Jobsite Generators: Specs for Power Tools

What a jobsite generator listing is

A jobsite generator is an open-frame portable set on wheels, built to be moved between work sites. On this site's listings the type words come first: portable, open frame, and sometimes inverter. The fuel words (gasoline, dual fuel, tri fuel) and the watt figures come next, and the feature words (electric start, CO sensor) come last.

The open-frame design means the engine and alternator are exposed on a steel frame, which is the common jobsite form. The catalogue also lists inverter sets, which are lighter and often carry a higher price, but that is a price tier question, not a watts question. The article on inverter versus conventional generators explains the difference in listing terms.

A listing for a jobsite set usually names two watt figures. The first figure is often the starting figure, and the second is the running figure. The article on running watts versus starting watts covers those words in detail.

Starting watts and running watts in a listing

Power tools draw more power for a moment when they start than when they run. A table saw, a circular saw, an angle grinder or an air compressor spins up a motor, and that spin-up needs the surge, which is the starting figure. The listing states both figures; no figure on this site is a measured claim.

The running figure is what the set supplies steadily while the tool works. Match the tool's nameplate to the generator's running figure, and match the tool's startup demand to the starting figure. Neither the tool nameplate nor the generator's output is measured by this site, so read both on the listing and on the maker's page.

The site's watts groups are based on the first figure, which is why the 3,000 to 5,000 watt guide and the 5,001 to 9,000 watt guide are the two groups that cover most jobsite sets.

Reading the maker's page for the running figure

The catalogue groups watt figures for its guides by the first figure. This site compares the stated details of the listings, and the guide pages list the picks.

A maker's page for a dual fuel or tri fuel set can list watt figures per fuel, because gasoline, propane and natural gas figures may differ. The specs explained article walks through the common terms on a maker's page.

When a listing does not state a running figure, that missing detail is what the maker's page usually fills. If the maker's page does not list it either, the reader should ask the maker directly.

Outlets and features listed for jobsite sets

A jobsite listing names outlets as words: 120-volt household duplexes, 240-volt twist-lock receptacles for larger tools, and sometimes a 30-amp outlet. The outlet types guide explains those names.

Electric start, a fuel gauge and an hour meter are separate listing words. On a jobsite, an electric start is a convenience, but the battery needs to be charged, as the maker's manual describes. Low oil shutdown and a CO sensor are distinct stated features.

Fuel words on a jobsite listing

Gasoline is the common jobsite fuel; the EIA page in the sources explains what gasoline is. The catalogue also lists dual fuel and tri fuel sets, which add propane and natural gas options. The gasoline sets guide and the dual fuel sets guide narrow the pool by fuel.

Fuel availability in an area is a question for the reader's supplier, not for this site. A tri fuel listing names natural gas as one of its fuels; the dual fuel versus tri fuel article explains the fuel words as listing terms.

Carbon monoxide sensing on a listing

A listing may name a CO sensor and auto shutoff, a stated feature that shuts the engine off when carbon monoxide builds up near the unit. It is a listing word about the maker's stated feature. Follow the maker's manual and read the CPSC, CDC and EPA carbon monoxide pages in the sources before running any generator.

This site gives no placement advice. The CO sensor guide lists the sets with the feature, but neither this article nor the guide should be read as permission to operate a generator indoors or in a garage.

Building a shortlist from stated details

Read the listing and the maker's page together. Compare two sets on the stated details: type, fuel, watt group, electric start, outlets and CO sensor. The main generator guide is the starting point, and the inverter guide narrows by frame and price tier.

Sizing a home or an appliance list is a question for the maker and an electrician; this site offers no wattage worksheets. For a jobsite, the list of tools is the list the reader brings to the maker's page.

The related guides in the sidebar list the sets by watt group and fuel, and the filters on each guide narrow the pool by the first watt figure.

The manual as the guide for upkeep

The owner's manual, not this article, is the authority on maintenance. The manual lists the oil-check intervals, the air-filter service, and the break-in procedure. The maintenance checklist article summarizes what the maker's manual typically contains, but that article is not listed in the related guides because this article focuses on buying.

When the manual and the listing disagree on a stated detail, the listing is a summary and the manual is the primary source. Questions about warranty, parts and service go to the maker.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

What is surge power on a generator listing?

Surge is the starting figure: the extra watts a motor draws for a moment when it starts. It is the first watt figure on many titles, with the running figure as the second figure.

Do power tools need more power at startup?

Motors in tools and compressors draw more at spin-up than while running. Compare the tool's nameplate to both the starting and running figures on the listing.

Is the first watts figure always the starting figure?

Not always. Read the listing words and the maker's page. On this site the first figure is often the starting figure and the second is the running figure.

Where do running watts come from?

The maker's page states running watts, often per fuel. The listing and the guide repeat the stated details; no figure on this site is a measured claim.

Can a generator run inside a shed on a jobsite?

This article gives no placement advice. Follow the maker's manual and read the CPSC, CDC and EPA carbon monoxide pages in the sources.

What does a CO sensor on a listing mean?

It is a stated feature that shuts the engine off when carbon monoxide builds up near the unit. It is a listing word, not a placement claim.

How do I know what outlet my tool needs?

Read the tool's plug and the listing's outlet words. A 120-volt plug fits a standard duplex, while a 240-volt plug needs a twist-lock or a dedicated receptacle. The outlet type guide lists the names.

Can I use an extension cord with a jobsite generator?

The extension cord gauge is a question about the cord, not the generator. The article on extension cord gauge explains how to read cord markings, and the maker's manual may state a maximum length.