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To determine the size of the generator needed, total the rated watts of the appliances and fixtures you'll want to operate during an outage. Some loads are easy to determine -- a 100-watt light bulb, for example, uses 100 watts. Then 10 bulbs would require 1000 watts, or 1 kW. The power requirements for appliances are often provided in the operating manual. These specifications are also stamped on the "face plate" along with the serial and model numbers. While the power needs of individual appliances vary, those that produce heat or use large motors tend to require higher wattage. An average 14 cubic-foot refrigerator with automatic defrosting, for example, requires about 615 watts while an electric range at 12,220 watts needs nearly 20 times as much power. Electric space heaters and water pumps are usually rated at 1000 to 1800 watts (1-1.8 kW) and electric water heaters require 2500 to 4400 watts (2.5-4.5 kW). As you can see, a household's power requirements can quickly add up. |
Appliance or Tool
|
Running Wattage*
|
Startup Wattage*
|
3/8" hand drill
|
500
|
750
|
Jigsaw
|
600
|
900
|
Airless sprayer
|
700
|
1800
|
6" bench grinder
|
700
|
1800
|
Belt sander
|
1200
|
1700
|
Demolition hammer
|
1200
|
1800
|
7 1/4" circular saw
|
1500
|
1900
|
Portable heater
|
1500
|
1800
|
Furnace fan
|
1100
|
2000
|
Refrigerator/freezer
|
1200
|
3000
|
Sump pump
|
1700
|
3200
|
Clothes washer
|
1000
|
7500
|
Small refrigerator
|
500
|
2000
|
Light bulb
|
50
|
0
|
Home security
|
100
|
0
|
Television
|
400
|
0
|
Microwave
|
750
|
0
|
Toaster oven
|
1500
|
0
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Air conditioner
(20,000 BTU)
|
3300
|
0
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Water heater
|
4000
|
0
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12v DC battery charger
|
200
|
0
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Radio
|
225
|
0
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Slow cooker
|
250
|
0
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Electric blanket
|
1000
|
0
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Electric skillet
|
1200
|
0
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Coffeemaker
|
1200
|
0
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* Wattage numbers are estimates. They will vary based on the wattage rating of the tool or appliance being used.
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