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How to Choose a Generator
The need to power a house is still based on the same questions…. What appliances will be used while on back-up power, and how many of those appliances will be used at once? In the end, it is still unreasonable to expect a portable generator to supply power to a house that is being used as though it were still receiving power from the city. This is to say that one can attach a 5800w generator to a home and run the TV, fridge, portable a/c unit, and a couple lights however, there is then also the concern that all these items are of general size and not of commercial grade or unusually large size. (see charts below)
To provide an idea of usage:
TV 100-500 watts
A/C 1500-2000 watts*
Electric Stove 1000-1500 watts
Fridge 200-2000 watts *
The asterisks indicate that you need to keep in mind that induction type motors, like those that run sump pumps, refrigerators and a/c compressors, typically require 2 to 3 times their listed running watts to start, and then level off after startup to the wattage listed above. For example you only need 1500-2000 watts to run an a/c unit of average size, however, you will need around 5000w to start up the same a/c unit when using the midrange of those wattage figures.
To answer the second question concerning run time, Mitsubishi (as with others) manufactures their generators with various size power plants and therefore continuous run time is quite different for the same amount of fuel, in general, much like a car, they adjust the size of the gas tank to hold fuel that will allow the given generator with its power plant to run around 8 hours with average use on one tank of 3-5 gallons of fuel. Of course, as with any rating like this if you are using maximum output on the generator for the entire 8 hours it is unlikely that this 8 hour figure will hold true. It is always best to err on the side of caution.
This leads into other aspects of generator design and functionality. I agree that the numbers and charted information can look like Greek to the untrained eye, however, buying a 12000w generator from Home Depot for $1400 and buying a 12000w generator from me for $3650 is not a function of buying power, there are real material differences between these generators and unfortunately shopping for price alone can mean the difference between having stable backup power for 24 hours and having stable backup power for a week, two weeks or more. The point is that features such as AVR and the ability to replace every internal part is not standard on all brands. Also, just because a generator has a Honda or Mitsubishi power plant does not mean you are getting the same type of replaceable parts and features as you would from another company selling a generator with a Honda or Mitsubishi power plant. Ultimately the old adage, "You get what you pay for" becomes very important when choosing a generator, and the buyer should always be reminded that this is a backup system meant to support the home or business that it is being purchased for, as a consumer myself, I understand the need to shop for the best price, but when you are looking at a backup system to be used in times of emergency seeking the cheapest price with the highest wattage is not the best approach to take. In light of all this information, progenerators.com and American Industrial Equipment and Contractor Supply sells generators that are genuine Mitsubishi brand, with fully replaceable parts, and a manufacturer's warranty. We are a stocking distributor for the southeast and are proud of the quality in the brands that we carry, whether you're a contractor or a homeowner, dependability is the primary concern for a backup system and we've chosen Mitsubishi from both experience and knowledge that their products are capable of performing when those in need must rely on their generator for power to run vital systems for the safety of their home, businesses, and families.
EQUIVALENT
MAX kVA: Some Manufacturers give ratings in kVA by
adding 25% to the power rating. This figure is for comparison
with these values.
Motor Hp/starting Table
|
Motor Size
H/P
|
Running
Watts
|
Watts Req.
To Start Motor
|
|
1/8
|
275
|
850
|
|
1/6
|
275
|
850
|
|
1/4
|
400
|
1,050
|
|
1/3
|
450
|
1,350
|
|
1/2
|
600
|
1,800
|
|
3/4
|
850
|
2,600
|
|
1
|
1,100
|
3,300
|
|
2
|
2,200
|
6,600
|
Machines & Power (watts)
required to run
|
Fluorescent
Lamp
|
60
|
5" Angle
Grinder
|
750 watts
|
|
Light Bulb
|
100
|
Hair Dryer
|
1,000
|
|
Video
|
100
|
Lawnmower
10" Hover
|
1,000
|
|
Palm Sander
|
175
|
5"
Circular Saw
|
1,000
|
|
Fridge*
|
200
|
Router
|
1,000
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|
Slow Cooker
|
200
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Belt Sander
|
1,020
|
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Radio/Hi Fi
|
200
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Vacuum Cleaner
|
1,100
|
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Colour TV
|
250
|
Coffee Maker
|
1,200
|
|
Central
Heating Pump
|
300
|
Steam Iron
|
1,250
|
|
VDU
|
300
|
Cement Mixer *
|
1,320
|
|
Strimmer
10"
|
350
|
Chain Saw
10"-16"
|
1,500
|
|
Printer
|
350
|
600W Microwave
|
1,500
|
|
Jig Saw
|
400
|
Portable
Heater
|
1,500
|
|
Bench Grinder
|
400
|
Hot Air Gun
|
1,500
|
|
Computer
|
400
|
PhotoCopier
|
1,600
|
|
13mm Drill
|
450
|
8" floor
sander
|
2,000
|
|
Orbital Sander
|
450
|
Compressor *
|
2,200
|
|
Hedge Trimmer
|
500
|
12" Angle
Grinder
|
2,500
|
|
Flood Lamp
|
500
|
Hammer Drill
|
2,500
|
|
4" Angle
Grinder
|
550
|
Kettle
|
2,500
|
|
1/3 HP Airless
Sprayer
|
600
|
Fan Heater
|
3,000
|
|
Telefax
|
600
|
Hammer/Breaker
|
3,000
|
|
13mm Hammer
Drill
|
600
|
1 HP Pressure
Washer
|
3,500
|
|
Deep Freeze
|
700
|
Arc Welder-
130A
|
3,500
|
|
Planer
|
700
|
Washing
Machine
|
4,000
|
|
* See Motor
Starting
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