I am buying a generator for my power tools but all i need is what i have in my house one 120 volt outlet on a 20 amp breaker so that would mean i need a 2400 watt generator? but that dont seem right does anybody know how many watts is put out by a regular outlet in your house?
2006-12-27 16:39:25 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
Most outlets in your house are rated at 15 amps maximum. 15A x 120V = 1800 watts.
That said, many power tools will require much higher startup current and may exceed 1800 watts briefly. This will have little effect on the 15A circuit breaker. For instance, the well pump at my house requires about 27A startup current, 6.5A run current and operates on a 15A circuit.
A 2400 watt generator would be a good size for your power tools, but you could likely get away with something about half that size unless you are operating several tools simultaneously.
I have other generator safety and operating ideas on my web page. http://members.rennlist.org/warren/generator.html
2006-12-28 05:20:53 · answer #1 · answered by Warren914 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The receptacles in your house are probably connected by #12 conductors to on ne or more 20 amp fuses or breakers.
You need a generator that can deliver the current required by whatever you are going to connect to it. Generators can tolerate startup currents somewhat in excess of their rating.
2006-12-31 21:36:21 · answer #2 · answered by Ed 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