What Size Generator Do I Need To Run A Refrigerator: Full Guide 2023

Paul Kahan

The solar generator should not be used in conjunction with a refrigerator that is too small. What Size Generator Do I Need To Run A Refrigerator? Publican Anker advises against guessing at the surge wattage. Instead, take the time to look into your model number to find the exact wattage.

It is crucial to find a generator that can volt ac power outage your refrigerator. This can prevent you from being in a worst-case scenario. Publican Anker created this guide to assist you in solving problems quickly and accurately.

How To Calculate What Size Of A Generator Do I Need?

So, what size generator do I need? The generator’s power output is the most important figure.

It is measured in Watts (W). A small camping generator can provide between 1,000 and 3,000 starting watts. Generators that are heavy-duty for use at home or on construction sites can produce more than 10,000 watts. This emergency power outage supply is sufficient to run both the most important household appliances and more demanding electric tools.

You will now need to calculate your energy requirements and determine how much total power you require.

Step 1 – Make the list of devices you want to run

List all these appliances that you will need to operate during an emergency power cut. This list should contain items such as AC, refrigeration, AC, and lighting circuits.

Step 2 – Use the calculator above to calculate the total power requirements for your selected appliances.

Two figures are worth paying attention to:

Start watts – This is how much power outage the electric appliance requires to turn on.
Appliances that have motors require higher wattage to start up. A window air conditioner is one prime example.
The appliance’s running watts or rated watts is the amount of energy it needs after the device running watts starting up.
A 10,000-watt generator air conditioner uses 2,200 watts to start up. This is how much energy it requires to start up for just a few seconds. The AC’s energy consumption drops after that. To run, the AC requires a steady supply of 1,500 wattages.

You should pay attention to BOTH numbers when choosing a house generator.

In this case, an inverter generator of 2,200 starting watts or 1,800 running watts (such as Honda EU2200i) could power outages the 10,000 BTU AC.

A generator with 2,000 starting watts but 1,600 running watts will not be sufficient to power outages the generator, even if it meets all running wattage requirements. In this instance, the generator’s starting wattage is not sufficient.

Step 3 – Choose a generator slightly bigger than your needs

A generator with more wattage is always a good investment. This is because of a few reasons.

First, it is always better to have a large generator than a smaller one. It is better to have a generator with several hundred more watts than to run out of power.
Second, a generator that is running at maximum load can dramatically reduce its lifespan.
Third – Generators that are running at 100% can produce more noise. This can cause a lot of noise, especially if the generator is being used for RV or camping.

If your power needs are 1600 running watts per hour, you should get a generator with at least 1,800 rated Wattage. If your appliances have a total running wattage of 6800 and a starting wattage of 8200, you should get a generator that can provide 7,500 and 9,500 starting power.

How Many Watts Does a Refrigerator Needs?

Each refrigerator and freezer is unique and has different wattage requirements. This information can be found in the owner’s manual. This information is usually found on the tag of the manufacturer.

You should pay particular attention to two numbers: running watts and starting watts.

The starting wattage, also known as surge wattage, is the amount of energy required to turn on your mini fridge and freezer.

The appliance’s running wattage, also known as rated wattage, is the amount of power consumption it needs to be run continuously after initial startup.

Home refrigerators require between 1000 and 2000 watts to start, depending on the size.

A generator capable of delivering at least 2000 watts of starting power consumption will suffice to more power both the fridge and freezer.

We recommend that you get a slightly larger generator to ensure your safety. You will also have more power consumption to run other household items such as lighting circuits or TVs if you buy a larger AC unit.

What Size Generator is Needed to Run a Refrigerator

Generators are often used to power fridges and freezers in the event of a power cut. It isn’t always easy to do this. There are many questions about what generator type, size, and how to hook it up. These are all important points to consider so that you can choose the right generator for your needs.

1. Sizing the Generator for your Refrigerator

First, find out how much power the refrigerator or freezer consumes. There are many power requirements. You will be surprised at how much older appliances can use.

You can spend thousands on a too-small generator or, worse, buy a generator that won’t work.

Let’s first discuss the size generator that you will need. A sticker will be placed inside the refrigerator’s door listing its power requirements. Here’s what mine looks like:

You are trying to find the amps (amperes) your appliance needs.

This one is rated at 6.5 amps. If you plug the appliance into a 120-volt outlet, then you need to multiply the 6.5 ams by 120 volts to get the average operating watt generator. In this instance, it is 780 watts.

