Fuel and Runtime
How Much Energy Is in a Gallon of Gasoline, Propane or Diesel?
Gasoline, propane and diesel energy per gallon in Btu and kWh, and a worked example of the electricity you get.
· 5 min read
Generator Blog
Plain-English guides to choosing, connecting and running a generator: what each size can power, how to stay safe, and how to get the most from every tank of fuel.
Safety
How Loud Is Too Loud? Generator Noise and Hearing Protection
The NIOSH noise limit, how safe listening time halves with every 3 dBA, and when to wear hearing protection around a generator.
· 5 min read
Fuel and Runtime
What Gasoline Should You Use in a Portable Generator?
The gasoline type and octane one Honda manual calls for, what not to put in the tank, and why your own manual decides.
· 5 min read
Maintenance
Do You Need to Rejet a Generator for High Altitude?
What a high-altitude carburetor change is, when the Honda manual says to do it, and the risk if you then go back to low elevation.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
How Much Power Does a Generator Lose at High Altitude?
How much output a generator loses as you go up, with a table by elevation and how to size for the loss.
· 5 min read
Maintenance
How Often Should You Clean a Generator Air Filter?
Air filter check, clean and replace intervals on a portable and a standby generator.
· 5 min read
Maintenance
Can You Run a Standby Generator Continuously?
What Generac says to do during a long outage, with the 24-hour shutdown for checks and the service hours that follow.
· 5 min read
Maintenance
How Often Should You Replace a Generator Spark Plug?
Spark plug adjust and replace intervals on a portable and a standby generator, and signs a plug is worn.
· 5 min read
Maintenance
How Often Should You Change the Oil in a Generator?
The break-in oil change, the regular interval, and when extreme temperatures shorten it, with examples from a portable and a standby generator.
· 5 min read
Maintenance
Generator Maintenance Schedule: What to Do and When
A sample schedule for oil, air filter and spark plug on a portable and a standby generator, and why the manual comes first.
· 6 min read
Safety
How Many People Die From Generator Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
What the CPSC says about generator carbon monoxide deaths, when they happen, and what prevents them.
· 5 min read
Safety
How to Refuel a Generator Safely
Why you shut a generator off and let it cool before refueling, where to keep the fuel, and the steps in order.
· 5 min read
Safety
What Is a CO Shut-Off Generator, and Is It Worth It?
What a CO shut-off feature does, the two standards the CPSC names, and why placement still matters.
· 5 min read
Safety
Do You Need a Carbon Monoxide Alarm When Using a Generator?
Where to put carbon monoxide alarms, how often to test them, and why they are a backup and not a substitute for placement.
· 5 min read
Safety
Can You Run a Generator in a Garage?
Why a garage, shed or basement is never safe for a portable generator, even with the door open, and where to put it instead.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
How Many Watts Do RV Appliances Use?
Typical wattage for RV appliances, from a laptop to the air conditioner, and how to total them for a generator.
· 6 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need for a Class A, B or C RV?
Generator watt ranges by RV type, from a Class B van with one air conditioner to a Class A with three.
· 6 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run an RV Air Conditioner?
RV air conditioner running and start-up watts, the generator sizes Cummins suggests, and how a soft starter helps.
· 6 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need for a 50 Amp RV?
The 12,000-watt ceiling of 50 amp service, the sizes Cummins suggests for two or three air conditioners, and a load budget.
· 6 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need for a 30 Amp RV?
The 3,600-watt limit of 30 amp service, the generator sizes Cummins suggests, and a load budget for one air conditioner.
· 6 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run an Electric Fry Pan?
Electric fry pan watts, the generator that runs one, and an outage cooking example with a fridge.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run an Electric Demolition Hammer?
Kango-type hammer watts, the generator that runs one, and a worked example with lights.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Grain Elevator and Conveyor?
Grain elevator, conveyor and cleaner watts, the generator for each, and a worked example.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Milk Cooler and Milking Machine?
