Westinghouse WHXC3750, Instruction Manual

 25

OPERATION

NOTICE

DO NOT connect any 240-Volt AC device that is 

fitted with a three-pin 20 A plug. This can overload 

the generator. 

See 240-Volt AC Extension Cords on page 26 for 

detailed instructions concerning their selection and 

use.

12-Volt DC Loads

12-Volt DC devices can be connected either directly or 

via an electrical extension cord not exceeding 3.5 m 

in length into the 12-Volt DC outlet on the generator’s 

control panel. Pull out the weather resistant stopper on 

the outlet for access to connect the electrical device or 

cord, and re-insert it after use.

NOTICE

The generator’s 12-Volt DC electrical output is 

unregulated. DO NOT connect any 12-Volt DC 

device that may be damaged by voltage fluctuations.

12-Volt DC devices or extension cords must be fitted 

with a cigarette lighter plug for connection to the 

generator as shown in Figure 24.

!

 WARNING

Never insert an automotive cigarette 

lighter device into the 12-Volt DC 

outlet. The heated lighter may ignite 

the fuel causing an explosion or fire. 

Power Output and Demand

There are two limits to the amount of electric power 

that the generator can usefully provide: (a) its total 

240-Volt AC or 12-Volt DC electric power generating 

capacity or power output and (b) the electric current or 

power output capacity of each individual 240-Volt AC 

or 12-Volt DC outlet.
The generator’s total power output measured in 

Watts is listed in the Specifications (see page 47). 

Two 240-Volt AC power outputs are specified for each 

generator, namely the running power and the starting 

power. A single 12-Volt DC power output is also 

specified.

NOTICE

DO NOT overload the generator’s 240-Volt AC or 

12-Volt DC circuits beyond their rated capacities. 

This can result in damage to the generator or to the 

connected devices.

The generator should not be run completely unloaded 

for extended periods otherwise the engine may be 

damaged. It is recommended that the generator 

should always be operated with at least one-third of its 

rated 240-Volt AC power output.
240-Volt AC devices have two different electric power 

demands that must be taken into consideration, 

namely the running power and the starting power. Both 

are measured in Watts (typically abbreviated as “W”).

The steady state continuous load is the running power 

demand and this is often marked on the device near its 

model number or serial number. Sometimes the device 

might only be marked with its voltage (i.e. 240 Volt or 

240 V) and current draw (e.g. 6 Ampere or 6 Amp or 6 

A), in which case the running power demand in Watts 

can be obtained by multiplying the voltage times the 

current, e.g. 240 V × 6 A = 1,440 W.

Simple resistive 240-Volt AC devices such as 

incandescent bulbs, toasters, heaters, etc. have no 

extra power demand when starting, and so their 

starting power demands are the same as their running 

power demands. 

More complex 240-Volt AC devices containing 

inductive or capacitive elements such as electric 

motors have a momentary extra power demand when 

starting, which can be up to seven times the running 

Figure 24 – 12-Volt DC Cigarette Lighter Plug

A -   15  Ampere

b -  10 Ampere 

Figure  23  –  240-Volt  AC Three-Pin  Plugs