What size generator do I need to run 40 amps?
If you have a 4-ton (40-Amp, 48,000 BTUs) air conditioner, you need at least a 17 KW generator. If you have a 5-ton (50-Amp, 60,000 BTUs) air conditioner, you need at least a 20 KW generator.
At 9375 starting watts and 7500 running watts, this unit can handle it all in an outage – lights, refrigerator, modem/router, security system, window AC, furnace blower, TV, computer, phone charger and more.
The next time there's an outage, the 79cc Champion single-cylinder OHV engine will provide the power you need for a few essential items in an emergency - lights, microwave, fan, TV, modem/router, cell phone charger, etc.
- Full load kW = Total amps x supply voltage / 1,000.
- Reserve capacity = Full load kW x 0.25.
- For 100 percent power, generator size = Full load kW + reserve capacity.
- Retail application: 50 kW + 10 watts per square foot.
- Other commercial application: 50 kW + 5 watts per square foot.
Gasoline Starting Watts | 15000W |
---|---|
Gasoline Running Watts | 12000W |
Gasoline Starting Amps at 120V | 125A |
Gasoline Starting Amps at 240V | 62.5A |
Gasoline Running Amps at 120V | 100A |
At 12,500 starting watts and 10,000 running watts, this unit can handle it all in an outage – lights, refrigerator, modem/router, security system, window AC, furnace blower, TV, computer, phone charger and more.
A 20kW generator will run most house receptacles, lights, and up to a 5-ton central air conditioner.
Too small, you'll overload the generator, or force it to supply more power than it can handle. If this happens, the generator will either automatically turn off or overheat, which will fry not only the generator, but also your costly appliances. Too large, you'll overpay for both the unit and the cost to operate it.
At 12,000 starting watts and 9500 running watts, this unit can handle it all in an outage – lights, refrigerator, modem/router, security system, window AC, furnace blower, TV, computer, phone charger and more.
If you buy an undersized unit, it will strain to meet your power demands, shortening its lifespan. An oversized unit will result in unnecessary power loss and can damage your appliances. Follow the guide below to determine the right generator size for your house.
How big of a generator do I need for a 2000 sq ft house?
ft.: 6 kW – 8.5 kW Residential Generator. 1,500-2,000 sq. ft.: 8.5 kW – 10 kW Residential Generator.
Standby generators have the strength to power central air conditioners, so you can return to a cool home. A 14-kilowatt standby generator could power a 4-ton central air conditioner. A 17-kilowatt model could run a 5-ton central air conditioner.

Some may need to use more appliances during a power outage while some may be enough with having just a few of them running. But in general, a generator that can provide between 5,000 and 7,500 watts would be enough to power a house.
The largest portable generator can only power 12,000 watts, which pushes the wattage limit on larger AC units (2.5 tons or more). If you have an AC that's 2 tons (7,000 watts) or fewer, you might be okay with a portable generator, as long as you don't use it to power any other appliances.
Whole House: Starting at about 12,000 watts, these generators can generally keep a home running without missing a beat. You'll be able to run lights, fans, TVs, refrigerators, computers, space heaters and pretty much anything else you plug into an outlet.
A 6,000-watt generator would be a comfortable baseline for a 50-amp RV. Still, if you anticipate using several appliances simultaneously, you may want to bump that number up to 7,500 watts or so, depending on your budget.
With 15,000 watts of power, the XP15000EH Dual Fuel generator will keep your entire home running during a storm or power outage. DuroMax is the industry leader in Dual Fuel portable generator technology, with a full assortment ranging from digital inverters to generators that can power your entire home.
With 13,000 watts of power, the XP13000E gasoline generator will keep your whole home running during a storm or power outage. DuroMax generators feature an extra large fuel tank for maximum runtime.
Though the 10kW – 12kW home standby generator likely won't power your whole home depending on its size, it's certainly enough to handle “the essentials” such as well pumps, appliances, etc., plus a little more in the event of a power outage.
as one hundred times more poisonous carbon monoxide gas than a car's exhaust. And, if the generator is operated too close to a house, especially near a window or door, the invisible and odorless toxic gas can easily enter the home, resulting in illness or death.
How much is a generator for a 2 000 sq ft house?
