What should the voltage reading be on the 3kw generator when powering up?

• A. 120 V
• B. 208 V
• C. 480 V
• D. 240 V

Answer: (D)

A small 3 kW generator typically provides a 240-volt split-phase output. That means the two hot lines are out of phase and deliver about 240 volts when you measure across them as you power up. You would see around 120 volts if you measured from a hot line to neutral, but the important reading for the generator’s output is the line-to-line voltage, which is 240 volts. The other voltages listed correspond to different systems—208 volts is common for three-phase wye systems, and 480 volts is used for higher-voltage industrial equipment. So the expected startup reading is 240 volts.