North Star 5500 User Manual
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6
multiplying nameplate voltage by nameplate
amperage.
VOLTS X AMPS = WATTS
Example: 120V X 5A
= 600W
When connecting a resistive load such as
incandescent lights, heaters or common electric power
tools, a capacity of up to the generator full rated
wattage output can be used.
When connecting a resistive-inductive load such
as a fluorescent or mercury light, transformers or
inductive coils, a capacity of up to 0.6 times the
generator’s full rated output can be used.
Always allow the generator to reach operating
speed before a load is applied.
STARTING ELECTRIC MOTORS
Electric motors require much more current (amps)
to start than to run. Some motors, particularly low cost
split-phase motors, are very hard to start and require 5
to 7 times more current to start than to run. Capacitor
motors are easier to start and usually require 2 to 4
times as much current to start than to run. Repulsion
Induction motors are the easiest to start and require
1.5 to 2.5 times as much to start than to run.
Most fractional motors take about the same
amount of current to run them whether they are of
Repulsion-Induction (RI), Capacitor (Cap), or Split-
Phase (SP) type. The following chart shows the
approximate current required to start and run various
types and sizes of 120 volt 60 cycle electric motors
under various conditions.
120V, 60 Hz Motors
Starting Amps
Hp motor
Running
Watts
RI type
Cap type
SP type
1/6
525
7-11
9-18
16-22
1/4
700
9-15
12-23
22-32
1/3
875
11-18
14-29
26-35
1/2
1175
15-25
20-40
NA
1
1925
24-40
32-64
NA
1 1/2
2400
30-50
40-80
NA
2
2900
36-60
48-96
NA
3
4075
51-85
68-136
NA
5
6750
84-140
112-224
NA
The figures given above are for an average load
such as a blower or fan. If the electric motor is
connected to a hard starting load such as an air
compressor, it will require more starting current. If it is
connected to a light load or no load such as a power
saw, it will require less starting current. The exact
requirement will also vary with the brand or design of
the motor.
Generators respond to severe overloading
differently than the power line. When overloaded, the
engine is not able to supply enough power to bring the
electric motor up to operating speed. The generator
responds to the high initial starting current, but the
engine speed drops sharply. The overload may stall
the engine. If allowed to operate at very low speeds,
the electric motor starting winding will burn out in a
short time. The generator head winding might also be
damaged.
Running the generator under these conditions may
result in damage to the generator stator as well as the
motor windings. Because the heavy surge of current
is required for only an instant, the generator will not be
damaged if it can bring the motor up to speed in a few
seconds. If difficulties in starting a motor are
experienced, turn off all other electrical loads and if
possible reduce the load on the electric motor.
EXTENSION CORDS
When electric power is to be provided to various
loads at some distance from the generator, extension
cords can be used. These cords should be sized to
allow for distance in length and amperage so that the
voltage drop between the set and point of use is held
to a minimum.
Current/Pow er
Maximum Extension Cord Length
Amps
at
240V
Load
(watts)
#10
Ga.
Cord
#12
Ga.
Cord
#14
Ga.
Cord
#16
Ga.
Cord
10
2400
250’
150’
100’
75’
20
4800
125’
75’
50’
25’
30
7200
60’
35’
25’
10’
40
9600
30’
15’
10’
*
50
12000
15’
*
*
*
*Not recommended
CAUTION: Equipment damage can result from the
low voltage caused by using an extension cord with a
small wire size.
Use this chart to estimate the total load on your
generator.
For Determining Generator Load Requirements
Dev ice
Running Watts
Air Conditioner (12,000 Btu)
1700 (b)
Battery Charger (20 Amp)
500
Belt Sander (3”)
1000
Chain Saw
1200
Circular Saw (6-1/2”)
900
Coffee Maker
1000
Compressor (1 HP)
2000 (b)
Compressor (3/4 HP)
1800 (b)
Compressor (1/2 HP)
1400 (b)
Curling Iron
700
Dishwasher
1200
Edge Trimmer
500
Electric Nail Gun
1200
Electric Range (one element)
1500
Electric Skillet
1250
Furnace Fan (1/3 HP)
1200 (b)
Freezer
800 (c)
Hair Dryer
1200
Hand Drill (1”)
1100
Hand Drill (1/2”)
875
Hand Drill (3/8”)
500
Hand Drill (1/4”)
250