Are you looking for wattage requirements for various electric appliances to calculate the power needs of your generator? Then look no further as we have the most extensive list of RV, camping, and household appliances ever created.
Our team here at Generatorist has helped over 600,000 visitors find information about generators and we will help you as well. Just keep in mind that these are just rough estimates and to learn the actual numbers, you need to check info-tag on your specific products.
Our data is gathered from reputable government websites, popular generator manufacturers like Honda, Generac or Yamaha and merchants like Lowe’s, Sears or Home Depot. We add new appliances and update the numbers on a regular basis to make this the most comprehensive resource out there.
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#1. Home Electric Appliances
Essential Appliances
Estimated wattage
| Household Appliances | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Ceiling Fan | 60 W | 70 W |
| Central AC (10,000 BTU) | 1,500 W | 4,500 W |
| Central AC (24,000 BTU) | 3,800 W | 11,400 W |
| Central AC (40,000 BTU) | 6,000 W | 6,700 W |
| Dehumidifier | 240 W | 0 W |
| Electric Heater (Fan) | 2,000 W | 1,000 W |
| Electric Thermal Radiator | 500 W | 0 W |
| Electric Water Heater | 4,000 W | 0 W |
| Electric Water Heater (Immersion) | 3,000 W | 0 W |
| Electric Water Heater (Tankless) | 6,600 W | 2,200 W |
| Evaporative AC | 2,600 W | 0 W |
| Furnace Fan Blower (1/2 HP) | 800 W | 2,350 W |
| Furnace Fan Blower (1/3 HP) | 700 W | 1,400 W |
| Garage Door Opener (1/2 HP) | 875 W | 2,350 W |
| Heat Pump | 4,700 W | 4,500 W |
| Humidifier (13 Gal.) | 175 W | 0 W |
| Light Bulb (Common) | 75 W | 0 W |
| Light Bulb (LED) | 9 W | 0 W |
| Night Light | 1 W | 0 W |
| Oversink Water Heater (Hand Wash) | 3,000 W | 0 W |
| Space Heater | 1,800 W | 0 W |
| Sump Pump (1/2 HP) | 1,050 W | 2,150 W |
| Sump Pump (1/3 HP) | 800 W | 1,300 W |
| Tube Light (1500mm) | 22 W | 0 W |
| Well Water Pump (1/2 HP) | 1,000 W | 2,100 W |
| Window AC (10,000 BTU) | 1,200 W | 3,600 W |
| Window AC (12,000 BTU) | 3,250 W | 9,750 W |
Kitchen Appliances
Estimated wattage
| Household Appliances | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Air Fryer | 1,500 W | 0 W |
| Coffee Maker | 1,000 W | 0 W |
| Cooker Hood | 20 W | 10 W |
| Deep Freezer | 500 W | 1,500 W |
| Dishwasher | 1,500 W | 1,500 W |
| Electric Can Opener | 170 W | 0 W |
| Electric Kettle | 1,200 W | 3,000 W |
| Electric Oven | 2,150 W | 0 W |
| Electric Stove (8″ Element) | 2,100 W | 0 W |
| Espresso Coffee Machine | 1,300 W | 200 W |
| Food Dehydrator | 800 W | 0 W |
| Food Processor/Blender | 400 W | 0 W |
| Fryer | 1,000 W | 0 W |
| Hot Water Dispenser | 1,200 W | 100 W |
| Induction Hob (Per Hob) | 1,400 W | 400 W |
| Microwave | 1,000 W | 0 W |
| Modern Fridge (2001-2020) | 400 W | 600 W |
| Percolator | 800 W | 300 W |
| Pressure Cooker | 700 W | 0 W |
| Refrigerator / Freezer | 700 W | 2,200 W |
| Rice Cooker | 200 W | 500 W |
| Sandwich Maker | 700 W | 300 W |
| Side-by-Side Fridge | 800 W | 1,200 W |
| Slow Cooker | 160 W | 20 W |
| Smart Fridge | 500 W | 750 W |
| Steriliser | 650 W | 0 W |
| Toaster | 850 W | 0 W |
| Water Dispenser | 100 W | 0 W |
| Water Filter & Cooler | 70 W | 30 W |
| Wine Cooler (18 Bottles) | 83 W | 0 W |
Laundry Appliances
Estimated wattage
| Household Appliances | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom Towel Heater | 60 W | 90 W |
