satellite communications stations. Starts first time, every time. So quiet that you can use your cell phone next to one. Pure sine wave inverter output, so no radio interference. Runs at idle when you are not loading it, and revs up when you put it under load.

HHH

 

[powder smoke]

One can never have Too Many watts the bigger the better imo.
A long term power outage you'll be happy with a larger unit. I have
a Yamaha 6600, I can run appliances in my house like fridge and freezer.
Well pump and what not. A bigger generator will also have 220. YMMV. ps

 

[Jeepnik]

OP is looking for something portable (he says 66#'s is ok). Wants an inverter type for the "sweetness" (my word not his) of the power produced. No big deal for the saws and blowers but as mentioned one might want to power other things some of which may not do well on "dirty" power.

The weight limit of what he thinks is doable will limit the size and thus power output. Reading all of the replies, I think Honda unit in the link would do just fine.

However there is one thing I usually suggest to folks, especially if it is their only generator, and that is look for one that is multi-fuel 4 stroke. Gasoline is messy, requires stabilizers for long term storage, and isn't the easiest to store. Propane is clean and easy to store. No additives, but some tanks might leak a bit over time. But gasoline is usually found more places than propane.

Personally, I run mine primarily on propane with gasoline as a back up. If I use gasoline I dump the tank after use.

Oh, and one other thing, not all generators have electric start. Get one that does. When I was younger pulling the rope was of no consequence. These days I really appreciate (and so does my back) electric start. Most, if not all, that have electric start have pull start as a backup.

 

[gtxmonte]

I took "portable" a something he could easily pick up and move, but maybe he just means something on wheels. While that 66lb Honda is not THAT heavy, that will be hard for one person to easily sling around the way the handles are made

 

[donut757]

I took "portable" a something he could easily pick up and move, but maybe he just means something on wheels. While that 66lb Honda is not THAT heavy, that will be hard for one person to easily sling around the way the handles are made

You are correct in that meaning of portable. Lighter would be better, and if possibly a 2000 watt genny would work that would be excellent... but if i have to settle for 66 lbs that wont be too bad... itll be in and out of the truck and with a small portable unit it will fit in the cab of the truck. Shouldnt be too much carrying around but still able to do so myself.

I appreciate the input and all... may be worth a call to some manufactures to see max limit durations

 

[gtxmonte]

Ok, just dug up the book on my Predator(Harbor Freight) generator. Its 2500 peak and 2200 running watts. Weighs 38lbs. Runs 6hrs on a tank of fuel at 50% load. I used it on Drag Week to run the lights in my trailer, as well as having a hot water bath nitrous bottle warmer plugged in the whole time and air compressor kicking on and off while I filled nitrous bottles. Never missed a beat, super quiet. Has a low oil alarm and starts easily. On sale right now for $449. I paid $499 for mine

 

[Mobuck]

Whatever you think you need-double it and you'll be a lot happier later.

 

[donut757]

Ok, just dug up the book on my Predator(Harbor Freight) generator. Its 2500 peak and 2200 running watts. Weighs 38lbs. Runs 6hrs on a tank of fuel at 50% load. I used it on Drag Week to run the lights in my trailer, as well as having a hot water bath nitrous bottle warmer plugged in the whole time and air compressor kicking on and off while I filled nitrous bottles. Never missed a beat, super quiet. Has a low oil alarm and starts easily. On sale right now for $449. I paid $499 for mine

Have actually heard decent things about the Predator generators

 

[Jeepnik]

Whatever you think you need-double it and you'll be a lot happier later.

A bit more than the 1.5 rule I try to teach young engineers. They usually don't listen and size things exactly for the need. Then when it falls short they generally say something like "it works on paper". Most learn after the first failure (I give them that) those that don't are going to have to learn it on someone else's dime.

 

[BROKENBEAR]

SEE HOW TO BUY AT THE END ..Just bought a Honda EU2000i generator ...I am wintering in Texas and the storage shed I am renting 5'X10' has no power and as a professional grip carver I need power for saws,lights,sanders and heat...always wanted a EU2000i BECAUSE ...I have a Mitsubishi 6000 electric start at the house ...but just too damn big to be mobile ....every time I need power somewhere on the farm i just cannot face loading that 6000 up ...and OP I don't know how old you are but I'm 70 and 3 shoulder surgeries behind me and I can tell you the EU2000i is about all my back and shoulders can stand ...my EU has two 13 amp sockets and I divide the load in my little "shop away from home" ...I run all the lights and the heater on one 13amp plug and then all the saws,sanders etc on the other ...the EU instructions say 15amp continuous with 17/18 temporary ...It also has an overload indicator lamp on it but running all my lights,heater and biggest saw or drill press the little EU has never winked the overload lamp at me ...coldest day or warm ...half pull starts every time ...man I'm loving it ...and now have power for deer stand builds ...shed repairs ...leaf blower to clear leaves off food plots as well as clear leaves from trail to tree stands for quiet dark thirty entries ...leaf blower to blow out left over seed from grain drill and planters ...man I'm stoked ...now the buy ....Go here
http://www.electricgeneratordepot.com/honda-inverter-2000w-generator-with-parallel-capability-and-oil-alert-scratch-and-dent
this will take you to the EU2000i-SD ..yes a scratch and dent unit ...but brand spanking new ...just cosmetic blemish ...mine had a scratch on the exaust end of the black end plate $829 delivered no tax
....plus the company WILL NOT SHIP until they have gassed it,oiled it, tested it ...drained it ...then ship ...never heard of that kind of customer care!?!?!? ...and Honda parts or service anywhere