Generator Size | Price Range | Coverage Area |
---|---|---|
13 to 16 kW | $3,500 - $4,800 | Up to 1,500 sq ft home |
17 to 20 kW | $4,000 - $6,200 | 1,500 - 3,000 sq ft home |
22 to 25 kW | $4,500 - $12,500 | 3,000 - 5,000 sq ft home |
30 to 48 kW | $10,000 - $25,000 | 5,000-plus sq ft home or commercial building |
A 22 kw generator will power a 3-4,000 square foot house.
It will run the HVAC equipment and the washer or oven at the same time. Ensure the propane lasts longer and more effectively by selectively choosing the use of appliances while the generator is in operation.
Why should you not underload? Underloading can cause serious damage to a Diesel generator, and the minor wear and tear it creates will quickly accumulate if left unchecked. When underloaded, a Diesel generator has to work much harder to reach its operating temperature.
You must always remember that the generator cannot run at full load for long periods. Always assume that you will need more items powered rather then less and leave a margin of safety above and beyond the continuous load of the generator you select.
The typical recommendation for running diesel generators is at around 60-75% of their maximum rated load. The endothermic engines that are used in generator sets are designed to use as much power as possible from about 30-100% of the supposed maximum power.
If a home is 1500 square feet but only runs on electric, it could need 38 kilowatts-48 kilowatts worth of power from a generator. Compared to a home twice its size, 3000 square feet, if it's entirely run-on natural gas it could run on a generator that powers 20 kilowatts.
That's a pretty powerful generator. It is putting out almost 80 Amperes of power at 120 Volts, or 40 Amperes of power at 240 Volts.
This generator has ample power to run my entire house at less than 50% capacity.
Running your standby generator longer than the recommended use period can damage the generator and your home's appliances and electrical system. Make sure to track how long your generator runs to avoid overworking it.
- Only run the necessary appliances. ...
- Service your generator on time. ...
- Do not run your generator on less than 50% Load. ...
- Remove carbon deposits on time. ...
- Service on time and use genuine replacement parts. ...
- Use alternative power sources. ...
- Choose a high-quality set. ...
- Never overload your generator.
How do I know if my generator is big enough?
One way to answer the question of which size generator you need is to add up the wattages of everything you want to power during an outage. That will give you a rough approximation.
How Big of a Generator Do I Need to Run a House? With a generator rated at 5,000 to 7,500 watts, you can run even the most critical household equipment, including things such as refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits. A 7500-running watt generator can run all these appliances at once.
Never run a generator in an enclosed space or indoors.
Always place the generator at least 20 feet from the house with the engine exhaust directed away from windows and doors.
A 7,500-watt generator is generally a good size, unless you have a very large home or want to run every appliance you have on the generator. It can handle most of your household appliances, although it's a good idea to balance what you run at the same time.
One of the biggest problems most people face while searching for generators is that they don't know that the size and age of the generator can impact its efficiency and even damage the HVAC system!
- Check the Transfer Switch. In most homes, the furnace is directly attached to the circuit. ...
- Prepare the Space. Before doing anything else, you need to shut off the circuit breaker to your furnace. ...
- Rewire the System. ...
- Install the Plug. ...
- Plug in the Generator.
Whole house generators (home standby generators) are the best generators for home use. They are designed to provide ample power for your appliances and HVAC systems. Portable generators are often used on job sites to power air compressors, nail guns, saws, hammer drills and other equipment.
You simply plug the gen cord into the 20- or 30-amp outlet on your generator. The opposite end splits into several household outlets, where you can start connecting additional extension cords safely indoors.
If you are not intending on running your central air conditioning or do not have central air then chances are a 30 amp generator is perfect to power your home.
A 3,000 W generator will work with all standard refrigerators and freezers. This is also the most commonly used generator. A 5,000 W generator is typically used for very large refrigerators and freezers. The larger the appliance the more energy is needed to keep it functioning properly.
How many amps is a 15000 watt generator?
Duromax 12000/15000 Watt Generator | |
---|---|
Starting Watts* | 15,000 Watts |
Running Watts | 12,000 Watts |
Starting Amps* – 240 Volts | 62.5 Amps |
Starting Amps* – 120 Volts | 125.0 Amps |
Depending on the AC needs in your home, a portable generator with a watt rating of 5,000- 8,000 watts may generate enough power to run your AC and even other appliances.
If you've ever wondered if your 2000 watt generator will run an air conditioner, the answer is yes, but only a portable or window air conditioning unit. You can power most small home appliances with a 2000 watt generator very smoothly but your central air system will not run efficiently.
