What Size Generator Do I Need to Power Common Appliances?
Find out how much power you need from your generator system to run common appliances.
| Appliances That Can Be Powered* |
Generator Kilowatts |
| 8 kW |
14 kW |
17 kW |
20 kW |
| Furnace Fan |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Refrigerator |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Four 100W Lamps |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Water Pump |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Sump Pump |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Stereo |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Color Television |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Coffee Maker |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Hair Dryer |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Clock Radio |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Computer |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Deep Freezer |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Microwave |
|
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Electric Range (1 element) |
|
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Electric Blanket |
|
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Attic Fan |
|
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Garage Door Opener (1/4 HP) |
|
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Security System |
|
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Washing Machine |
|
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Clothes Dryer |
|
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Dishwasher |
|
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
| Water Heater |
|
|
✔ |
✔ |
| Vacuume Cleaner |
|
|
✔ |
✔ |
| Toaster |
|
|
✔ |
✔ |
| Humidifer |
|
|
✔ |
✔ |
| Whirlpool Bath |
|
|
✔ |
✔ |
| Air Conditioner |
|
|
✔ |
✔ |
| Office Lighting |
|
|
|
✔ |
| Copier and Fax Machine |
|
|
|
✔ |
| Telephone System |
|
|
|
✔ |
| Computer Network System |
|
|
|
✔ |
| Central Air Conditioner |
|
|
|
✔ |
|
* This chart is for estimating purposes only. Calculations are based on estimates of average wattage in each appliance type. Some appliances may be substituted for
others. Appliances may not be able to run simultaneously.
|
Warning: When using this information to perform electrical work, call a licensed electrician and consult the NEC® for safety.
All licensed electricians have passed examinations covering the National Electric Code®, know state and local building codes, and may carry insurance to cover damages.