Generator not taking load

[Auto Doc's]

hello C.,

Go to the Champion generator website and look for their load wattage calculator. It is a fairly generic list of items that are common with most households.

Generator Wattage Chart - Champion Power Equipment

Look up running and starting watts for common home appliances, job site tools, and outdoor equipment to find the right generator size.

www.championpowerequipment.com

I usually find out the running wattage of an item (on a label or tag attached) and then multiply that number by 3 to come up with the starting wattage number.

It is best if you don't try to start refrigerators and freezers (or anything with a capacitive start motor) at the same time. Allow a minute or two in between so it does not stress the generator too hard.

 

[Auto Doc's]

I know this is an older post, but here is some information that may help someone:

Whenever I run my smaller 5KW Storm responder, I usually turn off all of the breakers because I connect to a generator inlet connection and have a breaker interlock with a dedicate generator breaker.

When I start turning on breakers, I only flip on minimal lights and refrigerator/ freezer breakers. It suddenly loads the generator if you don't manage your breakers.

The electric hot water heater is not turned on unless other breakers/systems are turned off first. If it is summer, I am able to use the house HVAC because I have a green mountain slow start device that the generator can handle without overloading and stalling.

I also have a large 15KW generic portable generator, but it is a "gas hog" that is only used when I want to run everything, especially in the Winter because I have electric heat on my air handler.