Wattage
Requirements In the past there has
been much confusion as to what size generator is needed
to provide sufficient power for the average home. Since
the average size home to some may be a person living
alone in a small cottage and something else to a family
living in a larger house in a hot or cold climate, we
have compiled a list of average wattage requirements
for general household uses. These estimates will
vary depending on the size and age of individual appliances. We
recommend that a certified electrician be consulted for
those with questions or who want to wire a generator
directly to their home for stand by power. This
list will also be useful for those who purchase smaller
generator sets and have questions about what they can
safely operate.
- Heat
Pump 6,000
- Heat
Pump w/ electrical back up 14,000
- Gas
or oil furnace 1,700
- Refrigerator
or freezer 900
- Electric
Range (cook stove) 8,000
- Electric
water heater 5,000
- Water
pump 1,800
- Dishwasher
or clothes washer 1,500
- Clothes
Dryer 5,000
- Microwave
Oven 1,500
- General
Use Outlets (TV, radio, coffee pot, etc.) 2,400
To determine emergency
power requirements, add wattage of all appliances that
may be needed at the same time. Power requirements
can be minimized by alternating the use of some appliances.
For
example, the average wattage most likely to be used after
a storm, hurricane or other weather related condition
to be used at the same time:
- Air
Conditioning or Heat Pump 6,000
- Refrigerator
and Freezer 1,800
- Electric
Hot Water Heater 5,000
- Water
Pump 1,800
- Dishwasher 1,500
- Microwave
Oven 1,500
- Lighting 1,500
All
of this totals 19,100 watts. A 20KW (20,000 watts) generator would allow
the residents of this average home to live in comfort. Homes
with gas appliances or city water would require even
less power.
To find the wattage
requirements, check the ID tags on the appliances. If
it is given in amps, simply use the formula: amps
X voltage = watts.
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