generator question

[miksar]

I'm getting more and more jobs where the electric is not turned on. I'm used to using my 360, so I was wondering if buying a generator to run the vacuum and the 360 would be a good idea. But I'm clueless as to what size generator would supply the necessary juice. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Shawn Forsythe]

A 360i draws a bit over 5 Amps. A vacuum, maybe 12-13 amps. So just about any small generator will do. A small generator of say 800 watts usually has 20 Amps to supply.

 

[ACE]

I would find one with a 20 amp circuit to error on the safe side. You only really need 15 for corded carpet tools, but the extension cord will draw some apms. You might look into the logistics of installing a generator in the serpentine belt of the van. The cost might be about the same or less than a good generator and it would not take up any extra room. A RV or car audio shop might be able to install it for you.

 

[Larry Cobb]

20 amps x 115 VAC would require ~ 2300 watts.

Larry

 

[Lee Stockwell]

Easy as P=IE

 

[miksar]

muchas gracias

 

[SRI Cleaning]

Yeah larry is right, I would go with something around 2000 watts. That will supply plenty of power and still be small.

 

[Louis]

Go big. What happens if you need to scrub the carpet with the 175.

 

[Jamesh921]

How many amps does a 175 with a 1/2 horse motor draw?

 

[Lee Stockwell]

The real question is what is the starting amperage? It can be up to 3x the "running" amp draw.

 

[miksar]

I bought a 3200 watt with 2 20 amp outlets and have used it twice. Works great, thanks for the help guys.