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Determine Your Wattage | Glossary of Terms | Safety Tips


2. Select Essential Items

In general, for backup power a 1500-3000 square foot home would require a 5000-7000 watt generator to run essential household loads.

Typical backup power needs:


Running (Rated) Wattage  Starting (Surge) Wattage 
  1/2 HP Furnace Fan*  875  2300 
  Freezer  500  1000 
  Refrigerator  500  2000 
  Television  500  500 
  Lights 75 each  75 each 

If these items do not describe your needs, deselect the individual items above to customize. Then select any additional items as needed in step #3

3. Select Additional Items

Running (Rated) Wattage  Starting (Surge) Wattage 
  1/3 HP Garage Door Opener  750  1650 
  1/3 HP Well Pump*  1000  3000 
  Coffee Maker  1500  1500 
  Computer  720  720 
  Dehumidifier  650  800 
  Electric Blanket  400  400 
  Electric Fan  800  2000 
  Electric Water Heater*  4000  4000 
  Microwave  800  800 
  Radio  300  300 
  Space Heater  1800  1800 
  Sump Pump  800  2000 
  Window Air Conditioner  1200  2160 


4. Optional: High Wattage Requirement Items

These items can significantly add to the wattage requirement of your generator. Select them ONLY if ABSOLUTELY necessary for backup power.

Running (Rated) Wattage  Starting (Surge) Wattage 
  Central Air Conditioner*  3750  6235 
  Electric Dryer  5400  6750 
  Heat Pump*  4669  11672 
  Oven  3410  3410 

* These items are hard wired into your home's electrical system.



These are only estimated wattages, Please see the data plate on your particular appliance for actual wattage.

     

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