Power for home, work, or play, a portable generator keeps you in control by providing power for use during power outages, on the jobsite, at the campgrounds or anywhere you need power.
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Determine the Size You Need
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Selecting the right size generator (running watts and starting watts) depends on what you want to power. Running, or rated watts, are the continuous watts needed to keep items running. Starting watts are extra watts needed for two-to-three seconds to start motor-driven products like a refrigerator or circular saw – this is the maximum wattage the generator can produce.
To determine your wattage requirements:
1. Select the items you wish to power at the same time.
2. List the running watts and additional starting watt requirements for each item (check your operator’s manual for each product or the data plate to locate these wattage requirements).
3. Add the RUNNING WATTS of all the items you wish to power. You’ll need a generator that produces at least this many RUNNING WATTS.
4. Select the ONE ITEM with the highest number of additional starting watts. Take this ONE NUMBER, add it to your TOTAL RUNNING WATTS. You’ll need a generator that produces at least this many STARTING WATTS.