Before this, I had never had a generator. I always wished I had one whenever the power went off. However, after the power was restored, I would forget about it until the next storm approached. This is some guidance: On a June day without a cloud, go purchase a generator. Then, when the storm hits, you’ll have time to wait in line at the supermarket for five hours behind folks who’ve just realized they need a metric ton of Pepperidge Farm whole-grain honey wheat.
I’m now in day four of Generator Life, and so far I’ve picked up a few things. Allow me to educate you on the finer details of generator selection and operation now that I have some authority in portable power generation-related subjects.
In This Article...
You Want an Inverter Generator
Inverter generators may adjust their rpm automatically in response to the load. So they can ramp up when a fridge turns on and then idle back down rather than running continuously at 3,600 rpm (the constant rpm that sends out 120-volt AC at 60 Hertz). They therefore operate more quietly, consume less fuel, and generate considerably cleaner power. The sine wave is pure and steady because the power is essentially filtered through the inverter (AC to DC and back to AC).
Clean power is preferred by electric gadgets, particularly microprocessors. Although a normal generator won’t damage your TV, an inverter generator will make your large Samsung TV work more smoothly.
You Probably Don’t Need a Huge Generator
This tiny Honda EU2200i appears to be transportable in a carry-on bag. From the standpoint of pure watts, it appears small. But how much power do you actually need to operate? A couple hundred watts could be used if you turned on all of your home’s LED lamps. A refrigerator turning on will initially consume a lot of power (let’s say 1,200 watts), but after a while it will stabilize at 200 watts.
Get a 7,000-watt generator if your home has a transfer switch that enables one generator to supply power to the entire building. But this is what I’m currently running on the EU2200i: a Super Nintendo, a coffee maker, three fans, a TV, a fridge, and a tankless gas hot water heater. To start my charcoal grill, I’ve also used a 1,500-watt electric torch and a 3/4-horsepower garbage disposal. The secret is to control your load. You can get by with a considerably smaller generator if you can manage picking between, say, the coffee maker or the electric torch.
Can an RV air conditioner be powered on a Honda 2200 generator?
We wager that you can determine the answer to this question based on our prior response. Running an AC unit with a soft starter shouldn’t be a problem because the Honda EU2200i has 10% more power than a Honda generator with 2,000 watts of electricity.
Your other devices and appliances will be able to function without being burdened by the new, demanding AC unit thanks to the extra 10% power.
The 2,200-watt generator will function just fine with your AC unit, much like investing in a 3,000-watt generator will allow you to power more appliances in your RV.
Your RV should be adequately cooled by the 13,500 BTU air conditioner, which is located in the middle of the street.
It’s improbable that two air conditioners will function on one little generator, despite the fact that most people want two air conditioners to make sure their entire RV is cooled to their preferred temperature.
Consequently, you have the choice of selecting a different BTU rating even if a 13,500 BTU air conditioner will function on a 2,200-watt generator. A small generator will enable 11,000 BTU air conditioners to function better, but your RV won’t be adequately cooled.
On the other side, a 15,000 BTU air conditioner might not be able to manage a 2,200 watt generator. The only way you could test this is if you bought a soft starter and utilized it in conjunction with the strong AC unit.
How big of a generator do I need to run a fridge?
You can disregard looking at the running watts when selecting the correct size generator for a refrigerator and freezer. The initial wattage of a generator is what counts most.
A 2,000W generator, for instance, will provide 1,600 running watts and 2,000 starting watts. A refrigerator that needs 2,000W of starting power will use 500W of running power.
Following this reasoning, the following categories represent the size of generators required for various refrigerators and freezers:
- All very large and enormous refrigerators and freezers are powered by a 5,000W+ generator. But not many people possess such a sizable refrigerator.
- For all common refrigerators and freezers, a 3,000W generator. The most popular generator for running a refrigerator is one with a 3,000W output.
- All mini-fridges and the majority of environmentally friendly Energy Star-rated refrigerators and freezers require a 1,000W generator.
You’re looking at a 1,000W or a 3,000W generator in more than 95% of the time. Obviously, purchasing the most noise-free inverter generators is the best option. For instance, Honda makes the greatest generators overall.
Generator Recommendations For Mini Fridges And Energy-Star Fridges (1,000W)
If you need a recommendation, the Honda EU1000I is the best 1,000W generator for compact refrigerators and freezers. It has an inverter motor, is quiet, and serves multiple purposes.
The best generators are made by Honda, but they are of course more expensive. You can choose a PowerSmart 1,000W generator if you need an inexpensive 1,000W generator to power a refrigerator and freezer.
Generator Recommendations For Standard Refrigerators And Freezers (3,000W)
The refrigerator and freezer in the majority of homes require a 3,000W generator to operate.
The Honda EU3000IS is the quietest generator on the market and the top-of-the-line 3,000W generator for refrigerators and freezers. The greatest option to supply the required beginning watts to start and run a refrigerator and freezer is this generator, which is among the most widely used overall.
The Craftsman C0010030 3000i is an other choice if you’re seeking for a 3,000W generator that is less expensive and of poorer quality.
This is a primer on choosing a generator’s proper size for a refrigerator and freezer. Use the comments section below to describe your scenario if you have any questions about a particular refrigerator (the running and startup wattages of the refrigerator would be helpful), and we’ll do our best to assist you with the calculation.