| Clothes Dryer (Electric) | 5,400 W | 6,750 W |
| Clothes Dryer (Gas) | 700 W | 1,800 W |
| Curling Iron | 1,500 W | 0 W |
| Electric Shaver | 15 W | 20 W |
| Electric Shaver | 15 W | 5 W |
| Extractor Fan | 12 W | 0 W |
| Hair Dryer | 1,250 W | 0 W |
| Heated Bathroom Mirror | 50 W | 50 W |
| Iron | 1,200 W | 0 W |
| Power Shower | 7,500 W | 10,500 W |
| Steam Iron | 2,200 W | 300 W |
| Straightening Iron | 75 W | 300 W |
| Vacuum Cleaner | 200 W | 200 W |
| Washing Machine | 1,150 W | 2,250 W |
Entertainment Appliances
Estimated wattage
| Household Appliances | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Echo | 3 W | 0 W |
| Amazon Echo Show | 2 W | 2 W |
| Apple TV | 3 W | 3 W |
| AV Receiver | 450 W | 0 W |
| Computer Monitor | 25 W | 5 W |
| Desktop Computer | 100 W | 350 W |
| Guitar Amplifier | 20 W | 10 W |
| Home Internet Router | 5 W | 15 W |
| Home Phone | 3 W | 5 W |
| Home Sound System | 95 W | 0 W |
| Laptop | 50 W | 0 W |
| Mi Box | 5 W | 2 W |
| Monitor | 200 – 250 W | 0 W |
| Nintendo Switch AC Adapter | 7 W | 33 W |
| Playstation 4 | 85 W | 5 W |
| Set Top Box | 27 W | 3 W |
| Stereo | 450 W | 0 W |
| Television (22″ LED) | 17 W | 0 W |
| Television (49″ LED) | 85 W | 0 W |
| Television (82″ LED) | 230 W | 65 W |
| Television (CRT) | 500 W | 0 W |
| VCR / DVD Player | 100 W | 0 W |
| Video Game System | 40 W | 0 W |
| Xbox One | 50 W | 60 W |
Other Appliances
Estimated wattage
| Household Appliances | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Way Radio (12A) | 360 W | 0 W |
| 2-Way Radio (23A) | 840 W | 0 W |
| 2-Way Radio (35A) | 960 W | 0 W |
| Air Purifier | 25 W | 5 W |
| Cell Phone Battery Charger | 25 W | 0 W |
| Clock Radio | 50 – 200 W | 0 W |
| Copy Machine | 1,600 W | 0 W |
| DAB Mains Radio | 5 W | 4 W |
| Electric Blanket | 200 W | 0 W |
| Electric Doorbell Transformer | 2 W | 0 W |
| Electric Mower | 1,500 W | 0 W |
| Electric Trimmer | 300 W | 500 W |
| EV Home Charger | 1,600 W | 1,800 W |
| Fan (Pedestal) | 50 W | 10 W |
| Fan (Table) | 10 W | 15 W |
| Fan (Wall) | 45 W | 15 W |
| Fax | 60 – 80 W | 0 W |
| Garage Door Opener (1/2 HP) | 875 W | 2,350 W |
| Outdoor Light String | 250 W | 0 W |
| Paper Shredder | 200 W | 220 W |
| Printer (Inkjet) | 20 W | 10 W |
| Printer (Laser) | 600 W | 200 W |
| Projector | 220 W | 270 W |
| Scanner | 10 W | 18 W |
| Security System | 500 W | 0 W |
| Sewing Machine | 70 W | 10 W |
| Tablet Charger | 10 W | 5 W |
| Treadmill | 280 W | 900 W |
| Water Feature | 35 W | 0 W |
#2. RV & Camping Appliances
Essential Appliances
Estimated wattage
| Camping / RV Appliance | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Light Bulbs (75W) | 300 W | 300 W |
| Dehumidifier | 785 W | 1250 W |
| Electric Blanket | 80 W | 1,250 W |
| Electric Water Heater (6 Gal.) | 1,440 W | 1,440 W |
| Fan | 200 W | 200 W |
| Furnace Fan (1/3 HP) | 700 W | 1,400 W |
| Heating Pad | 250 W | 250 W |
| RV Roof-Top AC (11,000 BTU) | 1,010 W | 590 W |
| RV Roof-Top AC (13,500 BTU) | 1,500 W | 1,000 W |
| RV Roof-Top AC (15,000 BTU) | 2,000 W | 1,300 W |
| Space Heater | 1,800 W | 1,800 W |
Washing Appliances
Estimated wattage
| Camping / RV Appliance | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Blow Drier (Hair) | 1,250 W | 1,250 W |
| Clothes Washer | 1,150 W | 2,300 W |
| Curling Iron | 800 W | 800 W |
| Iron | 1,200 W | 1,200 W |
| Shaver | 35 W | 35 W |
| Vacuum | 1,100 W | 1,100 W |
Kitchen Appliances
