Generator - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

HitchC&L · 10-14-2008, 04:09 PM

I might be able to pick up a 3000W generator on the cheap. I havent gotten an email back from the guy so I dont have any info on the brand and actual specs and stuff, so that will come soon.

I dont know anything about watts and all that. But would something this size be able to run a compressor to run nail guns, or an impact gun and stuff along those lines?

MALCO.New.York · 10-14-2008, 04:28 PM

Without a single doubt.

Just about ANY "Appliance" that runs on 120v, compressor, toaster, heater, A/C, Arc Welder, whatever, will be 1500 Watts or less.

So..........

HitchC&L · 10-14-2008, 04:44 PM

Thank you, Id make a bad electrician haha

Tattoo · 10-14-2008, 07:55 PM

Most compressors will need about 5k plus for the start up draw.... but I guess it depends on the compressor. I would not bank on the previous advice as being correct.

What compressor are you running and what is the start up amp draw?

Is 300 watts the running or max output?

There are a few things you need to know to answer the question.

SLSTech · 10-14-2008, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tattoo

Most compressors will need about 5k plus for the start up draw.... but I guess it depends on the compressor. I would not bank on the previous advice as being correct.

What compressor are you running and what is the start up amp draw?

Is 300 watts the running or max output?

There are a few things you need to know to answer the question.

300 watts won't run my Coffee Maker...

Tattoo is correct - try this link http://www.hayesequipment.com/honda_...tage_guide.htm which gives wattage amounts required for household & contractor equipment on it. The air compressor requires 1500 running watts & 4500 additional watts for starting. As a general rule of thumb, I would not want to run a generator flat out but run it right around 50% for gas savings & longevity of the generator.

Tattoo · 10-14-2008, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLSTech

300 watts won't run my Coffee Maker...

Tattoo is correct - try this link http://www.hayesequipment.com/honda_...tage_guide.htm which gives wattage amounts required for household & contractor equipment on it. The air compressor requires 1500 running watts & 4500 additional watts for starting. As a general rule of thumb, I would not want to run a generator flat out but run it right around 50% for gas savings & longevity of the generator.

My bad typing skills.... I was asking if "3000" watts was running or max output..... Regardless I don't believe it to be enough.

MALCO.New.York · 10-14-2008, 08:42 PM

Be fine!

Can you plug the compressor in to an outlet in a house???????? And use it effectively?

SLSTech · 10-14-2008, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MALCO.New.York

Be fine!

Can you plug the compressor in to an outlet in a house???????? And use it effectively?

Depends on the compressor & what might be running on the same circuit - I have tripped 15 amp circuits with my big compressor plenty of times or listen to the compressor motor hum trying to pull enough power - other times it starts right up with no problems. My little pancake one - never had a problem

SLSTech · 10-14-2008, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tattoo

My bad typing skills.... I was asking if "3000" watts was running or max output..... Regardless I don't believe it to be enough.

Sorry, I forgot to add the

dude - I knew exactly what you did & I agree - to small (4500 is the smallest gen I would consider)

I did give you credit right below the missed joke - Cool???

Tattoo · 10-14-2008, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLSTech

Sorry, I forgot to add the

dude - I knew exactly what you did & I agree - to small (4500 is the smallest gen I would consider)

I did give you credit right below the missed joke - Cool???

I have a generator that runs @ 6000 watts continuous and 8750 max.... I also have a mac5200 compressor (13.8 amps I think)... My generator struggles at start up to run this compressor every now and again.... and YES I can plug it into some 110 outlets and will run fine... other times it will pop the breaker right away... I guess its just not as simple as MALCO would lead us to believe...

Cheers

HitchC&L · 10-14-2008, 10:07 PM

OK, I think Ill pass on this generator and Ill wait out for a bigger one

MALCO.New.York · 10-15-2008, 12:42 AM

Well.....Of course Generators are "overstated" in their power delivery. Even the peak power, which MOST generators are labeled at, is NOT what they can deliver.

How many homes are ACTUALLY 120v???

Anywhere for 105v to 140v has been my experience!!!!

I still do think that a 3k WILL be sufficient to run his compressor. It WILL work REAL hard trying to deliver peak performance ALL the time, burning up gas by the barrel full, but it WILL do the job.

Efficiency was NOT part of the question!!!!!

woodchuck2 · 10-16-2008, 06:47 PM

My old Honda 3k generator will power my Porter Cable 2 gallon pancake compressor fine but it will not power up a Dewalt 4 gallon compressor. I just bought a Honda EU2000IA super quiet generator from my old boss to carry in the trailer, the 3k is just to bulky and takes too much room.