Milk cooler and milking machine watts, the generator for each and for both, with a worked example.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run an Electric Fence?
Electric fence watts, the small generator that runs one, and an outage example with a stock tank de-icer.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Central Air Conditioner?
Central AC watts by BTU size, the generator for each, a worked example and the hookup you need.
· 6 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Chop Saw and Band Saw?
Chop saw and band saw watts, the generator for each, and a worked example with lights.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Floor Polisher?
Floor polisher watts, the generator that covers the big start-up surge, and a worked example.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Wet and Dry Vacuum?
Shop vac watts, the generator for a 1.7 or 2.5 hp model, and a water-cleanup example with a dehumidifier.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Power Drill?
Corded drill watts by chuck size, the small generator that runs one, and what changes with two drills.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Drum Mixer?
Drum mixer running and starting watts, the generator for a small or large mixer, and a job-site example.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run an Electric Blanket?
Electric blanket watts, the generator for one or two, and a winter outage example with a furnace fan.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Submersible Pump?
Submersible pump running and starting watts, the generator for flood cleanup, and safety tips for wet work.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run Work Lights and Floodlights?
Halogen floodlight watts, the generator for one to four lights, and how LED work lights shrink the size.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a TV and Electronics?
TV, computer, modem and printer watts, and the small generator that keeps your electronics running.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Stock Tank De-Icer?
De-icer and electric fence watts, the generator size for one or two tanks, and cold-weather tips.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Hair Dryer and Iron?
Hair dryer and iron watts, the generator size for each, and how to get ready on a small generator.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Dishwasher?
Dishwasher running and starting watts, the generator size for one alone, and an example with a fridge.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run Electric Yard Tools?
Hedge trimmer, grass trimmer, chain saw and cultivator watts, and the small generator that runs them.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Bench Grinder?
Bench grinder watts by wheel size, the generator that covers the start-up surge, and a worked example.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Vacuum Cleaner?
Upright, canister and shop vacuum watts, and the generator size for cleanup after a storm.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Coffee Maker and Toaster?
Coffee maker and toaster watts, the generator size for each, and how to cook breakfast on a small generator.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Microwave?
Microwave running and starting watts, why the label understates the draw, and an example with a fridge.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Circular Saw?
Circular saw watts by blade size, the generator that covers the surge, and a job-site example.
· 6 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Table Saw?
Table saw running and starting watts by horsepower, and the generator size that handles the start-up surge.
· 6 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Refrigerator?
Typical fridge running and starting watts, which generator sizes cover them, and a worked example with a freezer.
· 7 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need for a Sump Pump?
Running and starting watts for 1/3, 1/2 and 1 HP sump pumps, and the generator size that covers each.
· 7 min read
Buying Guide
Inverter Generator vs Conventional Generator: Which Is Better?
Noise, clean power, weight, fuel use and price compared, so you can pick the right type.
· 7 min read
Buying Guide
Propane vs Gasoline Generator: Which Fuel Is Better?
Shelf life, power output, cold starts and cost compared, and when a dual fuel generator makes sense.
· 7 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Whole House?
Whole-house generator sizes by square footage, a worked load example, and which appliances drive the size.
· 8 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Furnace?
Furnace blower watts by horsepower, the generator size for each, and why electric furnaces are a different story.
· 6 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Washer and Dryer?
Watts for a washer, a gas dryer and an electric dryer, and the generator size for each combination.
· 6 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need for a Garage or Workshop?
Running and starting watts for common power tools, and the generator size for one tool at a time.
· 7 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run Kitchen Appliances?
Watts for common kitchen appliances, a worked example, and the generator size for a working kitchen.
· 7 min read
How-To Guide
How to Calculate What Size Generator You Need
A four-step method to size a generator from your own appliance list, with a worked example.
· 8 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Welder?
Welder watts for 70, 100 and 200 amp machines, and the generator size that runs each one.
