WATTAGE GUIDE

How many watts does it take to power the basic items in an average size
house? In a typical home, essential items will average 4000-6000 watts of
power to run. To determine which generator is right for your needs, you must
evaluate how you will use it. After all, a person using a generator for
backup power may not have the same needs as a person using a generator for
construction. Follow these simple steps to determine what generator is right
for you. Please see the data plate on your particular appliance for wattage.

1. How do you plan to use the generator?

Home Standby Power

2. Select Essential Items: In general, for backup power a 1500-3000 square
foot home would require a 3500-5500 watt generator to run essential
household loads.

Furnace Fan* / Freezer / Refrigerator / Lights / Well Pump* / Window Air
Conditioner

3. Select Additional Items

Battery Charger / Coffee Maker / Computer / Dehumidifier / Electric Blanket
/Electric Fan

Electric Stovetop / Electric Water Heater* / Garage Door Opener / Microwave
/ Radio

Space Heater / Sump Pump / Television / Toaster Oven / Washing machine

4. Optional: High Wattage Requirement Items

Central Air Conditioner* / Electric Dryer /Heat Pump* / Oven

* These items are hard wired into your home's electrical system. To safely,
quickly and conveniently connect your generator to your home, use the
Generac Power Transfer System(tm)



Recreational Power

2. What items do you plan to power? Select the items you plan to power AT
THE SAME TIME.

Battery Charger / CB Radio / Coffee Maker / Electric Chainsaw / Heater /
Lights / Radio

Refrigerator / Small Water Pump / Television / Toaster / Winch / Coffee
Maker


Work / Tool Power

2. What items do you plan to power? Select the items you plan to power AT
THE SAME TIME.

Battery Charger / Circular Saw / Drill / Edger / Electric Chainsaw /
Electric Lawn Mower

Electric Pressure Washer / Electric String Trimmer / Jig Saw / Lights /
Miter Saw /

Orbital Sander / Paint Sprayer / Planer / Radio / Router / Water Pump / W-D
Vacuum / Winch

How do you determine the wattage requirements of a specific tool or
appliance? Electrical items generally state the related amperage (and
sometimes wattage) on the data plate. If amps are shown, simply multiply
amps x volts to get wattage. Example: A circular saw shows on its nameplate
that it requires 9 amps at 120 volts. By multiplying 9 amps by 120 volts you
this saw requires 1080 watts for normal operation. Take the running voltage
from a device and multiply it by the running current and you will calculate
the power needed to RUN it.

What's the difference between rated watts and surge watts? Rated or running
watts are the continuous watts needed to keep items running. Surge, or
starting watts, is extra watts needed for two or three seconds to start
motor-driven products like refrigerators or circular saws. Only motor-driven
items will have an additional surge requirement. The additional surge watts
required may be estimated at 1-2x running watts.