Appliance Load Planner for Generators | GeneratorCalc
Roughly add up appliance wattage to plan generator size and understand what you can run at once.
Generator guides & planning articles
Browse all of the generator sizing, placement, fuel and safety guides available on GeneratorCalc. Use these articles alongside the calculators to plan safe, reliable backup power for your home, RV or projects.
Best Generator Options for Apartments and Condos | GeneratorCalc
Learn realistic, safe backup power options for apartments and condos, with a focus on indoor-safe battery power stations.
Can a Generator Damage Appliances? | GeneratorCalc
Learn when generators can be hard on electronics and ways to reduce the risk of damaging appliances.
Can You Run a Generator in the Rain? | GeneratorCalc
Learn the risks of running a generator in the rain and safer ways to protect your equipment while maintaining ventilation.
Generator Fuel Storage Guide | GeneratorCalc
Plan how much fuel to store for generator use and review basic gasoline and propane storage practices.
Generator Wattage Chart: Common Appliance Loads | GeneratorCalc
Quickly estimate generator size with a wattage chart for common appliances and household loads.
How Long Will a Generator Run on 5 Gallons of Gas? | GeneratorCalc
See how long different generator sizes typically run on 5 gallons of gasoline at light, medium, and heavy loads.
How Long Will a Generator Run on Propane? | GeneratorCalc
Estimate how long a generator can run on propane for common cylinder and tank sizes, plus a simple runtime formula.
How Loud Is a Generator? Noise Levels Explained | GeneratorCalc
Understand typical generator noise levels in decibels, how distance affects sound, and what to consider for neighbors and campgrounds.
How to Connect a Generator to Your Home Safely | GeneratorCalc
Learn safe ways to connect a generator to your home, including transfer switches, interlocks, and extension cord setups.
Portable vs. Standby Generator: Which Is Better? | GeneratorCalc
Compare portable and standby generators, including pros, cons, costs, and which makes sense for your situation.
What Can a 3500-Watt Generator Run? | GeneratorCalc
See what a 3,500-watt generator can typically run, with example load plans for outages, RV use, and basic home backup.
What Can a 5000-Watt Generator Run? | GeneratorCalc
See what a 5000W generator can realistically run at home, with example load plans and typical wattage for common appliances.
What Size Extension Cord Do You Need for a Generator? | GeneratorCalc
Find basic guidelines for choosing the right extension cord gauge and type when using a portable generator.
What Size Generator Do I Need for My House? | GeneratorCalc
A practical guide to choosing the right generator size for your home based on what you want to power during an outage.
What Size Generator Do I Need for RV & Camping? | GeneratorCalc
Learn what size generator you need for RV and camping trips, with common wattage ranges and planning tips.
Where Should You Place a Generator During an Outage? | GeneratorCalc
Learn safe generator placement basics, including distance from the house, ventilation, and surface considerations.
Whole-Home Generator Sizing Guide | GeneratorCalc
Get a big-picture look at whole-home generator sizing, typical kW ranges, and how installers size systems.