There are two common questions with regards to the 7500 Watt generator that most individuals ask and they are the following – Could a 7500W generator power an entire house? and Will it be able to power the entire RV? Through this article, we shall answer these two question and review or feature 7500 watt generators.
What are Running and Starting Watts?
Before we go into deeper details, we should first learn the definition of three important terms. First, what a Watt is? A watt is a unit of power which is named after James Watt. As for the international system of units, this unit is considered as a unit of 1 joule per second. Take in mind that a watt is not current nor it is a volt. Since many would refer running watts as running current, we felt that we have to ensure we make this point clear. A generator with 7500 watts at 240 volts would produce a current of 31.25 Amps. However, take in mind that a generator’s load could be expressed either as watts or current at 120 or 140 volts.
What are Running watts?
Running watts is the power which the generator provides whenever you connect to passive load such as resistive heater, underfloor heating or a house light. The loads do not change while they are in use. This means the power is steady and could be calculated easily. Running watts is usually limited hence, there are some generators which would limit 7500 watts to 29 Amps or 24A x240V= 6960 Watts.
What are Starting watts?
This means switch-on surge. It is the in-rush current. This are often drawn by electrical equipment when you first turn them on. This is caused by inductive loads such as power supply, welder, transformer or electric motor.
Capacitators found in power supplies would be discharged when off and would often draw high current once it is switched on. Take in mind, however, that it is only a surge meaning, it would only last for about 10 milliseconds. Though that is the case, the current that could be drawn could be 20 times the running current. A good generator design is the ability to limit the inrush of this mentioned current to protect the equipment.
Another source of starting current could be caused by inductors, motors or transformers. A 15,000-BTU, 115VAC air conditioner could require 16 amps running current when the compressor and blower motors are running.
How much can a 7500-watt generator run?
The running Watts could deliver power on a continuous basis. This means you will not or cannot exceed and overload. This feature protects and ensures you are safe by not activating the circuits. The starting watts on the other hand is the maximum power that allows startup demands of appliances for a second or two. This is often monitored by the AVR. Hence, if you will compute it, you will get 39.6 Amps from a generator with a 9500 start up watts.
Can a 7500W generator power your entire house?
The real answer to this is no. It does not have the ability to power all electric equipment in an average American home especially if all of the equipment are running all at the same time. An American home typically uses 100 amps or more and even more with electrically heated homes at 150 to 200 amps. Hence, if you will compute this, at 240 Volts and at 150 amps, you would need at least a generator that could deliver 36,000 Watts.
7500-watt Generator Reviews and What can they run?
There are three amazing portable generators. All of these will be featured in this article. They are conventional open frame and gas-powered.
- Westinghouse WGen7500 – 7500 Running Watts, 9500 Peak Watts
- Cat RP7500E – 7500 Running Watts, 9375 Peak Watts
- Champion Power Equipment 100538 – 7500 Running Watts, 9375 Peak Watts
Westinghouse WGen7500 – Portable Generator
Features:
- 7,500 running watts, 9,500 peak watts
- 6.6 Gal. fuel tank with fuel gauge
- Up to 16 hour run time
- Weight : 192 lbs
- Push-Button Start and Remote Start (Key Fob Included)
- Up to 16 Hour Run Time (6.6 gal)
- Outlets :
- 2x GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) 5-20R 120V Household Duplex Receptacle
- 1x L14-30R 120/240-Volt twist-lock receptacle
- Plug-and-play
- Automatic low oil shutdown and overload protection
- VFT Data Center (Volts, Frequency, and Lifetime Hours)
- 3-Year Warranty and Lifetime Technical Support
- EPA, CSA, CARB Compliant
- 73 dBA operating volume
- 420cc Westinghouse OHV Engine with Cast Iron Sleeve
- Transfer switch ready
Overview
This generator comes with a conventional open frame generator. Its starting watts is 9500 which is 125 more than the peak watts of the other two generators that are featured in this article. Aside from that, it has an electric starting key and a remote key fob. Hence you do not have to go and brave any storm to get to your generator just to start it. Aside from that, you could also protect your generator from storms, rains and snow. If you do not have a place to keep your generator, you could use a GenTent storm which you could use as a storm cover. If you are concerned about a frame for your generator, do not worry as Westinghouse has a bonded frame.