Good Luck
Bear

 

[CGDustDevil]

OP is looking for something portable (he says 66#'s is ok). Wants an inverter type for the "sweetness" (my word not his) of the power produced. No big deal for the saws and blowers but as mentioned one might want to power other things some of which may not do well on "dirty" power.

The weight limit of what he thinks is doable will limit the size and thus power output. Reading all of the replies, I think Honda unit in the link would do just fine.

However there is one thing I usually suggest to folks, especially if it is their only generator, and that is look for one that is multi-fuel 4 stroke. Gasoline is messy, requires stabilizers for long term storage, and isn't the easiest to store. Propane is clean and easy to store. No additives, but some tanks might leak a bit over time. But gasoline is usually found more places than propane.

Personally, I run mine primarily on propane with gasoline as a back up. If I use gasoline I dump the tank after use.

Oh, and one other thing, not all generators have electric start. Get one that does. When I was younger pulling the rope was of no consequence. These days I really appreciate (and so does my back) electric start. Most, if not all, that have electric start have pull start as a backup.

Hard to find dual or tri fuel in the Inverter-type classes which is a shame, 'cause I like the inverter type for the paralleling feature... (In addition to the 'clean power')

I have a dual fuel (Propane/Gasoline) with 'lectric and pull start. (10KW) I run it monthly for 30 minutes on gasoline under load, so that solves the 'stale gas' syndrome! Propane stays good better than gasoline, so I only run it on propane a couple times a year to make sure it works.

 

[Dave P.]

I've been a Honda dealer for a very long time, you might want to take a look
at the new EG2800.....
http://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/models/eg2800i

it's not a quiet as the EU series but it's less money and weight.
I usually suggest people get something with a bit of "reserve"
capacity.....seems they usually end up wanting it.
Dave

Ahhh 66 lbs is doable. Will certainly check it out, thank you. What do real world prices range at?

In our part of the world about $1000.
The problem with some of the HF and other "off" brands is finding service
if you need it.
Like most things, you get what you pay for.
Dave

 

[donut757]

I've been a Honda dealer for a very long time, you might want to take a look
at the new EG2800.....
http://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/models/eg2800i

it's not a quiet as the EU series but it's less money and weight.
I usually suggest people get something with a bit of "reserve"
capacity.....seems they usually end up wanting it.
Dave

Ahhh 66 lbs is doable. Will certainly check it out, thank you. What do real world prices range at?

In our part of the world about $1000.
The problem with some of the HF and other "off" brands is finding service
if you need it.
Like most things, you get what you pay for.
Dave

I am going to see if i cant find one locally to put eyes on... i see that Champion makes a 2800 watt ivertor model too... doesnt look like price diff is enough to warrant not going with the similar Honda

 

[RSIno1]

Bought one of these for the travel trailer last summer. Works well quiet - a couple db higher than the Honda 3000 but not enough to worry about. It has a 30 amp RV plug so you don't need an adapter like the Honda. Includes wheels and handle which are extra on the Honda. Dual fuel which Honda doesn't offer. About 1/2 the price of the Honda. Electric start too.
http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/Champion-100263-Portable-Generator/p67309.html

 

[gramps]

I don't understand the invertor part of this. To me invertor is what you use to turn battery power to 120 VAC. How does a generator use an invertor? It would seem to be inefficient in my way of thinking.
gramps

 

[donut757]

I don't understand the invertor part of this. To me invertor is what you use to turn battery power to 120 VAC. How does a generator use an invertor? It would seem to be inefficient in my way of thinking.
gramps

To my understanding it makes power, uses invertor to convert it and then back to 120, but cleaner and safer for sensitive items like computers and phones. I could be totally wrong, but they are safer for delicate devices.


All these smarty pants here will correct me and give better explanation.

 

[spanky509]

Buying a generator is like buying a gun safe. Sooner or later you'll ask yourself why I didn't get a bigger one.

 

[Jeepnik]

I don't understand the invertor part of this. To me invertor is what you use to turn battery power to 120 VAC. How does a generator use an invertor? It would seem to be inefficient in my way of thinking.
gramps

To my understanding it makes power, uses invertor to convert it and then back to 120, but cleaner and safer for sensitive items like computers and phones. I could be totally wrong, but they are safer for delicate devices.


All these smarty pants here will correct me and give better explanation.

The big thing with power for sensitive electronics is that it be full sine wave (the explanation is a complex for here so google it). Most generators used for emergency power don't have the full sine wave. But, you can power some UPS' with "dirty" power and they "condition" it so that it is full sine wave.