Safety certification is always important when purchasing any equipment, and generators are no different.

The insulation class becomes a vital element if you are planning constant use of your generator. Insulation classes can also be found on the nameplate and range from A to H with H being the highest class possible. Although it is usually best to stick with brands you know and trust, make sure you select a generator with an engine having a low-oil shutdown.Īnother factor to consider is the insulation class which refers to the amount of heat the unit can take. Make sure you take into consideration the continuous wattage available and not the maximum wattage available.Īll things considered, you may ask yourself, 'What really makes one generator more expensive than the next?' Like anything else, the quality of the components, such as the engine and alternator will typically determine the cost of the machine. The amount of power a capacitor-start motor needs to start up is underestimated because they require anywhere from four to six times the running watts. The biggest mistake customers make when determining what size generator they need has to do with capacitor-start motors. For example, if the machine uses 14.2 amps and 120 volts, multiply those two numbers to find the amount of required wattage, which in this case is 1,704 Watts. If wattage is not shown, but amps and volts are given, the following simplified formula may be used: Amps X Volts = Watts. Every tool, appliance and apparatus displays the product's wattage on its nameplate. Other factors to take into consideration is how often the generator will be used, the length of time the generator will be running for each application, if noise is a concern and the cost.ĭetermining the required wattage of what you want to power may take some research. Many brands offer similar products since companies use comparable engines, alternators and other components to manufacture a variety of high quality generators that come with a range of price options.Īs a manufacturer, the most common question we get is, 'What size generator do I need?' The most important factor when purchasing a generator is knowing what total wattage is required for the equipment you need to power. In today's market, the availability of portable power products, namely portable generators, is limitless.

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