How to match your generator to your power demands
- First, discover your total electrical load, using the power chart. Make a list of all lights and electrical appliances you wish your generator to supply.
- Establish your steady state load - the lights and appliances you expect to operate at any one time.
- When electric motors form part of your appliances (see note below), calculate your maximum demand by adding the extra power required to start the electric motor to your steady state load.
- Choose your generator to match your maximum power demand.
Note: Electric motors need more power to start than to run. Use the simple formula of 3 x the motor horsepower to add to your required kW. For motors starting under load (e.g compressors) or submersible pumps, a higher value is required. This guide applies to modern motor design only.
(*Caution required when using sensitive electronic equipment.)
| APPROXIMATE POWER CONSUMPTION CHART | ||
| APPLIANCE | WATTS | STARTING WATTS |
| Air Conditioner (caravan) | 900 - 2000 | |
| Clothes Dryer | 2,400 | |
| Computer (desktop/laptop) | 800/500 | |
| Drill 3/8" : 1/2" | 475/750 | 750/900 |
| Electric Motor: 1/4 hp | 180 | 540 |
| 1/2 hp | 375 | 1,125 |
| 1 hp | 750 | 2,250 |
| 2 hp | 1,500 | 4,500 |
| Hot Water Heater (caravan) | 1,500 | |
| Iron | 900 - 1,200 | |
| Kettle or Jug | 1,600 - 3,000 | |
| Lights | 60 - 200 | |
| Microwave Oven | 60 - 1,200 | 900 - 1,600 |
| Radiator | 1,000 - 2,500 | |
| Refrigerator | 200 - 500 | |
| Refrigerator (caravan) | 100 - 250 | |
| Television Set | 200 | |
| Toaster | 750 - 1,250 | |
| Washing Machine | 500 - 1,000 | 500 - 3,000 |
| Welder 140 amps | 4,000 | |
| 9’ Angle Grinder | 2,300 | |
| Conversion Table Use these recommendations as a guide only as output can vary from appliance brand and models. To convert watts to KVA @ 0.8PF, divide watts by 0.8 (eg; 2,000 watts = 2.5KVA , 3,000 watts = 3.75KVA , 4,800 watts = 6KVA .) To convert KVA to kW @ 0.8PF, multiply KVA x 0.8. 1000 watts @ 240 volts = 4.17 amps approximately. |
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Choose from the rugged, reliable ready-to-go cummins portable range
| CUMMINS MODEL | APPLICATION | OUTPUT (watts) |
| CAMPING P1100 | Caravan & Camping - Runs a caravan fridge, T.V. and lights all at the same time | 700 |
| INVERTER P1700i | Caravan & Camping - All the P1100 powers plus a Tuckerbox freezer or microwave oven | 1400 |
| P3200ie | Caravan air conditioner, coffee machine, bread makers etc. Sensitive equipment up to 2800 watts | 2800 |
| P4300ie | Ideal quiet home or office back up power, small mobile van power etc. Sensitive equipment up to 3800 watts | 380 |
| COMMERCIAL P2200 | Light General Use - 0.75 hp motors, lighting and power tools up to 2,000 watts | 2000 |
| P2600 | Light General Use - 0.75 hp motors, lighting and power tools up to 2,500 watts | 2500 |
| P4500 | Medium General Use - Power tools up to 4,000 watts | 4000 |
| PX4800e | Medium General Use - 9" Anglegrinder, small air conditioners, power tools up to 3,500 watts | 3500 |
| P5000e | General Use - 2 hp motors, most 140 amp welders, air compressors, multi-head shearing plant | 5000 |
| PX6100e | Medium General Use - Power tools up to 4,400 watts | 4400 |
| PX7500e | General Use - 2 hp motors, most 140 amp welders, air compressors, multi-head shearing plant | 5500 |
| PX12000e | General Use - 5 hp motors, most 250 amp welders, compressors or a wool press | 8500 |