Load refers to the impedance in all of my experiences in the university and industry. I welcome any sources that contradict me
An example:
UNDERSTANDING LOADS & SIZING
This page explains how to determine loads so that you can SIZE your generator for your needs. Normally you want to power the "essential" things and leave some room for other uses.
You must always remember that the generator cannot run at full load for long periods. Always assume that you will need more items powered rather then less and leave a margin of safety above and beyond the continuous load of the generator you select.
It is less expensive to buy more power (higher wattage) in one unit then to buy a second unit or "upgrade" by trading in your old generator for a new one. Often installation costs for a larger unit is a fraction more initially but if you have to upsize your connection afterwards its very expensive.
All these require common sense judgment and some experience. Ask your electrician for advise, he can help you decide what you need.
Below is a short tutorial which will help you understand the basics. The Wattage Guide will provide you with values for the most common items at home and on the job. If you can get nameplate data your calculations will be more accurate, however using the Guide will be sufficient in most cases, especially if you leave yourself plenty of growing room. Make sure you have plenty of SIZE by getting generator big enough for now and the future.
Go to Calculations to use your new understanding and apply the numbers you gathered. You should be able to determine the right size generator for you.
GENERATOR USAGE Generators are used to perform a wide variety of chores. The wide variety of generators meet the demands of the variety of almost all potential users. Generators offered by GeneratorJoe provide a high quality power source that is reliable and convenient to use. 1.jpg (15112 bytes)
Generator Usage
Homeowner - Stand-by
Recreation - Boating - Camping
Commercial - Industrial - . Construction - .Rental
GENERATOR POWER Most generators produce AC voltage, very similar to the voltage available in your home. The amount of power that a generator can produce is rated in watts (power).
For Example, an EM2500 generator produces a MAXIMUM 2500 watts of power. This means the EM2500 could provide power to 25 one hundred watt light bulbs at the same time. The generator would then be at its MAXIMUM power output.
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Generator Power
Model = Power
Power = Watts
MAXIMUM AND RATED POWER A generator should never be operated at its MAXIMUM power output for more than 30 minutes. RATED power is a more reliable measure of generator power. It is the power that a generator can produce for long periods of time. Typically the RATED power is 90% of the MAXIMUM power.
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Rated and Maximum
Model number = maximum . output in watts.
Maximum power for 1/2 hour.
Rated is usually 10% less.
LOADS In the previous example, the light bulbs are the LOAD of the generator. The EM2500 generator can handle a LOAD of no more than 2500 watts maximum.