What will a 3,000 watt generator run
Of the 25 common home loads, 21 run on a 3,000 watt generator on their own. The starting watts, about 3,750, decide if a pump or an air conditioner will start.
Loads that run on a 3,000 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 | 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 | won't run |
A load runs if its running watts fit within 3,000 W and its start fits within 3,750 W; above 2,400 W running counts as "tight". Find the starting watts on the label of your own model. In Champion's published chart, wattages sit at the top of the range. The appliance wattage chart lists more loads.
A 3,500 watt generator handles 1 more of these loads, including the 1 hp well pump.
Loads combined
| 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 | won't run |
| 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 | won't run |
If each motor starts separately, the running watts add together, and the biggest starting wattage alone lands on top.
Hourly gasoline use
The EIA US average price for gasoline is $4.269 a gallon. A portable generator operates outdoors only and remains 20 ft from the house. Its connection uses an interlock kit or a transfer switch, but never a dryer outlet.
Generator sizes: 2,000 W unit 3,500 W unit All sizes