What will a 6,500 watt generator run
Individually, 24 of the 25 loads common in homes run on a 6,500 watt generator. Starting watts, about 8,125, determine whether a pump or an air conditioner will get going.
Loads that a 6,500 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 | runs |
| Electric dryer | 6,000 W | no surge | tight |
| 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 6,500 W and its start fits within 8,125 W; "tight" means running above 5,200 W. Look at the label on your own model for its starting watts. Champion's published chart lists wattages at the top of the range. More loads are listed on the appliance wattage chart.
An 8,000 watt generator handles 1 more of these loads, and the ev charger, 32 a, level 2 is among them.
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 | 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 |
Running watts add up as the motors start one at a time, and only the largest starting wattage is added on top.
Hourly gasoline use
The EIA US average price for gasoline is $4.269 a gallon. A portable unit runs only outdoors, 20 ft from the house, and connects with a transfer switch or an interlock kit, never a dryer outlet.
Size options: 5,000 watt generator and 7,500 watt generator, plus All sizes.