The topic title should have answered my own question for me.
I received a never-heard-of-name made in China budget inverter generator as a gift. Today I decided to start it up and break in the engine. I decided to do this under load ( I know engine break in is controversial, but this is what I did.)
While loading up the generator I hit the overload alarm and tripped it into a limp home mode of sorts. I got curious about this, as this electrical load should function within the operating parameters of the generator(albeit the upper limits).
The generator is rated at 1800 watts with 2300 peak. I hooked on a clamp ammeter and watched the built in volt-gauge. With a straight load (electric heater) I was able to creep up to the overload breaker. I hit it just over 1650 watts (indicated 14.2 amps, 116-118v output, max RPM, produces this for about 15 seconds then trips.) I can run 1500 watts for as long as it has gas in it. With my air compressor I tripped it every time before the compressor runs. There is some type of digital control, so I assume I'm not damaging the components, but I suppose I could be cooking them.
When I hook up my air compressor it draws an indicated 16 amps however the volt output drops to about 55-60, it struggles then shuts down after about 10 seconds (the inverter shuts down and lights up overload, the gas engine slows to idle). Even if this compressor drew 16 amps: at 120v that is 1920 watts which should be covered under the advertised 2300w start rating. When I measure this same compressor on house wiring it draws about 10 amps to start then settles to 6 amps to keep running, my house doesn't really drop below 116 volts. What does that mean? The generator CLAIMS it will supply 1800 watts with 2300 starting watts but trips out on a compressor that should not mathematically. The compressor ID plate states 13 amp draw with 115v (so 1495 watts......) With my resistor load it trips overload UNDER 1700watts steady load, I have never seen it produce anywhere near the reported 2300 watts peak for even a second, let alone sitting near the max 1800 (but I'm also not datalogging or using very precise equipment.)
Why does this matter to me? It is a cheap made in China generator I got as a gift, what should I expect... Well, the only reason for me to have a generator is to run "essential" electric items in my home. My water well pump ID plate reports 12.6a with 115v... That is awfully close to my compressor the generator won't run, even though it should. If the generator can run the well pump then it has value. This gifted generator has a warranty. If I'm not misunderstanding something I may warranty it for not producing the advertised output. I doubt however its replacement will do any better. Perhaps if they refund the purchase I could add additional funds and get a better generator.
TLDR: Gifted generator says it will give me 1800watts with 2300 peak, I trip it out under 1700 watts. Should I warranty it or return it? Is this a 1500w generator with 1800w starting power and an upgraded sticker? Is my basic understanding of electricity warped and this generator is awesome? Should I use it to run my electric corded weed eater?
