Generator sizing / By size
What will a 2,000 watt generator run?
We treat 2,000 W as the most it can put out, start-up surge included. That's how most generators are sold.
Short answer
A 2,000 watt generator runs the basics plus a freezer, with 238 W to spare when the biggest motor starts. Switch things on one at a time and it can also carry the basics plus a microwave. It won't run a well pump or central air with the basics.
What a 2,000 watt generator runs in an outage
| What's on | Running | At start-up | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fridge, 6 LED bulbs, TV and Wi-Fi | 462 W | 1,662 W | Runs it 338 W to spare at start-up |
| The basics plus a freezer | 562 W | 1,762 W | Runs it 238 W to spare at start-up |
| The basics plus a microwave | 1,962 W | 3,162 W | Runs it, with care Switch things on one at a time |
| The basics, a freezer and a sump pump | 1,612 W | 3,762 W | Won't run it 2,150 W to start the sump pump |
| The basics, a freezer and the furnace fan | 1,437 W | 3,787 W | Won't run it 2,350 W to start the furnace fan |
| The basics plus a window AC | 1,962 W | 4,162 W | Won't run it 2,200 W to start the window ac |
| The basics, freezer, sump pump and furnace fan | 2,487 W | 4,837 W | Won't run it 487 W short running |
| The basics plus a 1 HP well pump | 2,462 W | 8,462 W | Won't run it 462 W short running |
| The basics plus a 3 ton central AC | 5,862 W | 13,062 W | Won't run it 3,862 W short running |
The basics are a fridge, 6 LED bulbs, a TV and a modem. Start-up is everything running plus the biggest single motor's surge, the same math as the generator sizing calculator. Click a row to open it there and add your own things.
Item by item
On its own, a 2,000 watt generator can start 12 of the 23 things on our list. It can't start electric range burner, electric dryer, sump pump, well pump, furnace fan, window AC, central AC, electric water heater, air compressor, circular saw or table saw.
| Item | Running | Starting | Alone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 192 W | 1,200 W | Starts |
| Freezer | 100 W | 1,000 W | Starts |
| Microwave (1,000 W) | 1,500 W | 1,500 W | Starts |
| Coffee maker | 600 W | 600 W | Starts |
| Electric range burner (8 in) Needs 240V | 2,100 W | 2,100 W | Too big |
| TV (46 in flat screen) | 190 W | 190 W | Starts |
| Laptop | 250 W | 250 W | Starts |
| Modem or router | 20 W | 20 W | Starts |
| LED bulbs | 10 W | 10 W | Starts |
| Washer | 1,200 W | 1,200 W | Starts |
| Electric dryer Needs 240V | 5,400 W | 6,750 W | Too big |
| Sump pump (1/2 HP) | 1,050 W | 2,150 W | Too big |
| Well pump (1 HP) | 2,000 W | 6,000 W | Too big |
| Furnace fan (1/2 HP) | 875 W | 2,350 W | Too big |
| Window AC (10,000 BTU) | 1,500 W | 2,200 W | Too big |
| Central AC (3 ton) | 5,400 W | 7,200 W | Too big |
| Space heater | 1,300 W | 1,300 W | Starts |
| Electric water heater Needs 240V | 4,500 W | 4,500 W | Too big |
| Garage door opener | 720 W | 1,420 W | Starts |
| Air compressor (1 HP) | 1,600 W | 4,500 W | Too big |
| Circular saw (7-1/4 in) | 1,400 W | 2,300 W | Too big |
| Table saw (10 in) | 1,800 W | 4,500 W | Too big |
| Battery charger (15 A) | 380 W | 380 W | Starts |
Watts are typical figures from Honda's wattage guide, then Briggs & Stratton, Champion and DuroMax. The real number is on each thing's nameplate. A 240V load also needs a 120/240V generator and a transfer switch.
Generators around 2,000 watts
- Honda EU2200i: 1,800 W running, 2,200 W starting, 120V only
Other sizes
Bigger: what a 3,500 watt generator runs. Not sure what size you need? Start from your list in the generator sizing calculator.
Never plug a generator into a wall outlet to power the house. Use a transfer switch or an interlock kit, wired by an electrician.