Estimating Power Needs: Needs:

Portable Generators Tool or Appliance

Running
(Rated) Watts
Additional
Starting
(Surge) Watts
The more watts your portable generator produces,
HOME
the more items you can power at the same time. The Essentials
wattage reference chart at right contains examples of Light Bulb 60 Watt
what you can power with a portable generator. Use the Light Bulb 75 Watt
chart and the following steps to help you determine how Deep Freezer
powerful your portable generator should be. Sump Pump 1/3 HP
Well Pump 1/2 HP
1 Select items from the chart that you would like to Electric Water Heater
power at the same time. Fill in the RUNNING WATTS Heating / Cooling
Space Heater
and ADDITIONAL STARTING WATTS requirements in
the Your Power Needs Section. Furnace Fan Blower 1/2 HP
Furnace Fan Blower 1/3 HP
2 Total the RUNNING WATTS of the items you wish Window AC 10,000 BTU
to power at one time. Enter this number in the Window AC 12,000 BTU
TOTAL RUNNING WATTS box. Central AC 10,000 BTU
Central AC 24,000 BTU
3 Identify the ONE INDIVIDUAL ITEM on your list Heat Pump
with the highest number of additional starting watts. Laundry Room
Enter this items additional starting watts. Add it to the Iron
RUNNING WATTS of the other items listed, and enter Washing Machine
Clothes Dryer Electric
that number in the TOTAL STARTING WATTS box.
Clothes Dryer Gas
Kitchen
Additional Refrigerator/Freezer
Running Starting Microwave Oven 625 Watts
Tool or Appliance (Rated) Watts (Surge) Watts Microwave Oven 1000 Watts
1. Refrigerator/Freezer Coffee Maker
2. 1/2 HP Furnace Fan Electric Stove 8 in. Element
Dishwasher Hot Dry
3. Deep Freezer
Food Processor
4. Television
Toaster Oven
5. Lights (6 x 75 watts) Toaster
Electric Can Opener
With this example you need a generator TOTAL Family Room
RUNNING WATTS 2950
that produces at least 2950 total running VCR
watts and 4500 total starting watts. HIGHEST ADDITIONAL
1550 Stereo Receiver
STARTING WATTS +
Color TV 27 in.
TOTAL
4500 Video Game System
STARTING WATTS =
Other
Security System
Your Power Needs 1/2 HP Garage Door Opener
Hair Dryer 1250 Watts
Additional
Running Starting Curling Iron
Tool or Appliance (Rated) Watts (Surge) Watts WORK
DIY / Jobsite
1. Quartz Halogen Work Light
2. Airless Sprayer 1/3 HP
Reciprocating Saw
3. Electric Drill 3/8 in., 4 Amps
Electric Drill 1/2 in., 5.4 Amps
4. Circular Saw 7 1/4 in.
5. Belt Sander
Air Compressor 1/4 HP
6. Air Compressor 1 HP
7.
Computer w/17 in. Monitor
8. Fax Machine
Laser Printer
9. Copy Machine
10. PLAY
Tailgating / Camping
Electric Grill
TOTAL
RUNNING WATTS AM/FM Radio
HIGHEST ADDITIONAL CD/DVD Player
STARTING WATTS + Box Fan
TOTAL
STARTING WATTS =