Generator Recommendations

[dennis]

I am looking to buy a generator to use in a garage on a lot that does not have power. It would be used to power a compressor, electric hand tools and lights. I have concluded that a 3500-4000 watt rated generator will suit my needs. The Briggs and Stratton PowerBoss model 30629 looks good to me. Is anybody familiar with this unit, and if so, I would appreciate hearing the pros and cons. Recommendations on any other models/brands would be welcomed too. Thanks.

[okie]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/PowerBoss-3-500-Watt-Gas-Powered-Portable-Generator-with-Briggs-Stratton-Engine-30629/205403606

I believe this is the gen. that Dennis is talking about.

Dennis---MAKE SURE that the air compressor is not too big for the gen.
A lot depends on the # of lights and the number of power tools and their size.
Good luck on your choice.

Travis

[bgsengine]

You need to determine the wattage of everything you plan to have hooked up, and figure how much of it you might potentially be using all at the same time. Add those watts all together and give about 25% markup , and that should be the *continuous* wattage rating of the generator you wanna get. Note that some generators are advertised at 5000 watts, but then they note in small print the CONTINUOUS wattage is more like 4200 watts

So you gotta do your homework.

For the equipment and fixtures that you don't have a direct wattage rating for, you need to calculate watts by taking the AMPS the tool uses, and multiply by Voltage - so a 15 Amp electric drill x 120 volts would be 1800 Watts rating.

Add up all your wattages and then find a generator with a continuous capability to meet that need, and you should be good to go - Note that using extension cords will *increase* the load required, hence the 25% markup on calculated wattage (watts / 0.75 = desired watts)

[dennis]

okie and bgs...

Thanks for good information. My compressor is 115/230 V, 15/7.5 A.....the B&S generator I am looking at is 3500 running watts and 5250 starting watts. At 3500 running watts it is rated at 29 A. This tells me that it will run the compressor just fine, but I really don't know what the amperage draw is when the compressor starts up. Will have to measure it. Even with the 25% markup it seems it would do the job, as long as nothing else is drawing amperage. Does this seem reasonable?

[Deere2me]

okie and bgs...

Thanks for good information. My compressor is 115/230 V, 15/7.5 A.....the B&S generator I am looking at is 3500 running watts and 5250 starting watts. At 3500 running watts it is rated at 29 A. This tells me that it will run the compressor just fine, but I really don't know what the amperage draw is when the compressor starts up. Will have to measure it. Even with the 25% markup it seems it would do the job, as long as nothing else is drawing amperage. Does this seem reasonable?

It should work for you. The owners manual should give ya the starting draw, should be able to download it somewhere.
My shop/garage/shadetree has 50A panel, so I just don't run everything at once. If the compressor is turned on, I don't use the welder, and like that. Pretty much common sense. Same would apply to yer gen.,no sense in payin extra for something ya don't need, right?

Edit: While reading thru the specs of the linked unit, I noticed it doesn't have an auto-idle control. Now, that feature ain't absolutely necessary, it sure helps to save gas and wear an tear on the unit.
Personally, I wouldn't buy one without it. I just snagged an electric start unit with the auto idle to replace my old one and it makes a noticeable diff in fuel use.

[KE4AVB]

okie and bgs...

Thanks for good information. My compressor is 115/230 V, 15/7.5 A.....the B&S generator I am looking at is 3500 running watts and 5250 starting watts. At 3500 running watts it is rated at 29 A. This tells me that it will run the compressor just fine, but I really don't know what the amperage draw is when the compressor starts up. Will have to measure it. Even with the 25% markup it seems it would do the job, as long as nothing else is drawing amperage. Does this seem reasonable?

You will not be able a full 29 amps @ 120 on one circuit only. Divide the 29 amp by 2 as you will have two 120 windings capable of only 14.5 each with surge rating of 21 amps.Total current current for both legs is 29 amps (14.5 amps @ 240) with surge of 43.75 amps (21.8 amps at 240v).

As for the compressor would best to run it setup at 230 leaving two 120 circuits @ 7 amps each.

[dennis]

Thanks. I started up the compressor and at 120, it draws nearly 15 amps and start surge against pressure is over 60 amps. The generator I inquired about would not handle that.

[Deere2me]

Thanks. I started up the compressor and at 120, it draws nearly 15 amps and start surge against pressure is over 60 amps. The generator I inquired about would not handle that.

Sounds like you have an unloader problem. There shouldn't be any pressure in the pump, no matter what pressure ya got in the tank. Ya might wanna look in to that.
Can the comp. motor be wired for 230V? Would cut the draw in half.

[dakota2]

The gen you are looking at does not have 220volt output to run the compressor at 220volts to drop the amp draw
for each leg of the output. You will have to go larger on gen size to get the 220v output on gen. Maybe go to a 5000w
gen.

[Deere2me]

The gen you are looking at does not have 220volt output to run the compressor at 220volts to drop the amp draw
for each leg of the output. You will have to go larger on gen size to get the 220v output on gen. Maybe go to a 5000w
gen.

Yep, your right about that!