Portable generators, especially 2,000-watt types, have emerged to be some of the most sought after power supply assets due to their diversified uses. They are easy to carry around and can give adequate power to almost all electrical appliances.
Though a 2,000-watt generator seems somewhat small, especially when compared to brands that produce as much as 10 watts, they are ideal for simple power supply applications. In fact, the latter brands are often suited for large scale applications.
So, what, can you run on a 2000-watt generator? Well, it is quite vague to answer this question because it depends on factors. There are a number of factors that you will have to decide upon before you can use the generator. Some are the power rating of your devices and checking whether they meet the specific metrics of your chosen generator brand. Also, almost every generator brand has specific insights on how best to utilize the generators.
The following guide goes in depth into some of the things to expect when you need a powerful generator for your needs.
Usually, it a rating that might refer to either the rated power or surge power.
The rated power refers to the amount of energy the generator can produce constantly for your devices. The total wattage of any device as well as the appliances to be connected with the generator must be lesser than the power rating of the generator.
The surge power is the maximum power that the generator can supply for some seconds. It is a power rating level necessary for starting up appliances like fridges, lawn mowers, freezers, and the like.
Remember that the total of wattages connected to the generator plus the starting wattage of the motor should not exceed the surge wattage level. The best way to tackle this problem is to connect motor-driven tools first. Thus, you avoid loading them with power supply issues before adding another load on your device.
Wattage Requirements of Common Appliances
The power supply requirements of some devices differ greatly. It is good to be conversant with such requirements to avoid inflicting your generator and devices with electrical damage. For example, the variation in power between an EnergyStar-refrigerator and standard refrigerator can average within the hundreds of watts.
That said, here are the common power supply requirements for most generators:
- Dishwasher – 250watts
- Toaster – 700watts
- Electric stove – 1400watts
- Small AC unit – 1,100watts
- Phone charger – 6 watts
- Coffee maker – 750watts
- Laptop – 150watts
Example Cases When Using a 2000-Watt Generator
To help you get a better perspective of what you can power using 2,000-watt generator, it is advisable to consider the conventional sense of the word. Using a generator is not really complicated especially with the right information at your fingertips. These use cases will guide on how to switch particular settings that you need in order to charge your devices.
Outdoor Generator Uses
For instance, when you are outside preparing food, and you require electricity to illuminate your compound, and power a few appliances.
For illumination of the yard, you may require few lamps and or lanterns, especially if you claim that you play all throughout the night. They even have two 100 watt lights and several string lights, for their setting they may only be using 250 watts.
You could also use the generator to charge your smartphone, or a laptop. These devices taken together will require an average of 200 watts of power.
Of course, your kitchen will demand more power and this would be especially so when you are using large power gobbling appliances including microwaves or refrigerators. For example, when you want to use a standard stove that requires 1,500watts and a microwave oven that requires 600 watts you are forced to compromise between between the two. Why is that, you ask, because the total average of power consumption power of these devices is greater than the total average output of the generator.
RV Trip Generator Needs
RVs give you enough room for other big appliances like air conditioning units and freezers. Moreover, a 2000 watts generator would prove ineffective for certain uses for instance in a luxury RV trip.
If you have large power consuming appliances such as fridges in the RV, you probably want it on as when the generator is on too. This means that on average the refrigerator will require 650 watts of power and surge power level of 1000 watts upon switch on.
You might, in addition, guess that a microwave or air conditioner might also operate in parallel with your generator. However, you may have to unplug your fridge, because all these devices mentioned will suck the power over the limit of 2,800 watts.
But when your refrigerator or your air conditioning unit is plugged and running then you could power your laptop, light some bulbs and even charge your phone.
Power Outage When at Home
Power outages are inevitable, it can be due to a storm, or there could be a breakage in a power supply line, and such. It is therefore very advantageous should you own a convenient generator at such a point in time. If all you want is to address a power outage then a 2,000 watts generator suitable to power your basic electrical appliances.
To start, you can keep the fridge and freezer running, such that your food never goes bad. You can also leave your lights on, but if possible use only a few lights for this purpose of conserving power.
Nevertheless, if you decide to use large appliances or microwaves, you are going to have to be much more selective. At such point, you may have to switch off the fridge and use either the AC or the microwave first. The only opportunity you can connect the refrigerator to the power source is once you are done with either of these devices.
Alternatively, if the lights are off, you can control some other essential home apparatuses as well. Generally, a sump pump will consume about 1200 watts of power and going by your fridge, then your generator will do just fine.
Never expect to run your resources as you would when there is a power outage. In fact, even resources such as the dryer and the washer will need more than two thousand watts of electrical power. Besides, to execute several lights on such a small power supply unit, as well as such tools, is improbable.
Generator Safety
A portable or permanently installed generator can help in either your short term or long term electrical power requirements. However, there is an understanding that a lot can happen in case you do not use these resources in the right manner. It is recommended to speak with a properly qualified user before investing in a proper generator for your needs. Also, before using the generator, then should strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use it.
If considering permanent installation of a generator, it may be wise to go for a transfer switch. This will assist to minimize energy from flowing back to the electrical utility equipments from the generator. This can be risky for the users of the generator, and any power lines that maybe nearby and this is known as a back feed. It might therefore be a wise idea if you hire an electrician to assist you in the installation process.
The following are some tips to help you use generators safely:
- Operate the generator in an open area preferably in a well aerated spot. Do not use it indoors or in any space for example a garage. These are machines that generate carbon monoxide, which is a toxic gas to your health.
- This implies that it is wrong attempt to synchronize a generator to the utility supply so as to avoid backfeed situations. Connect the generator to the appropriate extension cord to the power outlet.
- Do not connect any devices to the generator before starting it first. After the generator is running, switch on your light and appliances starting with one appliance at a time. In this way, the generator is never overburdened at any one time and you also stand to get enough time to make corrections on the power rating.
- Generators have electrical concerns mainly when applied in sensitive areas. A generator should only be used where necessary and safety should be taken to the highest level. In addition, ensure that the generator is shielded from corrosion by operating it under an open and a more or less canopy like structure and not under water.
- Switch off the generator, give it time to cool down and then you recharge the battery.
- People with pet animals and children should avoid going closer to the generator. It is possible that some components will end up being hot or, worse, electrical.
How Much Power Do I Need?
Power management is an excellent way to manage the efficiency of your generator. The advantages of using power management includes; small generators can could be managed effectively. Power management is ideal because of one underlying factor: it is not necessary for you to run all your devices at one and the same time. Switching between the appliances will assist in reducing the power required to operate your appliances.
- What devices require the most energy?
- Do you need to run it at the same time?
- Never operate the generator and other tools at the same time?
Conclusion
Being aware of the type of device you can power on your generator is essential. It helps you avoid damaging your generator or your electrical appliances. What can you run on a 2000-watt generator? Well, it all depends on your machine and your priorities. For instance, you won’t be able to run an AC and microwave together on such a unit. However, it is possible to use a set of yard lights and still power your fridge at the same time.
You might have to do a tradeoff when it comes to powering large devices such as fridges. Just determine the power rating, and check whether it's compatible with your generator.