You may also read our post on what size generator I need for my house here for more information on general generator sizing. You’ll discover a straightforward, three-step process for sizing a generator for your home.
Which size generator is necessary for my home?
You can run even the most essential household appliances, including the refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits, with a generator rated at 5,000 to 7,500 watts. All these devices can be operated simultaneously by a 7500 running watt generator. A 3000–4000 watt generator is ideal for RV use.
To be absolutely certain, you should examine the precise wattage of your household appliances in order to determine what size generator is required to power a house. On their labels, they are frequently specified in watts or amps.
You must ask yourself one question before purchasing a generator: Do I need the generator to power simply the necessary appliances or the entire house?
You should purchase a larger generator if you reside in a disaster-prone location where power outages are frequent. Despite the increased price, it might be a wise purchase that gives you security. However, a smaller generator that powers the necessary equipment would be the ideal option if you just intend to use it occasionally in case of an emergency.
Amps vs Watts vs Volts
The total power that electrical equipment generates or uses is measured in watts (W) and amperes (Amps) (A). The majority of electric equipment supplied in the US are 120V rated in terms of volts (V). However, some electrical devices, particularly 220V TIG or MIG welders, operate at a greater voltage.
It’s simple to determine how many amps your tool or appliance needs to function; just use the calculation below:
To operate your welder in this situation, you would require a generator with at least 8,400 operating watts.
On the other hand, if you want to combine your watts with the following formula to get the amperage of your portable appliances:
How long will a tank of gas power a Honda 2200 generator?
The EU2200i is made to start up quickly and easily. The amount of force required to start the engine is greatly decreased using Honda’s automated mechanical decompressor technology. Gray color-coding of operational contact points helps the user navigate the commencing operation swiftly.
With a weight of slightly more than 47 pounds, the EU2200i is exceptionally portable and light. Honda’s inverter technology makes it simple to move and store.
The EU2200i offers excellent fuel efficiency thanks to our unique Eco Throttle System. Depending on the load, runs for between 3.2 and 8.1 hours on a single tank. It is therefore excellent for overnight power.
Whether a Honda 2200 can power a microwave
After being plugged in, the generator switches off when the coffee maker or microwave are turned on. Everything functions perfectly on a landline.
Check the wattage label on the microwave (often inside the door) and the bottom or back of the coffee maker.
My microwave has a 1350 watt (input) capacity, however the inrush current during startup can cause it to use more power. 1500 watts is easily drawn by coffee makers.
If the refrigerator is set to “Auto,” it will switch from gas to electricity as soon as you plug it into the generator (assuming it is a propane/electric refrigerator). The electric element can consume 325 watts. There is an additional 500–700 watts, depending, if the converter is activated and the batteries need to be charged. There is an additional 1500 watts when the electric element in the water heater is turned on.
Up to 3600 watts of power are available when connected to shore power. Only 2200 watts of your Honda 2200 are available for surge power requirements, such as starting an A/C or microwave inrush, but only 1800 watts are available continuously.
Check the refrigerator, and if it has a gas option, switch to that. A water heater should be turned off. Try running the microwave or coffee maker once more after turning off the converter (at the power distribution panel). If they don’t turn off the generator, restart the converter and run the test once more. At least you will be able to charge your trailer’s batteries as you jump start your own with coffee or warm Danish pastries if the microwave OR coffee maker doesn’t turn off when the converter is on.
For a 30 amp RV, what size generator do I need?
How Big of a Generator Do I Need for a 30 AMP RV? Typically, you’ll need a generator with a minimum output of 3,000 watts. You are not allowed to use more than 3,600 watts. In order to always have enough power for all situations, it is ideal to pick a generator that is in the center or closer to 3,600 watts.
The finest portable generator for household use is…
The Top Portable Generators on Amazon, Per Exuberant Reviewers
- Champion Portable Dual Fuel 3800 Watt Generator.
- Portable 7500-Watt Dual Fuel Generator by Champion.
- Orange Generac 7117 Gp2200I W 50St Inverter
- Jackery Explorer 240 Solar Generator Portable Power Station.
- Portable solar generator from Wawui.
The quietest Honda generator: which one?
There is no question about which generator is the absolute quietest on the market and has been for years. It’s a Honda EU2200i sophisticated inverter generator. Honda is recognized for producing generators that run quietly, and their top model is the Honda EU2200i.
This generator has a 1,800W starting wattage and a 2,200W operating wattage. It is the only generator with noise levels at 25% load that are less than 50 dB. (48 dB, to be exact). The ratio is 38W per dB.
The Honda EU2200i generates 2,200W even at full load, yet its 57 dB noise output is laughably low. What does Honda do that no other generator manufacturer can match in terms of audio quality?
the cutting-edge inverter technology of the unique Eco Throttle System. The inverter generator on the Honda carefully adjusts the power output to match the demand for power. The top model in the line of Honda Super Quiet generators is the Honda EU2200i.
It is also the quietest generator in terms of energy efficiency thanks to Eco Throttle inverter technology. It can run for up to 8.1 hours at its maximum capacity with a 0.95 gallon tank. For a silent generator that uses less than one gallon, this is very outstanding.
The innovative Eco Throttle inverter technology used by Honda makes the EU2200i unquestionably the quietest generator on the market. It is the only generator that produces less than 50 dB of noise at 25% load, is incredibly energy-efficient, and is the most dependable generator available, lasting you at least 10 years: