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How to Calculate Watts for a Portable Generator
- 1). Find the plate or label on each appliance that tells how many watts of electricity it uses. More than likely, it's the same label that tells you the model number and serial number of the product, and is located in some very inconspicuous (and inconvenient) place on the appliance. The label will show either amps or watts.
- 2). Record (on paper) the "watts" information for each appliance or product for which the generator will be providing power. For those that don't show watts, record the amps.
- 3). Calculate the watts for appliances or products that show only "Amps" using Watt's Law: Volts x Amps = Watts. You know that the appliance is on a 110 volt circuit; if the label says, "4 Watts" or "4W," multiply 110 (the voltage) by 45: 110 x 45 = 440 watts.
- 4). Add up the total watts for all appliances and products. This is the number of watts of electricity the portable generator must produce to run.
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