What will a 7,500 watt generator run
Of the 25 common home loads, 24 run on a 7,500 watt generator by themselves. Whether a pump or an air conditioner starts depends on its starting watts, about 9,375.
Loads powered by a 7,500 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 | 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 | won't run |
A load runs if both its running watts and startup watts stay within 7,500 W and 9,375 W. "Tight" means running above 6,000 W. Find the starting watts on the label of your own model. According to Champion's published chart, these wattages sit at the highest point of each range. You can find more loads in the wattage chart for appliances.
At that size, a generator rated at 8,000 watts runs 1 more of these loads, including the EV charger, Level 2, 32 A.
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 motors start separately, their running watts combine, with just the biggest startup requirement added on top.
Gasoline burned per hour
At the EIA US average, gasoline costs $4.269 per gallon. Keep a portable generator running outside only and place it 20 ft away from your house. Connect it with a transfer switch or an interlock kit, never with a dryer outlet.
Generator sizes: 6,500 watt 8,000 watt All