Although individual portable generators can only put out so much power, it's possible to combine two of them to get double the wattage. This is called paralleling generators and is an easy workaround that will let you power larger loads like RV air conditioners with smaller units.
How long can portable generators run? Portable generators can run up to 2,000 total hours. Unlike standby generators, portable generators are designed to run for shorter increments of time – typically about 6-18 hours.
At 9375 starting watts and 7500 running watts, this unit can handle it all in an outage – lights, refrigerator, modem/router, security system, window AC, furnace blower, TV, computer, phone charger and more.
Gasoline Starting Watts | 15000W |
---|---|
Gasoline Running Watts | 12000W |
Gasoline Starting Amps at 120V | 125A |
Gasoline Starting Amps at 240V | 62.5A |
Gasoline Running Amps at 120V | 100A |
Each of the outlets on your generator will have a certain amount of amps they can handle. You simply select a power cord that matches the most powerful outlet on your generator. So, if you have a 50-amp outlet, you'll need a 50-amp power cord. If you have a 20-amp outlet, you'll need a 20-amp cord.
Generator Amps: | Minimum Ampacity: | Wire Size: |
---|---|---|
50 Amp Generator | 62.50 Amps | 6 AWG |
60 Amp Generator | 75.00 Amps | 4 AWG |
70 Amp Generator | 87.50 Amps | 3 AWG |
80 Amp Generator | 100.00 Amps | 3 AWG |
It supplies electrical power so that you can run all the important electrical appliances without depending on the grid. There are several sizes and types of backup generators. If you want a balance between budget and power, then a 7,500-Watt Generator is a decent option.
How long will a 7500 watt generator run on 5 gallons of gas?
Champion's ultra-powerful 7500-watt generator with electric start features Dual Fuel, allowing the 439cc engine to run on either gasoline or propane. Featuring Intelligauge, Volt Guard™ and Cold Start Technology, it provides up to 10 hours of run time on gasoline or 5.5 hours on propane.
ft.: 8.5 kW – 10 kW Residential Generator. 2,000-2,500 sq. ft.: 10 kW – 14 kW Residential Generator. 2,500-3,000+ sq.
If you have a 3-ton (30-Amp, 36,000 BTUs) air conditioner, you need at least a 14 KW generator. If you have a 4-ton (40-Amp, 48,000 BTUs) air conditioner, you need at least a 17 KW generator. If you have a 5-ton (50-Amp, 60,000 BTUs) air conditioner, you need at least a 20 KW generator.
A 3,000-square-foot house with two central air conditioners, an electric range, and a whirlpool tub might require as much as 25kW to 30kW. A newer option is a "load-management system," a generator that can power everything in your house, just not all at once.
How Big of a Generator Do I Need to Run a House? With a generator rated at 5,000 to 7,500 watts, you can run even the most critical household equipment, including things such as refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits. A 7500-running watt generator can run all these appliances at once.
Theoretically, a generator can continue running as long as it has fuel to do so. However, some fuels might be more difficult to obtain a continuous supply of during a natural disaster or other emergencies. In essence, you can keep your generator running as long as you have access to the fuel needed to run it.
A 7kW generator will run for 66 hours, a 12kW generator will run for 36 hours on a 100 gallon tank at full load.
It's typical to use a 30-amp breaker for generators up to 8,000 watts and a 50-amp breaker with 8,500- to 15,000-watt generators.
Some may need to use more appliances during a power outage while some may be enough with having just a few of them running. But in general, a generator that can provide between 5,000 and 7,500 watts would be enough to power a house.
You, however, need to ensure that you choose the right generator size that meets your household needs. If you buy an undersized unit, it will strain to meet your power demands, shortening its lifespan. An oversized unit will result in unnecessary power loss and can damage your appliances.
How big of a generator do I need for off grid cabin?
As a general rule, the generator should be around 2 times the size of the inverter's continuous output. For example, a 4,000-watt inverter should be paired with an 8,000-watt generator. 8kW would make sense as a minimum generator size to power the loads and have enough power to charge the battery bank as well.
With 15,000 watts of power, the XP15000EH Dual Fuel generator will keep your entire home running during a storm or power outage. DuroMax is the industry leader in Dual Fuel portable generator technology, with a full assortment ranging from digital inverters to generators that can power your entire home.
- Determine the number of running watts a tool uses. ...
- Choose the highest starting watts of all the tools you plan to use. ...
- Add the running watts for all tools and the starting watts of the item with the highest number. ...
- Divide by 1,000 to get the size in kilowatts.