What is the typical starting wattage of a portable generator?
As a portable generator owner, one of the most important things to consider is the starting wattage of your generator. The starting wattage, also known as peak power, is the maximum amount of power that the generator can produce for a short period of time, typically when starting up an appliance or tool. The starting wattage of a generator can vary depending on the size of the generator and the types of appliances or tools you plan to use. In this article, I’ll explain the factors that affect the starting wattage of a portable generator and provide some examples of typical starting wattages.
Contents
Step 1: Understand the factors that affect starting wattage
The starting wattage of a portable generator can be affected by several factors including the size of the generator, the type of fuel used, and the efficiency of the generator.
The size of the generator, measured in watts or kilowatts, is a major factor in determining the starting wattage. A larger generator will typically have a higher starting wattage than a smaller generator.
The type of fuel used in the generator can also affect the starting wattage. Gasoline generators typically have higher starting wattages than propane or diesel generators.
The efficiency of the generator is another factor that affects the starting wattage. Generators that are designed to be more efficient will typically have higher starting wattages than those that are less efficient.
Step 2: Check the starting wattage of your generator
The starting wattage of your portable generator can be found in the owner’s manual or on the generator itself. The manufacturer will typically provide the starting wattage at a specific load, such as a 50% load or a 100% load.
Step 3: Consider the appliances and tools you plan to use
When determining the starting wattage you need, it’s important to consider the appliances and tools you plan to use with the generator. Each appliance and tool has a specific starting wattage requirement. For example, a refrigerator typically requires more starting wattage to start than a light bulb.
Example:
Let’s say you have a portable generator with a starting wattage of 2000 watts and you want to use it to power a refrigerator, a television, and a few lights. The refrigerator has a starting wattage requirement of 600 watts, the television has a starting wattage requirement of 200 watts, and the lights have a combined starting wattage requirement of 100 watts.
- The total starting wattage requirement for these appliances would be 900 watts (600 watts for the refrigerator + 200 watts for the television + 100 watts for the lights).
- In this case, the 2000-watt generator would be sufficient to power these appliances.
Example 2:
Let’s say you have a portable generator with a starting wattage of 2000 watts and you want to use it to power a refrigerator, a television, a few lights, and a portable air conditioner. The refrigerator has a starting wattage requirement of 600 watts, the television has a starting wattage requirement of 200 watts, the lights have a combined starting wattage requirement of 100 watts and the portable air conditioner has a starting wattage requirement of 1200 watts.
- The total starting wattage requirement for these appliances would be 2100 watts (600 watts for the refrigerator + 200 watts for the television + 100 watts for the lights + 1200 watts for the portable air conditioner).
- In this case, the 2000-watt generator would not be sufficient to power these appliances because the total starting wattage requirement exceeds the generator’s starting wattage capability.
In conclusion, the starting wattage of a portable generator is an important consideration when choosing a generator and planning to use it with various appliances and tools. The starting wattage can vary depending on the size of the generator, the type of fuel used, and the efficiency of the generator. Be sure to check the starting wattage of your generator and consider the appliances and tools you plan to use with it, to ensure that it has the necessary power capabilities. A generator’s starting wattage needs to be equal to or greater than the combined starting wattage of all appliances and tools you’re planning to use.