Furthermore, this generator has a full 6.6 Gallon tank which will run at a 50% load for 11 hours. Running time will vary depending on the 50% load. At night, this generator could provide power to all security, refrigeration and personal heating until morning. At 100% power, your generator could last up to 5.5 hours. Take in mind that you will not be able to use your generator at 100 percent power due to fluctuations in demand.
You will not have to worry about saving fuel for this generator as it is fuel efficient which could deliver 6.25 kilowatt-hour per gallon. As for the noise level, this generator is not as noisy as other generators. However, if you still feel that this generator is still noisy for you, you could put four boards against your generator at a 45-degree angle.
As for its weight, this generator is a bit on the heavy side, weighing 192 pounds. Do not worry, you do not have to lift this generator to move it from one place to another as it comes with a 10” wheels and folding handles.
Remember to drain all the fuel from the unit when you are done using it as not to clog the carburetor. Also note that the total harmonic distortion (THD) is < 23%.
This powerful 7500 Watt generator comes with all the outlets grouped together on the user interface panel. It has a main breaker which tips once it goes over 31 amps. This generator has a 12V DC output for charging batteries. When storing the generator, the battery should be charged periodically. It also has a recoil starter which is perfect if you need to choke your generator.
There is also a low oil shutdown system which will protect your engine. This means, if your engine’s oil goes down normal level, your engine will die. Hence, it is recommended for you to check your oil level before and every time you use your generator.
This generator is a perfect choice for any portable power requirements. It is powerful enough to use on a worksite. Westinghouse has a great reputation and it is EPA, CSA and CARB compliant. They also offer 3-year warranty and life time technical support.
Champion Power Equipment 100538
Features:
- Foldaway U-shaped handle
- 9375 starting watts and 7500 running watts
- 420cc Champion single-cylinder OHV engine
- Intelli-gauge monitors voltage, frequency and operating hours
- Can power a wide range of devices
- All the outlets have covers for protection
- Outlets:
- 4x 120V 20A GFCI protected household outlets (5-20R),
- 1x 120/240V 30A locking outlet (L14-30R)
- 1x 120/240V 50A outlet (14-50R).
- 5.7-gallon tank of gasoline
- up to 8 hours of power at 50% load
- Noise level is 74 dBA
- Designed with a low oil shut-off sensor
- 1.2-quart oil capacity (recommended 10W-30).
- 3-year limited warranty
- Free lifetime technical support
- Electric start
- Cold Start
- EPA certified and CARB compliant.
Overview
This generator runs on gas. Its fuel efficiency is average which uses 5.26 kilowatt-hour per gallon. This generator weighs about 192.5 pounds which is mounted on a frame which is durable and sturdy. You do not have to worry about transporting or moving this generator around as it comes with 10” wheels. This generator has 120/240 Volt NEMA outlet, 50 amp (14-50R). It has a 120/240 Volt AC, 30 Amp Twist-lock receptacle (NEMA L14-30R). The otlets are protected with 30-amp push breakers.
Unfortunately, there are no DC outlets in this generators. However, it has a three way switch for run, stop, start and electric starter. There is also manual fuel flow valve and choke. It also has a low oil shut-down detector. Also, if your battery runs flat, do not worry as a recoil starter is available with this generator. The only downside of this generator is this does not have a fuel indicator. Though this is the case, it is discouraged to peek inside while your generator is running. This could be very dangerous.
This generator could run up to 8 hours on a full tank (6.1 gallons) Upon calculating it, the maximum consumption is 5.26 kilowatt-hours per gallon. As for its noise, this generator has a noise level of 74dBS from 23 feet. This means it could be very loud.
This generator is compliant with EPA and CARB. It offers a 3-year limited warranty and free lifetime technical support.
Cat RP7500E
Features:
- EPA Compliant
- Holds a lithium ion battery that charges while the generator is in use so that it’s ready when the fuel runs low
- Shows fuel levels
- 3600 engine RPM
- Could run for 11 hours at 50% capacity.
- Electric or recoil starting method
- When the fuel is low, the generator will shut down.
- Double-folding handle
- 36-month limited warranty
- OHV engine with a displacement of 420 cc
- Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR)
- AC voltage of 120/240V
- AC frequency of 60Hz.7.9-gallon fuel tank
Overview
This generator could be compared to Champion in terms of power output. It could provide up to 9375 starting and 7,500 running watts. It could run up to 11 hours with a load of 3752 Watts on a full tank of gas. Upon calculating a 100% load could be about 5.43 hours and 5.22 kilowatt hours per gallon. The downside of this generator is not as fuel efficient as Westinghouse. The tank has about 7.9 gallons. This means, it has a longer runtime. Though they did not mention anything about the noise level. We think that it is greater 5% THD. If you are using this generator at home, we recommend to use a line conditioner for sensitive equipment.
