What will a 3,500 watt generator run
Of the 25 common home loads, a 3,500 watt generator runs 22 alone. Starting watts of about 4,375 decide if a pump or an air conditioner can start up.
Loads that a 3,500 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 | 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 when its running watts fall within 3,500 W and its start within 4,375 W; running above 2,800 W is called "tight" Look at the label on your own model for its starting watts. In Champion's published chart, wattages sit at the top of the range. The appliance wattage chart lists more loads.
The 5,000 watt generator runs 1 additional load from this group, including the electric water heater.
Loads used 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 | 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 | tight |
As each motor starts in turn, the running watts add up and just the largest starting wattage sits on top.
Gasoline burned each hour
The EIA US average price for gasoline is $4.269 a gallon. A portable generator runs outdoors only, with its position 20 ft away from the house. Connection is through the interlock kit or the transfer switch, never a dryer outlet.
Generator sizes: 3,000 watt option 4,000 watt option All sizes