New Here , Do I belong Question

[redlee]

Im a Machinist by trade not an Engineer, can I ask about small standby generators here, or should I go elsewhere?
Or can someone recommend a good Forum for queries. I have joined and asked at another Forum, with no or little response.
Thanks and if Im in the wrong place sorry and I will ask to be removed.

 

[redlee]

Electric Motor Wattage Usage
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.
Some motor name plates will show starting watts higher in some case 9 times higher, check the name plate.
******** ******** Approximate Starting Watts *
Motor
HP
Rating Approximate
Running
Watts Universal
Motors
(small appliances) Repulsion
Induction
Motors Capacitor
Motors Split
Phase
Motor
1/8 275 400 600 850 1200
1/4 400 500 850 1050 1700
1/3 450 600 975 1350 1950
1/2 600 750 1300 1800 2600
3/4 850 1000 1900 2600 x
1 1000 1250 2300 3000 x
1-1/2 1600 1750 3200 4200 x
2 2000 2350 3900 5100 x
3 3000 x 5200 6800 x
* - Always use starting watts, not running watts, when figuring correct electrical load

I see now why, my saw won't start, some charts say up to 9 times the running load to actually start.

 

[waross]

Some generators will lug the prime mover down under heavy motor starting loads and drop the voltage and frequency. In an imitation of a VFD they will then regain speed as they bring the motor up to speed. It has to do with the Volts/Hertz ratio and reduced voltage AND frequency.
Most small generators will not. More likely the heavy starting current will cause voltage collapse.


Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter