How Much Power Do I Need?

When considering the XXX Model generator on of the main considerations is whether it will provide enough power for your requirements.

There are two basic power measurements for generators: starting watts (also known as start-up power, max watts, or peak power) and continuous or running watts. Starting wattage is required for appliances at start-up or when they are running at their highest levels of power consumption. Continuous power is the wattage required for operation of those appliances under normal load. Both are measured in wattage.

We've provided a worksheet below to help you determine your specific needs based on the peak and continuous wattage requirements of the appliances you want to power. What's below is a general guide.

Standby Generators

• Standby generators create from 5,000 to 25,000 watts or more of power. You'll have to choose a generator that supplies sufficient peak and continuous wattage for the appliances on the circuits you need to power.

• You can choose between an air-cooled and a liquid-cooled model standby generator. Generally, liquid-cooled models are bigger and create more power.

Portable Generators:

• A small 1,000-watt portable generator may be all you need for recreational purposes. And you may use up to 8,000 watts if using a generator to power tools on the job site.

• Because you plug appliances directly into a portable generator, you'll also want to make sure that your model has the number and type of outlets you need. The size of the fuel tank also is crucial. The bigger the tank, the longer your generator can run without refilling and produce power.

• If you want to use a portable generator to power specific circuits in your house, a transfer switch is required. For running an entire house, follow the guidelines for choosing a standby generator.

Once you have taken all these factors into account you will know whether the XXX Model generator is the one you need or whether you should consider another one of the XXX range of generators available here?

Tools or Appliances	Surge Watts	Running Watts	Number of appliances	Tool/ Appliance watts
Lighting - Estimate 1 watt per sqare foot	0
Cell Phone Battery Charger	0	10
Christmas Lights (50-string, small) (RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	20
Laptop Computer (Home/RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	75
PDA, iPod, iPhone, Blackberry, Cell Phones	0	80
13-Inch TV (Home/RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	100
Outdoor Buglight (RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	100
AM/FM Radio / CD Player	0	100
20-Inch Box Fan	0	200
Video Game Console	0	200
Crockpot (Home/RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	250
Desktop Computer	0	300
TV/DVD Combo (Home/RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	300
Refrigerator – Dorm Size (Home/RV/Camping/Tailgate)	500	350
Food Processor/Blender (RV/ Camping/Tailgate)	500	350
Small Power Tools; Electric Drill 3/8-inch, jig saw…)	600	440
Color TV 27-Inch	0	500
Frying Pan / Skillet (Home/RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	600
Refrigerator / Freezer	2200	600
Microwave Oven 750W	800	750
Single Element Hot Plate (Home/RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	750
Washing Machine	2300	750
Coffee Maker (Home/RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	800
Sump Pump	1400	800
Toaster – 2 Slot (Home/RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	850
Furnace Fan Blower ½ HP	2300	875
Griddle/Deep Fryer (Home/RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	1200
Toaster (Home/RV/Camping/Tailgate)	0	1250
RV Low Profile Air Conditioner 13,500 BTU – Heating	2300	1600
Circular Saw	3000	1500
Space Heater	0	1800
Electric Range	0	2100
Electric Water Heater	0	4000
Garage Door Opener (1/4 hp)	1000	550
			TOTAL WATTS