What will a 2,000 watt generator run
Of the 25 common home loads, a 2,000 watt generator runs 19 on their own. Starting watts of about 2,500 are what decide if a pump or an air conditioner will get going.
Loads that run on a 2,000 watt generator
| 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 | won't run |
| 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 | won't run |
| Electric dryer | 6,000 W | no surge | won't run |
| Electric range, one burner | 2,400 W | no surge | won't run |
| Dishwasher | 2,400 W | no surge | won't run |
| 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 | won't run |
A load runs if its running watts stay within 2,000 W and its start within 2,500 W; "tight" means running watts above 1,600 W. Look on your own model's label to find its starting watts. In Champion's published chart, the wattages shown are the top of each range. The appliance wattage chart lists more loads.
For the 3,000 watt generator, 2 more of these loads work, including the electric range with one burner.
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 | won't run |
| Fridge, 1 hp well pump, microwave, lights | 3,750 W | 5,750 W | won't run |
| Fridge, window AC 10,000 BTU, lights, TV | 2,150 W | 3,350 W | won't run |
| Fridge, space heater, microwave, lights | 3,250 W | 4,050 W | won't run |
As the motors start one at a time, the running watts add up, and just the biggest starting wattage lands on top.
Gasoline burned each hour
The EIA US average price for gasoline is $4.269 a gallon. A portable generator runs outdoors only, 20 ft away from the house. It connects with an interlock kit or with a transfer switch, never a dryer outlet.
Generator sizes: 3,000 watt All sizes