Estimated wattage
| Camping / RV Appliance | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Blender | 350 W | 500 W |
| Chest Freezer | 450 W | 900 W |
| Coffee Maker | 800 W | 800 W |
| Corn Popper | 275 W | 275 W |
| Crockpot | 250 W | 250 W |
| Deep Fryer | 1,200 W | 1,200 W |
| Dorm Size Refrigerator | 350 W | 500 W |
| Electric Can Opener | 170 W | 0 W |
| Electric Fry Pan | 1,200 W | 1,200 W |
| Electric Grill | 1,650 W | 1,650 W |
| Hot Plate | 1,200 W | 1,725 W |
| Microwave (635W Cooking Power) | 635 W | 800 W |
| Slow Cooker | 170 W | 270 W |
| Toaster | 850 – 1,250 W | 850 – 1,250 W |
| Toaster Oven | 1,200 W | 1,200 W |
| Waffle Iron | 1,200 W | 1,725 W |
Entertainment Appliances
Estimated wattage
| Camping / RV Appliance | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| 12″ B&W TV | 30 W | 30 W |
| 19″ Color TV | 160 W | 160 W |
| 27″ Color TV | 500 W | 500 W |
| AM/FM Cassette | 10 W | 10 W |
| CD/DVD Player | 50 W | 200 W |
| Clock Radio | 100 W | 100 W |
| Desktop Computer | 600 W | 800 W |
| Laptop | 50 W | 0 W |
| Printer | 500 W | 500 W |
| Radio 2-Way | 360 W | 960 W |
| Satellite Dish & Receiver | 30 W | 250 W |
| Stereo | 450 W | 450 W |
| VCR | 100 W | 100 W |
Other Appliances
Estimated wattage
| Camping / RV Appliance | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Charger (Cell Phone) | 25 W | 0 W |
| Inflator Pump | 50 W | 150 W |
#3. Contractors Appliances
power tools & machines
Estimated wattage
| Power tools | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Air Compressor (0.25 HP) | 975 W | 1,600 W |
| Air Compressor (0.50 HP) | 1,000 W | 2,000 W |
| Air Compressor (1.00 HP) | 1,600 W | 4,500 W |
| Air Compressor (1.50 HP) | 2,200 W | 6,000 W |
| Air Compressor (2.00 HP) | 2,800 W | 7,700 W |
| Airless Sprayer (0.33 HP) | 600 W | 1,200 W |
| Belt Sander | 1,200 W | 2,400 W |
| Bench Grinder | 1,400 W | 2,500 W |
| Chain Saw 12” (1.5 HP) | 900 W | 0 W |
| Charger (Cordless Drill) | 70 W | 80 W |
| Circular Saw (7.25″) | 1,400 W | 4,200 W |
| Concrete Vibrator (0.75 HP) | 850 W | 1,900 W |
| Concrete Vibrator (1.00 HP) | 1,100 W | 2,500 W |
| Concrete Vibrator (2.00 HP) | 1,800 W | 3,600 W |
| Disk Sander (9″) | 1,200 W | 2,600 W |
| Drain Cleaner | 250 W | 0 W |
| Electric Drill | 600 W | 900 W |
| Hammer Drill | 1,000 W | 3,000 W |
| High-Pressure Washer (1.00 HP) | 1,200 W | 3,600 W |
| Impact Wrench (1″) | 1,200 W | 1,400 W |
| Jig Saw | 300 W | 300 W |
| Jointer/Planer | 1,800 W | 1,800 W |
| Miter Saw (10″) | 1,800 W | 1,800 W |
| Orbital Sander | 1,200 W | 2,600 W |
| Radial Arm Saw | 2,000 W | 2,000 W |
| Rebar Cutter (1″) | 2,800 W | 0 W |
| Reciprocating Saw | 960 W | 960 W |
| Table Saw (10″) | 1,800 W | 2,700 W |
| Welder (Electric) | 7,800 W | 0 W |
Essential Equipment
Estimated wattage
| Power tools | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Floodlight | 1,000 W | 0 W |
| Heater (Liquid Fuel 100,000 BTU) | 420 W | 1,260 W |
| Heater (Liquid Fuel 150,000 BTU) | 625 W | 1,875 W |
| Heater (Liquid Fuel 50,000 BTU) | 225 W | 675 W |
| Quartz Halogen Work Light (1000 W) | 1,000 W | 0 W |
| Quartz Halogen Work Light (300 W) | 300 W | 0 W |
| Quartz Halogen Work Light (500 W) | 500 W | 0 W |
| Sump Pump (1 HP / 115 V) | 1,440 W | 7,500 W |
| Sump Pump (1 HP / 230 V) | 715 W | 7,200 W |
Farm Equipment
Estimated wattage
| Power tools | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Fence (25 Miles) | 250 W | 250 W |
