How to Find the Wattage Needed for Your Generator Application
Generator Wattage Calculator
When you are planning to buy a power generator for your electrical appliances and/or tools, knowing the required watts, which is the electrical power, is very important. Our wattage reference chart will help you determine your electrical power needs and suggest the right portable generators for you.
Find the Polaris Portable Generator that's right for you.
Choose what the main use of your generator will be:
- Choose Worker to find a generator suitable for powering tools, for construction work or for farm work
- Choose Player to find a generator for your RV, your DIY activities, your camping trips, tailgating or for your outdoor events
- Choose Save-the-Dayer to find a generator to use as backup power or primary power for your home
Make the list of the items you want to power. Use the wattage reference chart below or refer to owner’s manual of the item you wish to power.
Use the chart below to determine the total power requirements for your selected appliances. There are two figures you should pay attention to:
- Starting Watts: The amount of power the item needs to start up. Note: Motor driven items usually require more wattage to start up.
- Running Watts (or rated watts): The maximum number of watts that your generator can provide when your items are running.
How to determine wattage:
Watt = Amp x Volt (for example, 3 Amps x 110 Volts = 330 Watts)
Choose a generator slightly bigger than your needs. It’s much better to have a few hundred extra watts available than to end up with a generator that suddenly shuts off due to the overload.
Wattage Reference Chart
TOOL OR APPLIANCE |
RUNNING WATTS |
STARTING WATTS |
Quartz Halogen Work Light, 300 |
300 |
0 |
Airless Sprayer - 1/3 HP |
600 |
1200 |
Reciprocating Saw |
960 |
960 |
Electric Drill - 3/8”, 4 Amps |
440 |
600 |
Electric Drill - 1/2”, 5.4 Amps |
600 |
900 |
Hammer Drill |
1000 |
3000 |
Circular Saw - 7-1/4” |
1400 |
2300 |
Miter Saw - 10” |
1800 |
1800 |
Table Saw/Radial Arm Saw - 10” |
2000 |
2000 |
Welder |
2000 |
2500 |
Belt Sander |
1200 |
2400 |
Air Compressor - 1/4 HP |
970 |
1600 |
Air Compressor - 1 HP |
1600 |
4500 |
TOOL OR APPLIANCE |
RUNNING WATTS |
STARTING WATTS |
Electric Grill |
1650 |
0 |
AM/FM Radio |
100 |
0 |
Box Fan - 20” |
200 |
0 |
Outdoor Lighting String |
250 |
0 |
Cell Phone Charger |
25 |
0 |
Inflator Pump |
50 |
150 |
Hot Plate |
2500 |
2500 |
Plasma TV - 42” |
220 |
220 |
Laptop |
250 |
250 |
Essentials
TOOL OR APPLIANCE |
RUNNING WATTS |
STARTING WATTS |
Light Bulb - 60 Watt |
60 |
0 |
Refrigerator/Freezer |
700 |
2200 |
Sump Pump - 1/3 HP |
800 |
1300-2900 |
Sump Pump - 1/2 HP |
1050 |
2150-4100 |
Water Well Pump - 1/3 HP |
1000 |
2200 |
Electric Water Heater |
4000 |
0 |
Heating/Cooling
TOOL OR APPLIANCE |
RUNNING WATTS |
STARTING WATTS |
Space Heater |
1800 |
0 |
Humidifier - 13 Gal |
175 |
0 |
Furnace Fan Blower - 1/3 HP |
700 |
2350 |
Furnace Fan Blower - 1/2 HP |
800 |
1400 |
Window AC - 10,000 BTU |
1200 |
3600 |
Central AC - 10,000 BTU |
1500 |
4500 |
Heat Pump |
4700 |
4500 |
Laundry Room
TOOL OR APPLIANCE |
RUNNING WATTS |
STARTING WATTS |
Iron |
1200 |
0 |
Washing Machine |
1150 |
2250 |
Clothes Dryer - Electric |
5400 |
1350 |
Clothes Dryer - Gas |
700 |
1800 |
Kitchen
TOOL OR APPLIANCE |
RUNNING WATTS |
STARTING WATTS |
Microwave Oven |
1000 |
1400 |
Refrigerator |
400-800 |
2200 |
Oven |
60 |
7500 |
Blender |
300 |
900 |
Coffee Maker |
1000 |
0 |
Electric Stove - 8” Element |
2100 |
0 |
Dishwasher - Hot Dry |
1500 |
1500 |
Food Processor |
400 |
0 |
Toaster |
850 |
0 |
Family Room
TOOL OR APPLIANCE |
RUNNING WATTS |
STARTING WATTS |
DVD Player |
100 |
0 |
Gaming System |
40 |
0 |
Electric Fire Place |
1500 |
1500 |
Stereo Receiver |
450 |
0 |
Other
TOOL OR APPLIANCE |
RUNNING WATTS |
STARTING WATTS |
Security System |
500 |
0 |
Garage Door Opener - 1/2 HP |
875 |
2350 |
Curling Iron |
1500 |
0 |
Hair Dryer - 1250 Watt |
1250 |
0 |