Generator Power Calculator | What size Generator do I need?
To determine the correct size generator that you will need, you first have to determine the total amount of watts being used by the appliances, fixtures, and tools that will be drawing power from the generator in question. Find and note the wattage of each item. It is usually written as a number followed by a "W" or for larger appliances, possibly a "KW". The wattage of the device, along with other pertinent information such as voltage, should be marked somewhere visible.
For example: If you have 6 light fixtures with two 60 watt bulbs each = 120 w x 6 fixtures = 720 watts.
So for just those six light fixtures alone, you would need a generator capable of producing at least 720 watts of energy. By adding the rest of your appliances and tools wattage together, plus the 720 watts needed for the six light fixtures will tell you how much power you will need from a generator.
720 watts + microwave 1000 watts + refrigerator 200 watts + indoor grill 1000 watts= 2920 watts
So if you were to experience a power outage and wanted to continue running this set of electrically powered devices, you would need to choose a generator that could produce a minimum of 3000 watts to be safe.