A 7000 watt generator can only produce 29.17 amps at 240 volts and 58.34 amps at 120 volts. You calculate this with the fundamental Watts = Amps x Volts formula.
That being said, you need to know that the outlets on 7000 watt generators can actually limit the amp usage too.
More precisely, many generators with around 7000 starting/peak watts “only” have 30-amp outlets.
If you want to actually run tools and appliances that need 31 amps to 58.34 amps at 120 volts, you need a 7000 watt generator or a stronger model with the right outlets.
When choosing a breaker for your 7000 watt generator you also want to keep in mind that your electrical circuits have limitations.
How many amps does a 7000 watt generator theoretically have?
A 7000 watt generator theoretically has a maximum of 58.34 amps at 120 volts.
However, you can approach how many amps generators with a certain power capacity like 7000 watts have from two directions.
First of all, there is the more theoretical answer you can calculate with the Watts = Amps x Volts formula.
With this, you can conclude that a 7000 watt generator would maximally have 58.34 amps at 120 volts.
Additionally, a 7000 watt generator would only be able to handle 29.17 amps at 240 volts.
Before you invest in a good 7000 watt generator you do want to know that this is not always the complete answer.
How many amps can you actually get out of a 7000 watt generator?
How many amps you can actually get out of a 7000 watt generator depends on the generator outlets too.
Generators with around 7000 peak/starting watts actually often “only” have outlets with a 30-amp capacity.
These 7000 watt generators would only be able to produce 30 amps for you.
This will still be enough for many people, situations, and appliances but it is possible that you need a stronger generator to run 30 to 50 amps or more.
What size breaker do you need for a 7000 watt generator?
Generator amp limits aside, and assuming your electrical circuit can use 60 amps safely, you would need a 60 amp breaker for a 7000 watt generator working at 120 volts.
In practice, you will likely need a breaker that can deal with fewer amps to protect your electrical circuit and because 7000 watt generators tend to produce a maximum of 30 amps.
A circuit breaker is a device that protects your electrical circuit from overloading by breaking the circuit when a certain amount of power goes through.
In simpler words, a breaker allows you to choose how many amps can go through your electrical system.
Additionally, they can help you avoid overloading your generator.
Breakers sound and are useful but you also don’t want them to turn off too quickly. This would leave you unable to actually use many devices.
That being said, generator amp limits aside, and assuming your electrical circuit can use 60 amps safely, you would need a 60 amp breaker for a 7000 watt generator working at 120 volts.
If you plan to use the full 240 volts, you would only need a 30 amp breaker for a 7000 watt generator.
In theory, you could also go one breaker “level” lower to make really sure you don’t overload your generator.
At the same time, keep in mind that breakers are not just for avoiding overloading your generators. Your electrical circuit needs to be able to deal with the amounts of amps too.
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