Application Chart for Determining Electrical Load for Generator
Remember 1 kW = 1000 watts 2 kW = 2000 watts and so on
The formula for finding wattage is: Volts x Amps = Watts
Example: an appliance nameplate states 3 amps at 120 volts. 3 amps x 120 volts = 360 watts
Typical Electrical Appliance Wattages
Electric Motor Wattage Usage
Electric motors present a special problem. They require up to three times their rated wattage to start.
Example: an electric motor name plate states 5 amps at 120 volts, 5 amps x 120 volts = 600 watts.
Multiply this by 3. This will show the starting watts needed. 600 watts x 3 = 1800 watts to start.
Some motor name plates will show starting watts higher in some case 9 times higher, check the name plate.
Approximate Starting Watts *
* - Always use starting watts, not running watts, when figuring correct electrical load
x - Motors of higher horsepower are not generally used