What Can a 2000 Watt Generator Run? – Is It What I Need?
The purpose of this article is to clarify your concerns about ‘What Can a 2000 Watt Generator Run?’, how many appliances we can run at the same time, and how to determine the wattage requirement.
A 2,000-watt generator could run almost every essential of a small household including a toaster, refrigerator, Microwave, coffee maker, dishwasher, etc, however, you must have to cross-check the power rating of the appliance/equipment you are going to operate.
What Can a 2000-Watt Generator Run?
A 2,000 watt could run almost all home essentials including the microwave, lights, LED TVs, Freezer/refrigerator, normal-sized washing machines, etc.
Below is the list of appliances/equipment that runs smoothly with our Honda EU2200i (a 2,000-watt generator) during the test.
- Coffee Maker
- Toaster
- Blender
- A normal sized Air conditioner
- Hair Dryer
- Dishwasher
- PC/Desktop computer
- Laptop
- Speakers
- Microwave Oven
- Refrigerator/Freezer
- Dishwasher
- Toaster
- Vacuum cleaner
- Iron
- Cell Phone Charger
- Television
- Electric mower
- Electric drill
- Reciprocating saw
NOTE: A 2,000 watts generator couldn’t run all equipment/appliances simultaneously.
E.g. if you are going to run power-hungry equipment of 1600 starting and 1800 running your generator will not have the capacity to afford another one.
The bottom line is, you can’t exceed the wattage capacity of a generator otherwise it will be overloaded.
Starting and Running Watts
Starting/Surge/Peak watts: Maximum wattage a generator/machine could draw for a short period to power up the motorized devices. The number of surge/peak wattages is always higher than running/rated wattages.
Running watts: The amount of Power/wattage a generator/machine could provide continuously for a longer time. The rated wattage is always lower than the starting wattage.
Recommended Guide: What Can a 3000-Watt Generator Run?
How Many Appliances Can a 2,000-Watt Generator Run?
It depends on the actual wattage ratings of the appliance/equipment you are going to use.
Any appliance between 1,500 – 1,700 running and 1,800 – 1,900 starting wattage could be run with a 2,000-wattage machine, however, you have to cross-match the wattage ratings of the appliance and the generator.
NOTE: Don’t ever exceed the capacity of a machine; an ideal scenario is to be between 80% – 90% load.
A small margin of 10% – 20% could not only enhance the life of your machine but also save your appliances from voltage fluctuation.
Additionally, that small margin could be enough to cover the power losses as a result your desired appliances could run uninterruptedly.
Below is the list of appliances with their running and starting wattages.
Table of Essential Household Appliances With Starting and Running Watts
| Appliance | Starting Wattage | Running Wattage |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Maker | 0 | 1000 |
| 75 Watt Light Bulb | 0 | 75 |
| Cell Phone Charger | 0 | 25 |
| Window Air Conditioner (10,000 BTUs) | 1800 | 1200 |
| Microwave | 0 | 600-1200 |
| Blender | 0 | 500 |
| Toaster Oven | 0 | 1200 |
| Camping Refrigerator | 500 | 350 |
| Laptop | 0 | 60 |
| 50 Inch LCD TV | 0 | 150 |
| String of outdoor lights | 0 | 40 |
| Hair Dryer | 0 | 1250 |
| Power Drill Corded | 0 | 800-1200 |
| Air Conditioner | 1800 | 650 |
| Heater | 0 | 1800 |
| Refrigerator | 1200 | 200 |
| Dishwasher | 1500 | 1500 |
| InstaPot | 0 | 1000 |
| Washing Machine | 1900 | 800 |
| Computer | 0 | 300 |
| Light Bulbs | 0 | 20 |
| Phone Charger | 0 | 10 |
| Iron | 0 | 1200 |
| Television | 0 | 350 |
| Coffee Maker | 0 | 1200 |
| Toaster | 0 | 1200 |
| Sawzall | 960 | 0 |
| Chop Saw | 1600 | 1800 |
| Drill | 440 | 600 |
| Compressor, 2 gal | 1800 | 1300 |
| Shop Vac | 1800 | 800 |
| Sander | 1200 | 1200 |
| Circular Saw | 1400 | 1950 |
Recommended Guide : What Can a 1000-watt Generator Run?
How to Determine My Wattage Requirement?
- List all appliances with their wattage ratings, you can find the wattage ratings in the energy labeling. Make sure to separate their running and starting wattages.
- Sum up the running and starting wattages and compare them with your machine.
- Compare the sum of both with the capacity of the generator you own, if your machine can produce more than the calculated wattages you are good to go.
Below is a practical example.
From the above chart, we got 1400 – 1450 of running and 1800 starting watts hence a solid 2,000-watt generator could be more than enough for this quotation.
What Happens If You Overload Your 2,000-Watt Generator?
Overloading the generator could lead to the following problems.
Will a 2000-watt generator Run an AC?
It depends; if you are going to run a window or RV air conditioner with 1050 – 1,600 running and 1,800 – 1,900 starting wattages you are good to go with, however for a bigger central Air conditioner units of more than 10,000 Btu you have to consider a bigger machine.
Below is the comparison of window AC units with their starting and running wattages.
- 11,000 window AC units consume almost 1100 to 1200 running watts and 1600 – 1700 starting watts.
- 12000 window AC units consume 1200 to 1350 running watts and 2000 to 2200 starting watts.
- 15000 window AC units consume 1600 – 1800 running watts and 2500 to 2700 starting watts.
Can a 2000 Watt Inverter Generator Run A Space Heater?
Yes, a 2,000-watt machine could easily run a space heater of 800 – 1800 watts, however, if it is big with 2.5kw – 4kw you need to consider a bigger unit.
NOTE: The average wattage of a space heater is between 800 – 1500 watts depending on the size and heating capacity.
Can A 2000 Watt Generator Run A Microwave?
A normal energy-efficient microwave consumes about 900 – 1000 watts which isn’t a big task for a 2,000-watt unit, however, If you have a larger microwave with multiple facilities you may have to consider a bigger unit.
Will A 2000W Inverter Generator Run A Sump Pump?
Well, it depends, A normal Sump Pump of 1/2 HP requires at least 2100 – 2200 starting and 1050 running watts. If you have a machine that can produce more than 2300 peak watts, you are good to go.
Recommended Read: What Size Generator to Run Sump Pump?
Verdict
Though a 2,000-watt machine could be enough for a smaller house as it can operate most of the essential appliances like a Coffee Maker, Toaster, smaller AC unit, refrigerator, etc, still, you have to do calculations as per the needs before making any buying decision.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Will A 2000 Watt Generator Run A Fridge?
The average wattage of a fridge/refrigerator is between 100-400 watts, A 2,000-watt machine could easily run even 2 of them simultaneously.
Will A 2000 Watt Inverter Generator Run A Welder?
No, a normal welder needs at least 3,000 – 4,000+ wattage.
How long will a 2000-watt generator run on a full tank of gas?
The fuel tank of a 2,000-watt generator lasts for around 6 – 8 hours depending on the size of the tank, generator brand, efficiency, and how much power you are going to draw from the machine.
Will a 2000-watt Generator Run a Circular Saw?
Yes, a 2000-watt generator can potentially run a circular saw; however, it depends on the power consumption of the tool. If you have a circular saw with 1500 – 1600 watts you can easily operate it with a 2,000-watt unit.
Fareed, the highly skilled electrical expert, boasts 5 years of extensive experience in proficiently maintaining, repairing, diagnosing, and installing a diverse range of electrical systems.