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GeneratorCalc
Simple calculators for backup power & energy use
Quick summary
This calculator adds up running watts and starting watts for the appliances you want to run on a generator.
It helps you compare total running load and surge load so you can choose a generator size with enough capacity.
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GeneratorCalc
Simple calculators & guides for backup power
Starting vs running watts calculator for generators
Many motor-driven appliances draw more power for a few seconds when they start.
Use this calculator to add up running and starting watts across several loads so you can pick a generator that can handle the combined surge.
Starting vs running watts
List a few appliances and compare total running watts to estimated starting (surge) watts.
Enter up to five appliances. If you do not know starting watts, the calculator can assume about 2× running watts as a rough default.
For more planning tools, you can also use the other calculators and guides on the
GeneratorCalc home page.
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