Learn the basics: watts, amps, BTU and plugs
Generator words explained in plain English, with simple diagrams.
120V vs 240V: what's the difference, and what needs 240V?Most outlets are 120 V. Well pumps, water heaters, central AC and some mini splits need 240 V. How to tell from the breaker, and what a generator needs.BTU to watts: how many watts does an air conditioner use?1 watt = 3.412 BTU/h, but an AC's BTU is heat moved, not power used. Its draw is BTU ÷ EER: a 12,000 BTU AC uses about 750–1,200 W.What is a CO sensor (CO shut-off) on a generator?A generator CO sensor shuts the engine off if carbon monoxide builds up around it. What it does, brand names, PGMA G300 and UL 2201, and its limits.Generator plug types explained: 5-20, TT-30, L5-30, L14-30 and 14-50The six outlets on generators and power stations, in plain English: volts, amps, max watts, what each looks like and what it's for. Includes RV plugs.Running watts vs starting watts: what's the difference?Starting (surge) watts are the extra burst a motor needs for a few seconds to start. Which appliances surge, and how to add it up for a generator.Watt-hours vs watts: what's the difference?Watt-hours (Wh) are the size of the tank; watts (W) are how fast you use it. Runtime = Wh × 0.85 ÷ W. Worked examples for power stations.Watts, volts and amps explained: what's the difference?Watts = volts × amps. Volts are the push, amps are the flow, watts are the work. Why 1,500 W at 120 V is 12.5 A, and what that means for a 20 A outlet.What is THD on a generator, and does it matter?THD (total harmonic distortion) shows how rough a generator's power is. Inverters list 3% or less; regular generators about 12–20%. What needs low THD.