What Size Generator Do I Need?

When the power goes out, you need a reliable generator to keep your home, job site, or outdoor event running. But how do you choose the right size? 

How to Calculate the Right Generator Size

Identify What You Need to Power

Every appliance has running wattage (continuous power needed) and starting wattage (extra surge power at startup). Use this formula to determine your total wattage requirement:

Running Wattage (R) + Starting Wattage (R x 3) = Total Wattage Needed

Example:

• Refrigerator: 600W running + (600W × 3) = 2,400W total
• Microwave: 1,200W
• Lights, TV, Small Devices: 500W

Total Generator Size Needed: 4,000W or higher

Estimated Wattage for Common Appliances

Match Your Needs to the Right Generator Size

Once you’ve added up your total wattage, choose a generator that provides at least 10-20% more power than your total requirement.

Small Generators (2,000 - 5,000W) – Great for camping, tailgating, and keeping small essentials powered. (Lights, laptops, TVs, coffee makers, fans.)

Medium Generators (5,000 - 10,000W) – Can power major appliances during a blackout. (Refrigerators, sump pumps, a few lights, and smaller A/C units.)

Whole-House Generators (10,000 - 25,000W) – Keeps your home running during an outage. (Central A/C, water heaters, refrigerators, well pumps, and more.)

Industrial Generators (25,000W+) – Heavy-duty power for large construction sites, commercial buildings, and industrial operations.

Common Generator Sizes & Uses

✅ Small Generators (2,000 - 5,000W) – Best for camping, tailgating, and small appliances.
✅ Mid-Size Generators (5,000 - 10,000W) – Powers essentials like refrigerators, sump pumps, and lighting during an outage.
✅ Whole-House Generators (10,000W - 25,000W) – Keeps an entire home powered, including HVAC and major appliances.
✅ Industrial Generators (25,000W+) – Used for construction sites, large events, and commercial buildings.

Pro Tip: Always get a generator that runs at 90% capacity or less for efficiency and longevity.

Choose the Right Type of Generator

Now that you know what size generator you need, the next step is choosing the right type. At The Trade Table, we supply top-tier generators in every category:

Portable Generators (2,000 - 10,000W)

• Great for camping, tailgating, and emergency power.
• Runs on gasoline or propane.
• Affordable and easy to move around.

Inverter Generators (2,000 - 7,000W)

• Fuel-efficient, quieter, and safer for sensitive electronics.
• Ideal for RVs, food trucks, and backup home power.
• More expensive than standard portable generators.

Standby Generators (10,000 - 25,000W+)

• Permanent backup power for homes and businesses.
• Automatically turns on during a blackout.
• Runs on natural gas or propane.

Industrial Generators (25,000W+)

• High-powered units for construction sites and large-scale operations.
• Can run multiple heavy-duty machines at once.
• Diesel-powered for max efficiency.

Need a Generator? We’ve Got You Covered!

At The Trade Table, we supply top-quality generators for home, business, and industrial use. Browse our best-in-class brands and get the power you need—when you need it. 

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