Wattage Wizard
In order to calculate your generator wattage needs, it is important to consider the running watts, as well as the surge watts needed to run your appliance. Surge watts are the power requirements for starting a device. Some devices, particularly those with motors, require more power to start running than they need to keep running. It is important to include surge wattage in your calculations to prevent damage to your generator or appliances. Fortunately it is not necessary to add all the surge wattage values together to compute your wattage requirements. This is due to the fact that all your appliances will not start at the same time under normal usage. A good rule of thumb is to add the surge watts for your hungriest appliance to the sum of all your running wattage needs.

What do you wish to power?
  Appliance Rated (Running) Wattage Surge (Starting) Wattage
  Enter # of light bulbs 75 each 75 each
Fan 100 200
VCR 100 100
Radio 100 100
Small black/white television 100 150
Color Television 400 500
Home Computer and Monitor 400 600
Electric Blanket 400 400
Security System 500 500
Deep Freezer 700 1800
Microwave Oven 750 1000
Furnace Fan 750 1500
Garage Door Opener (1/3 HP) 750 950
Refrigerator/Freezer 1000 2400
Hair Dryer 1200 1200
Clothes Washer 1200 3300
Window A/C Unit (7K BTU) 1200 4500
Space Heater 1800 1800
Well Pump (1/2 HP) 2400 3600
Electric Oven 3410 3410
Electric Water Heather 4000 4000
Electric Clothes Dryer 5500 6800
House A/C or Heat Pump 15000 30000





* Hardwired to your home's electrical system
1 Disclaimer: This wattage selection guide is an estimating tool only. Check actual tools and appliances wattage for a more detailed estimate.
 
8/27/2008

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