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Appliances to PowerAdd everything you want to run simultaneously. Starting watts matter most for sizing since motors draw 2-3x their running watts when they kick on.
| Appliance | Running W | Starting W |
|---|
Running: 0W • Starting: 0W
Affiliate Disclosure: This calculator is free to use. Some product links are affiliate links. Product links and pricing are for the US market.
How This Calculator Works
- Running watts: The continuous power an appliance draws during normal operation.
- Starting watts (surge): The extra burst of power motors need to start up. Typically 2-3x running watts for motorized appliances (pumps, compressors, AC units). This lasts 1-3 seconds.
- Generator sizing: Your generator must handle the highest possible surge. The calculator finds the worst-case scenario: all running loads plus the single largest starting load.
- 20% headroom: We add 20% above the calculated need. Running a generator at 100% load continuously shortens its life and increases fuel consumption. 70-80% load is the efficiency sweet spot.