This guide is for Generator owners who want to identify their generator's actual output, and those looking to buy a suitably sized Portable Generator for their needs.
There is much confusion in the Portable Generator industry, mainly caused by a number of lesser-known Generator Manufacturers who only state, and strongly push, the Maximum Watts of their unit. While companies like Honda, Generac, Yamaha, etc. correctly state the Running Watts of their machines, many companies these days do not.
How do I know?
A key indication that you need to pay very close attention to your combined equipment load (your total running watts needed) is that the Generator only tells you the maximum wattage it can produce. The generator cannot produce its Maximum Wattage for prolonged periods, as it will begin to overheat, resulting in serious damage within the alternator. As the alternator is the most expensive part of the Generator, it's now just about useless, as an alternator replacement is virtually never cost-effective.
What can I do? - Running watts!
A much better guide to how much power you should look to safely use is the Running Watts. This is the expected constant load that will not cause heat problems in the alternator.
To work out the Running Watts your generator should produce, take the Maximum Wattage stated and multiply it by 0.80.
Max Watts x 0.80 = 80% (or 4/5) of the Max Watts. This is your approximate Running Watts.
The other 20% is there to allow for surges as equipment starts up. Be sure to take surges into account, especially for anything with a motor, as these surges tend to be very high.
To help you calculate the load (Running Watts needed) of the equipment you will be powering, Honda have a great wattage calculator that might help.
Avoiding Scams:
There are also many Generator scams out there, especially on non-specific selling sites and "online marketplaces". Most Generators on the market are good, but there are quite a few scammers too!
Most scammers state the Generator they sell can give out much more power than the competition at a comparatively low price.
Scams can be sniffed out by comparing the size and weight of the Generator. Choose a few Generators with the same specs (engine type and generator type), and compare those specs.
If it is the same type (and power rating) of Generator, it should have a similar size engine and a similar weight. If the portable generator is much smaller or lighter than the same rated competition (especially the big brands, as they are really quite honest) it is probably lying about the output it can produce! Check reviews for the Generator, or if you would like, we are happy to advise you.
There are a series of Generators under a number of different brand names that can easily be identified by having 3 x 240V sockets and a 1 x 380V (three-phase) socket on the control panel. These are often marketed as having outputs of 6500, 8500 and up to 9500 watts. A quick comparison will show that these are the same size and weight and have similar engine specs to a 3000 watt generator. Again, contact us if you are concerned and we can advise you.
Buying Advice
We do not sell any Generators, but obviously sell generator parts, which gives us a unique point of view on the industry which might help:
1) Be sure you have worked out the correct size of generator you need to run your equipment. Do not forget surges! Honda have a great wattage calculator that might help.
2) If the Generator only states the Maximum Watts (it does not state the running watts) then you need to work out the running watts, by taking 1/5 off the Maximum Watts. This value should be larger than the results given by the wattage calculator (for the equipment you will run) or damage may occur to the alternator and parts.
3) Be sure parts are available! Amazing how many cheap generators, especially from "selling sites," have no aftersales of parts. If you want to check if parts are available, please click here. If it's not listed on our site ask us if we can find the parts.
4) Make sure you use the correct type of generator for the equipment you need to power. If you don't know the different types of generator that are available, see our article here, to understand how to choose the right one.
5) Only buy the generator output size you need to prevent excess fuel requirements. The larger the theoretical output, the larger the engine. Also, if the rated output of the generator is much higher than the intended use, there is the possibility of "underloading" the generator. This is an increasing problem as equipment becomes more efficient with time. For example, if you want to power 100W of lighting, a 650W generator is more suitable than a 6500W generator.
6) Buy a Service Kit when you buy the Generator. The first service comes around very quickly! As the engine settles in it will produce metal shavings which you need to remove from the engine or they can cause catastrophic failure, which will not be covered under any manufacturer's warranty! Stick to the maintenance schedule! It is there for a reason!!
7) Make sure you have a secure but well-ventilated area to store the Generator in! Thieves love them, fuel stinks, they produce large quantities of carbon monoxide, and they are a fire hazard!
8) Electric start generators might weigh more, but they will help prevent damage to your shoulder from repeatedly starting the engine.
9) Consider a wheel kit if you will need to move the generator often or by yourself. All generators are heavy!!
If you need a Service Kit or any Parts, we sell them on our website.
If you need any further assistance our Engineers are happy to help! Click here to open a support ticket with them.
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The information contained in our websites and in our videos are designed for assisting trained Repair Professionals as a guide only and does not replace professional training. By using our information you are agreeing to our T&Cs. and acknowledge that the advice given is a general guide.
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