How to Calculate Generator Current

Generators are electricity-producing devices intended to provide electrical power in remote locations or in the event of a power outage. A common mistake consumers make when installing a generator is basing their purchase solely on the wattage the generator can produce. Generators must provide adequate current to be able to power devices such as appliances and HVAC equipment during power outages. Ascertaining the current potential of a generator requires simple mathematics.

Instructions

1. Find the operating voltage of the generator on the generator's electrical stamp, which is present on all appliances sold in the United States. As an example, let's say that a generator is operating at the standard 120 volts.

2. Find the wattage of the generator from the same electrical stamp. To continue the example, our generator has 1200 watts.

3. Divide the wattage of the generator by the voltage it operates on. The result of this calculation is the current, also known as the amperage. To conclude the example, our generator has a current of 1200 divided by 120, or 10 amps.

References

• Generator Joe: Calculate Any Load or Your Total Load
• Diesel Service and Supply: Electrical Power Calculators
• Integrated Publishing: DC Generator Theory Summary