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  1. #1
    Gong Shooter
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    Default Will a 2.8 generator run a 15 amp electrical motor?

    This generator Im looking at would be nice, but its only 2800 watts. With the startup surge, will it power something at 15 -16 amps? Im thinking electric log splitter.

  2. #2
    Smells Like Carp
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    I'm a bit rusty but 110 volt times 15 is 1650 watts. Treat this like internet reloading data.
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  3. #3
    Grand Master Know It All sellersm's Avatar
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    The formula for finding wattage is: Volts x Amps = Watts

    Motors present a totally different issue:
    Electric motors present a special problem. They require up to three times their rated wattage to start.
    Example: an electric motor name plate states 5 amps at 120 volts, 5 amps x 120 volts = 600 watts.
    Multiply this by 3. This will show the starting watts needed. 600 watts x 3 = 1800 watts to start.

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  4. #4
    Carries A Danged Big Stick buffalobo's Avatar
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    Power(watts)/voltage=current

    2800w/110v=25.45amps or maybe I really have no clue.

    According to sellersm post you can handle 8.5 amp motor start.
    Last edited by buffalobo; 12-11-2013 at 15:08.
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  5. #5
    Gong Shooter
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    Default

    Ok, thanks

  6. #6
    If I had a son he would look like....Ben SideShow Bob's Avatar
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    Rate your generator as you would a circuit breaker if using it for electric motors. 125% of motor rating or you could have problems tripping the generator's over current protection when the motor starts.
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  7. #7
    My Fancy Title gnihcraes's Avatar
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    I have a 1850 surge generator, it loads down pretty good when the furnace motor starts up. FYI. Log splitter, will do the same I'm sure.

  8. #8
    Gong Shooter
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    I think I will wait around for a larger one. Thanks

  9. #9
    Iceman sniper7's Avatar
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    yeah you will want something at least 4500 watts if you are going to run something like that. check out costco, you can pick up 6000+ watt generators for a good price and they typically have a good warranty.
    I bought my 2000W inverter generator there for my camper and love it.
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  10. #10
    Machine Gunner electronman1729's Avatar
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    What is rated hp of motor? Is the motor single phase or three phase? The generator will need to be able to handle the in rush current which is 7x FLA
    Last edited by electronman1729; 12-13-2013 at 22:59.

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