Refrigerators and freezers require an additional surge of power when the compressor motor starts. This is usually 2-3 times the average running watt generator. The minimum generator size for this appliance is a 1,560-watt generator.

2. Determining Generator Type

Next, choose the type of right portable generator power you want. You can choose from gasoline, propane or natural gas, diesel, and even solar power.

You should also consider the equipment it will power, how often it will be used, what type of installation you want, and whether it will be outdoors or indoors. Let’s compare the pros and cons.

Gasoline

It is simple to get and use gasoline, making it a popular choice when you need portable generators. The inverter generator can regulate engine speed to reduce noise. These inverter generators may reduce noise depending on the load.

Propane

Propane is a popular choice for portable and installed generators. They are quieter and cleaner than gasoline, making them a better choice. There is also an inverter generator for propane. Dual fuel models can be purchased that run on either propane or gasoline.

Natural Gas

If natural gas is readily available, natural gas can be a great option for permanent installations. They are quiet and easy to use. The only problem is the need to have a gas line run into your home or building. They would typically power more than the refrigerator. They would also power lighting and air-conditioning.

Diesel

Diesel is an excellent choice for rural areas without gas lines. Diesel motors are powerful and large, making them ideal for supporting larger loads like a hospital. They can also be very noisy, making them not suitable for residential use.

Batteries

The advantage of battery generators is that they can be used indoors. These generators are simple to install and can be recharged with solar or utility power via a standard wall outlet. It would help if you replaced the batteries every four years. This is an additional cost.

3. Generator Installation

Installation of fuel-powered generators

The installation of the portable generator should also be discussed. The refrigerator-freezer can be plugged directly into an extension cable that runs outside through a door or window. It is possible to connect the portable generator directly with the panel for a permanent installation or emergency application.

A licensed electrician will install a transfer switch. The generator will then be connected to the wall outlet where the refrigerator freezer is plugged in.

Installations of battery-powered generators

The refrigerator and freezer can be plugged directly into the power supply for battery-powered generators that are normally installed indoors. You can install the battery power system right next to the appliance, eliminating the need for expensive electrical work and extension cords.

If multiple refrigerators are needed to be powered, the battery power system can easily be hardwired into multiple outlets to supply power to two or three appliances at once.

For more information about power generators, please visit the Medi-Products Refrigerator Battery Back-up Power Systems Page. There are also hardwire and mobile options.

Maybe you need:

Can A Generator Damage a Refrigerator?

Most portable generators should work with your refrigerator.

Clean sine wave electricity is essential for sensitive electronics such as laptop computers and home audio systems to function properly. Inverter generators provide the best solution to running sensitive electronics.

Refrigerators, however, are a whole different animal. A refrigerator and a freezer are not considered sensitive appliances. They can be safely used with a standard open frame portable generator.

Despite this, we recommend the Champion 3400 inverter generators as they are quieter and lighter than traditional open-frame generators.

You could use them too, e.g., You could also use them to power your TV or audio system in a boring blackout.

FAQs

What appliances will a 3500-watt portable generator run?

What appliances can a 3500-watt generator power? CFL or LED lights that are energy-saving, which use approximately a 14-watt generator each, can be used. A freezer consumes 700 watts on average and requires 2100 to turn it on. A refrigerator freezer that needs 2100 to turn on and consumes 700 watts per hour will require 2100.

Can a 2000 watt portable generator run a refrigerator?

A 2000-watt generator can run a small refrigerator, provided it has an energy star rating of at least 1200 watt generator.

Why won’t my generator run my refrigerator?

Generators can only handle a certain load. It is impossible to use equipment rated higher than the generator can deliver the required power. The equipment, such as the fridge, won’t work properly or the generator and cables may fail.

Source: https://homesteady.com/how-8114044-power-refrigerator-generator.html

Is an inverter better than a generator?

Inverters generate reliable and consistent power that does not depend on engine speed. Inverter generators produce much cleaner power than conventional generators. This power is nearly the same quality that the electric appliances supplied by an electric motor company.

Conclusion

Publican Anker offers other articles that can be used to dispose of your refrigerator. You can find more information on our website. Leave a comment below if you have any questions. The article will be quickly updated to reflect current events.

What Size Generator Do I Need To Run A Refrigerator Top Full Guide 2023