| Milk Cooler | 1,100 W | 1,800 W |
| Milker / Vacuum Pump (2.00 HP) | 1,000 W | 2,300 W |
Gardening Power Tools
Estimated wattage
| Power Tools | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Chain Saw 12” (1.5 HP) | 900 W | 0 W |
| Cultivator (1/3 HP) | 700 W | 1,400 W |
| Electric Leaf Blower (Handheld) | 2,500 W | 0 W |
| Electric Mower | 1,500 W | 0 W |
| Electric Strimmer | 300 W | 500 W |
| Hedge Trimmer | 600 W | 450 W |
| Weed Cutter | 600 W | 500 W |
Determining your
wattage requirements
If you want to learn what electronic appliances will your generator run, you need to get ready to do some math. Don’t worry, it will be a very simple process of adding up several numbers.
To determine what appliances you can run on this type of generator at the same time, you need to follow these steps:
- List all electronic appliances in your home you want to keep running in the case you are out of power (here is a great list full of appliances you might use)
- Write information from their name tags on required running and starting watts into a table (see examples below)
- Then you need to add up all the running watts required to operate your appliances
- The next step is to find the item with the highest additional starting watts
- Then add this number to your total running watts
- The final number represents the amount of starting watts your generator needs to provide
Here is a good example of calculating wattage needs for a 4000 watt generator.
We have decided that in case of a weather-caused blackout, we would need only essentials such as refrigerator with a freezer so our food will be safe, a lamp that will serve as an emergency light source, a small window AC unit to keep the temperature under control, a toaster, and a laptop.
| Selected Appliances | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Starting Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Toaster | 850 W | 0 W |
| Refrigerator / Freezer | 700 W | 2,200 W |
| Laptop | 50 W | 0 W |
| Lamp (2 Lightbulbs) | 150 W | 0 W |
| Window AC (10,000 BTU) | 1,200 W | 3,600 W |
| TOTAL | 2,950 W | |
| 6,550 W |
As you can see in our example above, if we add up all running watts of our appliances we get the number 2,950 – so we are well within the 4,000 running watts limit (850 + 700 + 50 + 150 + 1,200 = 2,950).
However, we would need a generator that is capable of producing at least 6,550 surge (starting) watts to power all these appliances (2,950 + 3,600 = 6,550).
Just keep in mind that some electric appliances in your home may not have running watts provided on their data tags. If this is the case, you can estimate the running watts required thanks to the following formula:
Watts (W or kW) = Volts (V) x Amps (A)
Amps (A) = Watts (W or kW) / Volts (V)
So, as long as you have required Volts and Amps, you can easily convert them into an estimate of required running watts. Maybe you remember that this equation represents the Ohm’s law from High School physics.
Luckily, there is a device called “appliance load tester” that you can get to determine how many watts each your appliance takes. You can easily get one from Amazon and avoid all that physic´s equation.
You need to check each appliance / power tool in your home individually to see the precise wattage requirements. Feel free to check out the wattage requirements of the most popular household appliances, RV & camping appliances, or power tools for contractors here on Generatorist.