· 6 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run an Air Compressor?
Compressor running and starting watts by horsepower, and the generator size that handles the surge.
· 6 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need for a Home Office?
Computer, modem, printer and lights add up to very little. See the generator size for working through an outage.
· 6 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Space Heater?
How many watts a space heater uses, the generator size for one or two, and safe-use rules.
· 6 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Window AC Unit?
Typical window AC watts by BTU, an estimated surge, and the generator size to keep a room cool.
· 7 min read
Sizing Guide
What Will a 2000-Watt Generator Run?
An appliance chart, a worked example and the limits of a typical 2000-watt inverter generator.
· 8 min read
Sizing Guide
What Will a 4000-Watt Generator Run?
An appliance chart, a worked example and the limits of a 4000-watt generator.
· 8 min read
Sizing Guide
What Will a 6000-Watt Generator Run?
An appliance chart, a worked example and the limits of a 6000-watt generator.
· 8 min read
Sizing Guide
What Will a 10000-Watt Generator Run?
An appliance chart, a worked example with central AC and the limits of a 10000-watt generator.
· 8 min read
Sizing Guide
What Will a 12000-Watt Generator Run?
An appliance chart, a worked example and the limits of a 12000-watt generator.
· 8 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Chest Freezer?
Freezer running and starting watts, the generator size for one or two, and how long food lasts without power.
· 6 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run an Electric Water Heater?
Tank and tankless water heater watts, the generator size for each, and how to run one without a huge generator.
· 7 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run an Electric Stove or Oven?
Burner and oven watts, the generator size for each, and easier ways to cook during an outage.
· 6 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Dehumidifier?
Dehumidifier watts, the generator size for one, and a worked example with a sump pump in the basement.
· 5 min read
Sizing Guide
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Garage Door Opener?
Opener running and starting watts, and the generator size for one alone or with a fridge and lights.
· 5 min read
Fuel and Runtime
How Long Will a Generator Run on a Tank of Gas?
The runtime formula, typical gas use for 2000, 5000 and 10000-watt generators, and how much fuel an outage needs.
· 8 min read
Safety
Can You Run a Generator in the Rain?
How to run a generator safely in wet weather: an open canopy, a dry surface and the cover you should never use.
· 7 min read
Safety
How Far Should a Generator Be From Your House?
The 20-foot rule for portable generators, clearance for standby units, and how to place and aim the exhaust.
· 7 min read
Connection and Safety
How to Ground a Portable Generator: Do You Need a Ground Rod?
When a portable generator needs a ground rod, how to ground it properly and what changes with a transfer switch.
· 8 min read
Connection and Safety
How to Connect a Generator to Your House: Transfer Switch vs Interlock Kit
Transfer switch vs interlock kit vs extension cords: how each works, what you need and how to size the inlet.
· 9 min read
RV Power
Can a 2000-Watt Generator Run an RV Air Conditioner?
The honest answer, with real running and starting watts for a 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner and what to buy instead.
· 7 min read
Pumps and Generators
What Size Generator Do You Need for a Well Pump?
Generator size by well pump horsepower, why starting watts matter, and how to hook a 240-volt pump to a generator.
· 8 min read
HVAC and Generators
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Central AC?
Running and starting watts by AC size, how to read your nameplate, and what generator you need for 1 to 3.5 tons.
· 9 min read
Generator Sizing
What Will a 7500-Watt Generator Run?
A 7500-watt generator can handle central AC plus the essentials. See the chart, a worked example and the limits.
· 9 min read
Generator Sizing
What Will a 3500-Watt Generator Run?
See what a 3500-watt generator can power at the same time, with a wattage chart and a worked outage example.
· 8 min read
Generator Sizing
What Will a 5000-Watt Generator Run?
Appliance wattage chart, a real outage load example, and the loads a 5000-watt generator can't handle.
· 9 min read
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