What will a 12,000 watt generator run
Individually, all 25 of the 25 common home loads can run on a 12,000 watt generator. Starting watts of about 15,000 decide if a pump or an air conditioner can start.
What a 12,000 watt generator runs
| Load | Running | Starting | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 400 W | 1,200 W | runs |
| Chest or upright freezer | 500 W | 1,000 W | runs |
| Sump pump, 1/3 hp | 800 W | 1,600 W | runs |
| Sump pump, 1/2 hp | 1,050 W | 2,150 W | runs |
| Well pump, 1/2 hp | 1,000 W | 2,000 W | runs |
| Well pump, 1 hp | 2,000 W | 4,000 W | runs |
| Window AC, 5,000 BTU | 600 W | 1,200 W | runs |
| Window AC, 10,000 BTU | 1,200 W | 2,400 W | runs |
| Electric water heater | 4,500 W | no surge | runs |
| Electric dryer | 6,000 W | no surge | runs |
| Electric range, one burner | 2,400 W | no surge | runs |
| Dishwasher | 2,400 W | no surge | runs |
| Microwave | 1,200 W | no surge | runs |
| Washing machine | 1,000 W | 2,300 W | runs |
| Space heater | 1,500 W | no surge | runs |
| TV, 32 to 55 in | 400 W | no surge | runs |
| LED lights, 10 bulbs | 150 W | no surge | runs |
| Ceiling fan | 75 W | no surge | runs |
| Window fan | 200 W | no surge | runs |
| CPAP, no heated humidifier | 60 W | no surge | runs |
| CPAP with heated humidifier | 120 W | no surge | runs |
| Internet router and modem | 20 W | no surge | runs |
| Home security system | 40 W | no surge | runs |
| Phone and laptop chargers | 100 W | no surge | runs |
| EV charger, Level 2, 32 A | 7,680 W | no surge | runs |
Running watts within 12,000 W and a start within 15,000 W mean a load runs; "tight" means above 9,600 W running. Look at your own model's label to find its starting watts. In Champion's published chart, each wattage sits at the top of the range. The appliance wattage chart lists more loads.
Running loads together
| Together | Running | Peak at start | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fridge, freezer, lights, router, TV | 1,470 W | 2,270 W | runs |
| Fridge, 1/2 hp sump pump, lights, router | 1,620 W | 2,720 W | runs |
| Fridge, 1 hp well pump, microwave, lights | 3,750 W | 5,750 W | runs |
| Fridge, window AC 10,000 BTU, lights, TV | 2,150 W | 3,350 W | runs |
| Fridge, space heater, microwave, lights | 3,250 W | 4,050 W | runs |
As each motor starts in turn, the running watts add up, and only the biggest starting wattage is added on top of the total.
Gasoline use each hour
For gasoline, the EIA US average is $4.269 a gallon. At 20 ft from the house, operate any portable generator outdoors. Use either an interlock kit or a transfer switch for the connection. A dryer outlet must never be used.
Sizes: The 10,000 watt generator The 13,000 watt generator All sizes