Generators

[rogerbum]

To expand on Jeff's comments -

Power = Volts * Current = VI

V = Current * Resistance (I*R) OR by rearrangement

I = V/R

Hence, by substitution

Power = (Current*Current)*Resistance = I^2*R OR

Power = V^2/R (that is power goes as voltage squared)

Hence, if you half the voltage, you reduce the power draw by a factor of 4. So for a resistance heater, a small reduction in voltage reduces the power draw considerably. However, transformers are not lossless either (they use a little energy due to resistance of the coils). As Jeff and Joe said, it's easier to just by a lower wattage heater. On another note, the fan contributes very little to the power draw so I doubt the startup current is much more than the operating current.

 

[C-Hawk]

http://www.duropower.com/item.asp?PID=8&FID=1&level=0

Ordered one. Will comment when I receive it and try it out.

I recieved the generator and after fueling and oil, I started it up---it ran nice for about 10 seconds--- then the pull cord tightened and broke.
Seems like the clutch on the crank was sticking.
I sent the unit back and recieved a new in less then a week.
Fuel and oil---- cross my fingers and started up. It runs good, nice and quite. Hooked up some power tools and ran it, saw, drill, jigsaw. I started to plug in a small heater-- but it was a 1300-- too large for the gen.

edit-- the control panel is on the side of the ones I recieved, not on the end as shown in the picture.

Roger