Portable Electric Generator Applications

Remember that if any of the appliances you want to run have induction motors the starting current will be on the order of 3 times the full load running current and will likely stall a small generator. This won't be a problem with the small camper type refrigerators that work on energy sources other than AC. These guys have either absorption systems or in some cases are thermoelectrics and don't use AC motors to drive compressors in the refrigeration cycle.

With respect to heaters note that a small heater designed to run on 240 volts (WW Grainger has several) with a rating in the 500-750 watt range will draw exactly 25% of that power (and produce the same reduced proportion of heat) when running on 120 volts. While you could produce heat in that range with light bulbs a small heater might produce the needed warmth more conveniently where it be needed and would certainly be safer than a hot light bulb.

We warmed a large reptile terrarium for many years this way with a 30 inch 240 volt baseboard heater running on 120 volts and an ordinary thermostat. All that was needed to protect the resident iguana was an attached piece of window screen so he wouldn't sit right on the hot sharp fins. Such an arrangement likely wouldn't heat any reasonable camping space to room temperature; but could do well to take the chill off for someone who wasn't quite ready to curl up in the sleeping bag and go to sleep. And don't forget the value of small electric blankets as long as you are going to have 120 volts AC available.

Also a 100 watt light bulb will produce a surprising amount of localized radiant heat for reading or similar activities. We tend to underrate the value of radiant heat in producing satisfactory comfort levels in spite of cool air temperatures.

Ed Weldon

The rated output of your example generator is 550 watts, which equals the rated voltage (120) times the rated amperage (4.6). If you have a device which does not have a wattage rating on it , then just multiply the amperage time the voltage to get wattage. For motors, allow about a three to one cushion, relative to the maximum output, for starting surge and for temporary overloads, such as a drill motor working hard.

You can add up the wattages of the devices in use to see if your generator will work for them.

I would advise you to calculate the total sum of your load in kw,then buy an equivalent rating of Generator since all the load will not be used at a time.But if all is to be used at a time,add 25% of the rated output of 550kw(137.5kw) which will give us approximately 700kw.Then look for generator with output of 700kw and use it to carry all your load conveniently.

Patrick W.