What Can My Generator Run?
Enter your generator watts, then select appliances to see if they fit.
Your appliances
Running W = normal draw · Starting W = motor startup surge · Contruns 3+ hours (NEC continuous load) · Non-Contshort duty
Continuous loads × 125% (NEC safety margin)
+ All non-continuous loads at 100%
Example: Fridge + lights + TV + microwave all on at once
Total running watts + Largest motor's startup surge
Example: AC compressor kicks on while fridge, lights, TV are already running
Fuel Cost Estimate
galCalculation breakdown
PickMyWatt.com
What Can My Generator Run?
Selected Appliances
Calculated with PickMyWatt.com
NEC Article 220 Compliant
Data Sources: Energy Star, DOE, Manufacturer specs (Generac, Honda, Champion, Kohler)
What Can My Generator Run?
Enter your generator's wattage above and select the appliances you want to run. The calculator uses the NEC 80% rule to determine your safe operating capacity and shows real-time load status.
How We Calculate Your Generator Capacity
Per NEC 210.20(A), continuous loads (running 3+ hours) should not exceed 80% of the generator's rated capacity:
- 5,000W generator → 4,000W usable for continuous loads
- 7,500W generator → 6,000W usable
- 10,000W generator → 8,000W usable
What Can a 5,000 Watt Generator Run?
A 5,000W generator (4,000W usable) can typically power:
- Refrigerator (150W) — continuous
- Lights (50W) — continuous
- WiFi Router (15W) — continuous
- Phone Charger (10W) — continuous
- Window Air Conditioner (1,200W) — continuous
- LED TV (100W) — non-continuous
- Total: ~1,525W — well within capacity, room for more
What Can a 3,000 Watt Generator Run?
A 3,000W generator (2,400W usable) can power essentials:
- Refrigerator (150W), Lights (50W), WiFi (15W), Phone (10W)
- Small window AC or fan (500W)
- Total: ~725W — good for basic outage needs
Understanding Appliance Power Needs
Our calculator classifies each appliance based on NEC Article 100 definitions:
| Type | Definition | Appliances |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous | Runs 3+ hours | Fridge, lights, HVAC, water heater, pumps, WiFi, medical, security |
| Non-Continuous | Runs less than 3 hours | Microwave, coffee maker, hair dryer, tools, laundry, TV |
How to Manage Your Generator Load
- Start high-wattage appliances first — AC, water heater, well pump
- Stagger motor starts — don't start fridge and AC simultaneously
- Use the 80% rule — keep continuous loads below 80% of rated capacity
- Turn off non-essentials when running high-draw appliances
FAQ
Can I run my whole house on a generator?
Depends on size. A 10,000W generator can run most essentials. A 15,000-25,000W standby generator can power an entire home. Use our size calculator to determine what you need.
How do I know if my generator is overloaded?
Signs: breaker trips, voltage drops, generator slows or stalls. Our calculator shows load percentage and warns you before overloading.
Can a generator damage my appliances?
A properly sized generator won't damage appliances. Inverter generators produce the cleanest power. Always use a transfer switch for home generators.
Should I run my generator at full load?
No. Per NEC 210.20(A), keep continuous loads below 80% of rated capacity to prevent overheating and extend generator life.