Generator calculation

swimmer_spe wrote:

Using your calculation, a simple 1200W generator that puts out 120v will give me 10A?

Yes the generator will give you 10 amps, but probably not 1200 watts. The generator will output 1200 watts only to resistive loads like incandescent bulbs, heaters, toasters, etc. It will not give you 1200 watts when powering a motor. How much less? It varies with each tool, if I were pressed for an answer I'd say derate the generator to 80%, or to 960 watts. But this doesn't cover the starting surge, a larger problem. Unless you have a significantly larger generator than needed for a tool's running power, it's almost impossible to answer if it will work short of just testing your tools with the generator. For example, some equal watt rating generators will start an run a typical circular saw just fine, while others won't get the saw started.