How many watts do I need:

[Grand58742]

Since we are talking about generators this fine morning. This is listed on the Generac website and is helpful in determining how many watts one needs to power up selected items in the home. Normally, this will be different with different sized bulbs, energy star appliances, etc.

http://www.generac.com/Portables/How_Many_Watts_Do_I_Need/

Just add up what you are attempting to power to see what load of wattage your generator needs. YMMV, but it should get you into the ball park.

[SeldomSeenSlim]

Two things to also consider. On the startup loads, gasoline portables tend to bog down a lot since they are high rpm and the quick load drops the rpm and thus drops their HP. The slower 1800rpm generators handle this much better. I've never seen a portable that can really handle it's rated load. I think those ratings are only in a lab environment and done for the marketing department. A lot like new rifle rounds. The manufacturer says it will reach 3800fps, but that's out of a 28" barrel in ideal conditions. Also be aware that some sellers tout the "starting load" instead of the "running load" when trying to sell generators. What they're selling as a 4kw might really be a 3.5kw.

The other thing is that bigger is not always better. Generators are happiest running at 1/4-1/2 load. So it's best to not go way overboard. Beyond being a waste of fuel it's not good for the genset to just freewheel. They run a lot smoother, and thus longer, if they're doing some work.

[Grand58742]

Awesome info, thanks!