Some manufacturers tend to fudge the numbers and throw around the 'peak' output power as continuous and it isn't.
Peak (or surge) is the power a generator will handle as starting current (for example) for a motor and can be 120-140% of the actual continuous power.
Check you owner's manual, find the detailed specs which will normally contain the maximum continuous current rating.
If it is listed separately for 120 and 220 (240) volts look for separate current ratings for each output.
By multiplying the current(s) times the output voltages you can find the total resistive output into a purely resistive load such as an electric heater.
For example: 120VAC X 20 A=2400 watts.
If other outputs are available such as 220VAC, multiply its current rating: 10A. or 2200 watts
Adding those two results 2400 2200=4600 watts will give you the rated power of a unit.
You can also recognize stupid power claims if the engine's horsepower is given.
One (US) HP = ~746 watts.
Since no generator is 100% efficient, its a fair rule of thumb to guesstimate the available electrical power at ~70% of the engine's rating (although, this is often also wildly optimistic).
10 HP X .7= ~746 X 7 or a bit over 5,000 watts.
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I have a Craftsman 5600 watt Generator and the Outlets are not working, we swap the outlets and still nothing. What could be the problem with the outlets?
My Craftsman 5600 watt Generator Outlets will not work. When I first bought it , they worked.. by the time I was ready to use it..I couldn't get the outlets to work..I swap out the outlets and still not working.
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