How many watts does a ceiling fan use
While it's running, a ceiling fan draws 15 to 75 W, and it has no starting surge. To run it, the smallest portable is 2,000 W.
Watts while running and at start
| Load | Running | Starting |
|---|---|---|
| Ceiling fan | 15 to 75 W | no surge |
The figures come from the Champion wattage chart, dated 04-17-26. Check your own ceiling fan's nameplate for its exact figure in watts or amps. Multiply amps by 120 V. Use 240 V only when a load is on a two-pole breaker, for example a well pump.
Smallest generator that can start it
A generator must carry 75 W, which is at most 80% of its rating. It does both, with room to spare, at the smallest common portable size of 2,000 W. Any other load adds its running watts to the same generator.
A ceiling fan along with other loads
| Ceiling fan plus | Running | Peak at a start | Smallest portable |
|---|---|---|---|
| lights, TV and the router | 645 W | 645 W | 2,000 W |
| a freezer and lights | 725 W | 1,225 W | 2,000 W |
| a 1/2 hp sump pump and lights | 1,275 W | 2,375 W | 2,000 W |
| a microwave | 1,275 W | 1,275 W | 2,000 W |
| a 1 hp well pump | 2,075 W | 4,075 W | 3,500 W |
| a window AC, 10,000 BTU | 1,275 W | 2,475 W | 2,000 W |
Running watts stack up, and only the biggest motor start lands on top. A portable's starting output runs about 25% above its running rating. All loads appear in the appliance wattage chart.