Portable generators can provide emergency power for your home or business when your electrical power service is disrupted.
The size/power capacity of portable generators are measured in its rated wattage output.
- Before buying a generator, you need to decide how many appliances you need to provide power for.
- Then size your portable generator to provide power for the total of the STARTING watts you need.
More considerations when shopping for an emergency generator for your home or business are discussed in the Good Housekeeping article, “Are You Ready for a Power Outage?“
Here is a chart of approximate wattage needs of various typical appliances:
| Appliance/Equipment | Running Watts | Starting Watts |
| Water Pump 1/2 HP | 1,000 | 3,000 |
| Water Pump 3/4 HP | 1,500 | 4,500 |
| Sump Pump | 1,000 | 3,000 |
| Refrigerator | 750 | 1,500 |
| Freezer | 500 | 1,000 |
| Microwave | 600 – 1,500 | – |
| Lights | 40 – 200 | – |
| Television | 150 – 400 | – |
| Radio | 6 – 15 | – |
| Oscillating Fan | 50 – 100 | – |
| Water Heater | 4,500 | – |
| Coffee Maker | 750 – 1,200 | – |
| Toaster Oven | 1,100 | – |
| 8,000 BTU A/C (window unit) | 1,000 | 3,000 |
| 3 Ton A/C or Heat Pump | 6,000 | 32,400 |
| Garage Door Opener | 500 | – |
| Laptop Computer | 1 – 15 | – |
| Cell Phone Charger | 3 – 6 | – |
| Home Security System | 24 | – |
Chart data provided by our local, reliable electrical service provider, Clay Electric Cooperative.
Read more tips for portable generators in our article, Safe Operation of Portable Generators.
