Best generator options for apartments and condos
If you live in an apartment or condo, backup power is trickier. Many buildings limit or forbid fuel storage and outdoor generators, and you have neighbors and shared spaces to think about.
Instead of trying to power everything, the goal in an apartment is usually to keep a few critical devices running: phones, laptops, a small fan, maybe a low‑power heater or medical device – while staying safe and within building rules.
Safety and rules come first
Before buying any kind of generator for an apartment, check your lease and building rules. Many buildings explicitly ban gasoline generators and fuel storage on balconies, in hallways, or in shared garages. Running a gas generator indoors or on an enclosed balcony is extremely dangerous due to carbon monoxide risk.
For that reason, most apartment‑friendly backup solutions are indoor‑safe battery power stations, not traditional gasoline or diesel generators.
Why battery power stations are usually best for apartments
Battery power stations (sometimes called solar generators) combine a lithium battery, inverter, and charge controller in one box. They plug into the wall to charge and provide standard AC outlets and USB ports for your devices.
- Indoor safe: No exhaust, no carbon monoxide.
- Quiet: Just a small fan noise instead of engine noise.
- Easy to use: Plug‑and‑play, no manual transfer switches.
- More acceptable to landlords: No fuel storage or combustion involved.
How much capacity do you actually need?
Capacity is usually rated in watt‑hours (Wh). Roughly speaking, a 500Wh unit can run 50W of load for about 10 hours, and a 1000Wh unit can run the same load for about 20 hours. Real‑world runtimes are a bit lower due to inverter losses.
| Use case | Example devices | Suggested capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Basic communication | Phones, Wi‑Fi router, small LED light | 300–500Wh |
| Work from home in an outage | Laptop, monitor, Wi‑Fi, lights | 500–1000Wh |
| Extra comfort | Above plus small fan or low‑power heated blanket | 800–1500Wh |
| Medical or higher‑draw devices | CPAP, some portable medical devices | Ask your doctor and check exact wattage and runtime needs. |
Gas generators for apartments: very limited use
Portable gas generators still have a place for some condo or townhouse owners who have a private outdoor space far from doors and windows, and who can safely route extension cords inside. But they are almost never safe or legal for high‑rise apartments with shared balconies or enclosed courtyards.
If you do own a unit where a small gas generator is allowed, follow all safety guidance:
- Run the generator outside only, far away from windows and vents.
- Use heavy‑duty outdoor‑rated extension cords sized for the load.
- Store fuel in approved containers, in allowed locations only.
- Install battery‑powered carbon monoxide detectors inside your home.
Planning your own apartment backup setup
Start by listing the devices you absolutely want to keep running in an outage and their wattage:
- Internet/Wi‑Fi: 10–30W
- Phone and laptop charging: 20–60W
- LED lighting: 5–20W per room
- Small fan: 20–50W
- Low‑power heated blanket: 50–100W
Add up your likely running watts, then multiply by the number of hours you want to cover (for example, 100W × 10 hours = 1000Wh). That gives you a rough capacity target for a battery power station.
Bottom line
For most apartment and condo residents, the "best generator" isn't a traditional gas unit at all – it's an indoor‑safe battery power station sized to keep communication, basic lighting, and a few comfort items running. It's safer, quieter, and much more compatible with typical building rules than a fuel‑burning generator on a balcony.
As you plan, you can use the tools on the GeneratorCalc home page to get a feel for how much power different devices use and how long a given amount of energy might last.