I often get asked how much wattage is needed to run different pieces of sharpening equipment because many sharpeners are mobile, and want to set up an inverter. The basic formula for figuring wattage is Amps times Volts equals Wattage. Start up is a little trickier though. To figure start up, you may have to multiply your amps times two or three before you multiply them by the volts. Here is an example:
Figuring Wattage:
Amps: 3.5
Volts: 120
3.5 x 120= 420 watts
Figuring Start Up Wattage:
Amps: 3.5 x 2= 7 Amps
Volts: 120
7 x 120= 840 watts
So you can see that to start this machine, you'll need at least a 1200 or 1500 watt inverter. You may be able to get away with an 800 watt with a serge, but you need to consider lights and other things you'll be running in your unit.
If you're running something like a clipper blade sharpener, depending on the size of the wheel, you may have to multiply your amps by three. Just remember, you're always better off with too much wattage than too little!
To make things a little easier, here is a link to a great website that lets you figure wattage, amps, ohms or voltage.
No comments:
Post a Comment