Because a watt is a measure of energy transfer or conversion, the more watts, the more power you’ll be able to get from your generator. How many watts you need depends on the wattage of the applications you need to power. Generator wattage varies from as little as 100 watts all the way up to over 100,000 watts. So, before you start shopping for a generator, take a minute to think about what you need to power.
Generators are listed by the maximum wattage they produce, but you’ll also see a measurement of a generator’s “rated power” or “running power”. A generator will only run at maximum power for about
30 minutes, so look at a generator’s running wattage for a better estimate of what you can power using your generator. To determine how many watts you need, add up the wattage of all the tools, appliances, and motors you want to run at the same time. You’ll want to pick a generator with a running wattage that matches or exceeds this number.
Some electric motors use additional power during start up, up to three times their normal running wattage. Calculate the surge wattage of all the electronics you need to power using your generator, and choose a generator with enough extra wattage to withstand the additional load required.
Be sure to check individual items for specific wattage, but the chart provided on the next page gives an estimate of running wattage and surge wattage for some common items.
Power equipment Plus 75 Meigs Road, Vergennes, Vermont 05491 1-800-550-8780

Generators are available with a wide range of features, with each generator suited to a particular application. The type of generator you select will depend heavily on your application, with Emergency generators power essential appliances such as a refrigerator in case of a power outage. These typically run on gas, with ratings from around 2500 watts up to 8000 watts. Home standby generators feature higher wattage ratings and powerful, water-cooled diesel engines. Some units feature ratings of over 100,000 watts, making them great for commercial applications where a power outage could wreck your bottom line. PTO generators are also ideal for heavy-duty applications, with some generating upwards of 100,000 watts.
When you’re ready to make your selection, the best prices on hundreds of electric generators can be found at the power equipment superstore,
PowerEquipmentPlus.com.
CatEgory
Home
ConTRACToR
ComPUTeRS aPPlIance
Coffee pot (10 cup) electric Fan
Toaster
Blender
Light Bulbs
Vacuum cleaner
Clock radio microwave
Hair Dryer
Refrigerator
Dishwasher
Automatic Clothes Washer
Air Conditioner – Central 24k BTU
Air Conditioner – Window 8000 BTU
Plasma Screen TV
LCD TV
PlayStation 3
Wireless Router
Pressure Washer – 1 hp
7 ¼” electric Chainsaw – 2 hp
Desktop
Laptop monitor
Printer running WattagE
600-1500
200
800-1500
500-750
50-150
1225
10
750-1100
1200-1875
240-600
1200
500
3750
800
300
110
197
7
1200
1100
600-800
200-250
200-250
400-600 additional SurgE WattagE
0
600
800
1400
0
6235
1600
3600
0
Power Equipment Plus is a division of Country Home Products,
Inc., the premiere developer and marketer of professional-grade outdoor equipment for residential use. Country Home Products was founded in 1985 in Charlotte, Vermont. For more information on its complete line of power equipment and property care supplies, visit the web site at www.PEPlus.com.
Tom Parent for Power Equipment Plus
Power equipment Plus 75 Meigs Road, Vergennes, Vermont 05491 1-800-550-8780