This generator is more than 5 inches longer than Westinghouse. It weighs heavier as well with its 205 pounds. It is easy to move despite its heavy weight with its big wheels. Its outputs are protected by rubber weatherproof covers. The Cat uses a 4 in 1 digital display which is also the same as to with Westinghouse where it shows voltage, running hours, frequency and total hours.
Cat RP7500E does not also have a DC output to charge batteries. It also does not have a remote starter feature. Its manual choke and fuel control valve are located near its start control. Though that is the case, this generator comes with LED light which will make the information you need easier to see at night. Aside from that, it has fuel gauge which will let you know the level of your fuel. It also comes with a shutdown system which would kill your engine as soon as your fuel runs down too low.
Connecting sensitive electronic devices to a conventional generator
There are times when your electronics experience high temperatures. This is often caused by unwanted harmonic distortion. What happens when you have high temperature in your electronics? With higher frequencies would cause rotor core overheating. When this happens, the life of your devices will be shorter. With this, we recommend a Tripp Lite Power Conditioner. This will help you regulate and protect your sensitive equipment. It also has the ability to protect your equipment from AC Surge and from overheating. It also stops surges and spikes.
Examples- How much can a 7500-watt generator run?
When you use a 7500-watt generator, you cannot run all your equipment at home as this could cause overload and your generator might not work for everything running on it. Hence, we created possible examples on how much a 7500-watt generator could run.
Example 1- typical home devices:
- 5 Energy saver lamps of 18 Watt each
- 1 x Microwave Oven – 625 Watts
- 1 x Coffee Maker, 1000 Watt
- 1 x Refrigerator/ Freezer, 200 Watt
- 1 x WiFi router, 12 Watt
- 1 x Cell Phone Battery Charger, 25 Watt
- 1 x Sump Pump – 1/2 HP, 1050 Watt
- 1 x Toaster, 850 Watt
- 1 x Hair Dryer – 1250 Watt
- 1 x Personal Computer w/ 17″ Monitor, 800 Watt (Tube type)
All of these home devices has a total running watts of 5902 watts and a start-up load of 8102 watts. This is a comfortable load for 7500 Watt generators. The only problem with this example is if you add an AC with 10000 BTU, you will add about 1500 watt which will increase the running watts to 7402 watts. This means the startup load will also increase with 10402 watts.
Aside from that another problem you could encounter is that air conditioners usually switches on and off all the time. Hence, if you wish to use an air conditioner, you might have to give up other devices.
Example 2 Common Power Tools
- Reciprocating Saw – 960 Watts
- Planer/Jointer – 6″ – 1800 Watts
- Table Saw or Radial Arm Saw – 10″ – 2000 Watts.
- Electric Drill – 1/2″, 5.4 Amps – 600 Watts
- Circular Saw – 7-1/4″ – 1400 Watts
This totals to a running wattage of 6760 Watts with a starting load of 9060 watts. Hence this combination of power tools is a safe load for your generator. What is good with using tools is you do not have to use them all at the same time.
Example 3 Typical RV
- 1 – Trailer Air-Conditioner – 1000 Watts
- 1 – AM/FM Radio – 100 Watts
- 1 – CD/DVD Player – 100 Watts
- 1 – Box Fan – 20″ – 200 Watts
- 1 – TV – 200 Watts
- 1 – Personal Computer w/ 17″ Monitor – 800 Watts
- 1 – Microwave Oven – 625 Watts
- 1 – Coffee Maker – 1000 Watts
- 1 – Wi Fi router – 12 Watts
- 1 – Outdoor Light String – 250 Watts
- 1 – Cell Phone Battery Charger – 25 Watts
- 1 – Mobile Phone/Tablet – 100 Watts
- 3 – Energy saver lights – 18 Watt – 18 Watts
- 1 – Refrigerator/ Freezer – 200 Watts
- 1 – X-Box, Game Cube, or PlayStation – 40 Watts
- 1 – Hair Dryer – 1250 Watt – 1250 Watts
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