Startup Current

When generating electricity, we usually overlook the efficiency of the load we plan operate. In AC applications, this load can be dramatically different from a DC application. For instance, a person may have an AC diesel generator or steam powered AC. generator and nothing else. They would find that many loads such as fluorescent lights and capacitor motors have huge startup currents. Even though they have 1000 watts of fluorescent lights and a refrigerator(800 watts) and a washing machine with a 1/2 hp motor (1200 watts) and the entertainment center (500 watts) for what seems a total load of 2500 watts; they would find that when the well turns on or the washing machine turns on that their 5000 watt generator is not enough. that is because the electric motors require 3-4 times the normal current to start up. Also, if the cycles get interrupted, the fluorescent light will go into start mode again and double their current. This means that they really need a generator of 10,000 watts to operate a 2500 watt load! The money could be better spent on simple cheap incandescent lights and efficient brush type motors.

Offered by Glenna.