I want to run some power tools at a camp I own. The issue? There is no power there. I have a small generator (it is currently buried in my garage at the moment).Power tools are rated in amps. Generator is rated in Watts.How do I figure out the max amps my generator can do?

Watts = Amps x volts.Also, pay attention to the operational rating. Your generator may be able to handle 20 amps for a small instant but may fail if run continuously at that rate.

westend wrote:Watts = Amps x volts.Also, pay attention to the operational rating. Your generator may be able to handle 20 amps for a small instant but may fail if run continuously at that rate.I know about the continuous rating. Using your calculation, a simple 1200W generator that puts out 120v will give me 10A?

With power tools a circular, mitre, or table saw is going pull the most amps unless your using a large roto/demo hammer at camp, usually 13 to 15 amps max if it's a quality piece and not a China Freight POS. Any of the small 2000 wattish invertors will handle it.

Ralph Cramden wrote:With power tools a circular, mitre, or table saw is going pull the most amps unless your using a large roto/demo hammer at camp, usually 13 to 15 amps max if it's a quality piece and not a China Freight POS. Any of the small 2000 wattish invertors will handle it.I know mine is less than 2000 watts, and I think it is not an inverter.

You certainly will not want your little generator running full out all the time to provide the required power. So get one that provides more than you think you need.

Generator calculation | Good Sam Community

16 Replies

coolmom42
Explorer II
Apr 02, 2018
swimmer_spe wrote:
westend wrote:
Watts = Amps x volts.
Also, pay attention to the operational rating. Your generator may be able to handle 20 amps for a small instant but may fail if run continuously at that rate.

I know about the continuous rating.

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

This is correct.
wildtoad
Explorer II
Apr 02, 2018
You certainly will not want your little generator running full out all the time to provide the required power. So get one that provides more than you think you need.
swimmer_spe
Explorer
Apr 02, 2018
Ralph Cramden wrote:
With power tools a circular, mitre, or table saw is going pull the most amps unless your using a large roto/demo hammer at camp, usually 13 to 15 amps max if it's a quality piece and not a China Freight POS. Any of the small 2000 wattish invertors will handle it.

I know mine is less than 2000 watts, and I think it is not an inverter.
Ralph_Cramden
Explorer II
Apr 02, 2018
With power tools a circular, mitre, or table saw is going pull the most amps unless your using a large roto/demo hammer at camp, usually 13 to 15 amps max if it's a quality piece and not a China Freight POS. Any of the small 2000 wattish invertors will handle it.
swimmer_spe
Explorer
Apr 02, 2018
westend wrote:
Watts = Amps x volts.
Also, pay attention to the operational rating. Your generator may be able to handle 20 amps for a small instant but may fail if run continuously at that rate.

I know about the continuous rating.

Using your calculation, a simple 1200W generator that puts out 120v will give me 10A?
westend
Explorer
Apr 02, 2018
Watts = Amps x volts.
Also, pay attention to the operational rating. Your generator may be able to handle 20 amps for a small instant but may fail if run continuously at that rate.

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Generator calculation

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