Specification
Wattage Worksheet
When selecting a generator there are a few important features to consider:
This worksheet will focus on determining your running and starting watt needs. The size of the generator you need depends on
your power requirements. Generally, a higher-wattage generator lets you power more items at once.
Select the items you wish to
power at the same time. Using the
chart on the opposite page, fill
in the running watts and starting
watt requirements on the “Your
Power Needs” worksheet.
Add the Running Watts of the
items you wish to power. Enter
this number in the Total Running
Watts column.
Select the one individual item
with the highest number of
starting watts. Take this one
number, add it to your Total
Running Watts, and enter it in
the Total Starting Watts box.
Engine Run Time StartingWattage Mobility
EXAMPLE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Refrigerator/Freezer
2. 1/2 HP Furnace Fan
3. Television
4. Window AC
5. Sump Pump – 1/2 HP
6.
7.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
700
800
500
1200
1050
2200
2350
0
1800
2200
TOOL OR APPLIANCE TOOL OR APPLIANCE
RUNNING
WATTS
RUNNING
WATTS
ADDITIONAL
STARTING WATTS
HIGHEST
STARTING
WATTS
TOTAL RUNNING
WATTS
TOTAL
RUNNING
WATTS
TOTAL STARTING
WATTS NEEDED
TOTAL STARTING
WATTS NEEDED
HIGHEST
STARTING WATTS
HIGHEST
STARTING WATTS
ADDITIONAL
STARTING WATTS
YOUR POWER NEEDS
1
2 3
++
=
4250
4250
2350
6600
With this example you need a
generator that produces at least
4250 total running watts and
6600 total starting watts.
I need a generator that produces
at least ______ total running watts
and ______ total starting watts.
How many watts does it take to power basic
items in an average size house?
In a typical home, essential items will average 5000 – 7500
watts of power to run.
What is the difference between running watts
and starting watts?
Running, or rated watts are the continuous watts needed to keep
items running. Starting watts are extra watts needed for two to three
seconds to start motor-driven products like a refrigerator or circular
saw, this is the maximum wattage the generator can produce.
Why is only one starting watt item used to calculate
your total starting watt requirement?
Unlike running watts, starting watts are only needed during the rst
few seconds of operation. In most cases, only one item will start or
cycle at the same time, therefore this is the most accurate estimate.
What if I can’t determine the running or the starting
watt requirement for a tool or appliance?
If the running watts are not on the tool or appliance, you may estimate
using the following equation: WATTS=VOLTS x AMPS. Only motor-
driven items will require starting watts. The starting watts required may
be estimated at 1-2x the running/rated watts.
3R0WATTGUIDE
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