How To Set Image Generator?

How to set a generator at 50% load so it will run longer on a tank of gas?

• I have a champion 1500 generator for camping. I have read where people can get 10 hours or run time by running a 50% load. All we need the generator to do is run my brother's c-pap machine. We have used the generator once and a tank lasted about 6 hours. Any suggestions on how to set this generator to run at 50% load. I haven't found anything in the instruction book.

• Answer:

  The term "load" refers to what you are powering. The maximum the generator can produce is what it is rated for. In your case 1,500 watts. Look for the name plate attached to the c-pap unit. It will give the power as either amps or watts. To convert amps to watts multiply by voltage. In your case 120 volts x (taking a guess here) 3.8 amps = 456 watts. Way less than the maximum the generator could supply. As a result it won't need to run at full speed. But it will run faster than idle speed. Do Not fiddle with the engine speed. It is set at the factory and all you will do is create a problem. Feel free to contact the manufacturer and verify this. Not adding any additional load will help extend the run time some, but you can't "double" that time. It just doesn't work that way. Kind of like a truck that is rated 1,500 lbs. You get (say) 10 mpg with 1,500 lbs in the bed and (say) 15 mpg with nothing in the bed. But not 20 mpg. Best bet is to maintain all systems regularly. Use good fresh fuel. Make sure it well ventilated. Clean and gap the plug often. Change the oil with the correct type per the manufactures instructions. Change the fuel filter often. Etc. Getting back to the manufacture. They may be able to give you some "model specific" information that I am not aware of. Good luck.