When selecting a generator there are several important features to consider:
Wattage / Engine / Run Time / Starting / Mobility


The size of the generator you need depends on your power requirements. Generally a higher wattage generator lets you power more items at once. This generator sizing sheet will help you to determine your running and starting watts so you can choose the correct generator for your needs.

Find all of the appliances you want to power with your Greengear LPG / Propane generator.

Appliance Running (Rated) Watts Additional Starting Watts
General Appliances
Light bulb – 60 Watts 60 0
Light bulb – 70 Watts 70 0
Sump Pump – 1/3 HP 1140 2850
Water well pump – 1/3HP 575 1440
Kitchen
Refrigerator/Freezer 700 220
Microwave Oven – 625 Watts 625 0
Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts 1000 0
Coffee Maker 1000 0
Electric Stove – 8in. element 2100 0
Dishwasher – Hot Dry 1500 1500
Food Processor 400 0
Toaster Oven 1200 0
Toaster 850 0
Laundry
Iron 1200 0
Washing Machine 1150 2250
Clothes Dryer - Electric 5400 6750
Clothes Dryer - Gas 700 1800
Appliance Running (Rated) Watts Additional Starting Watts
Heating / Cooling
Space Heater 1800 0
Humidifier – 13 Gal 175 0
Furnace Fan Blower – 1/2HP 800 2350
Furnace Fan Blower – 1/3HP 700 1400
Window AC – 10,000 BTU 1200 3600
Window AC – 12,000 BTU 3250 9750
Central AC – 10,000 BTU 1500 4500
Central AC – 24,000 BTU 3800 11400
Heat Pump 4700 4500
Family / Play
VCR 100 0
Stereo 450 0
Colour TV – 27 inch 500 0
Video Game System 40 0
Security System 500 0
Hair Dryer – 1250 Watts 1250 0
Curling Iron 1500 0
Electric Grill 1650 0
AM/FM Radio 100 0
CD/DVD Player 100 0
Mobile Phone Charger 10 0
Appliance Running (Rated) Watts Additional Starting Watts
DIY / Jobsite
Quartz Halogen Work Light – 300Watts 300 0
Quartz Halogen Work Light – 1000Watts 1000 0
Airless Sprayer – 1/3HP 600 1200
Reciprocating Saw 960 0
Electric Drill – 3/8in. 4 Amps 440 600
Electric Drill – 1/2in. 5.4 Amps 600 900
Belt Sander 1200 2400
Air Compressor – 1/4HP 975 1600
Air Compressor – 1 HP 1600 4500
Hammer Drill 1600 1400
Circular Saw – 7-1/4” 2100 5250
Planer/Jointer – 6” 1800 4500
Appliance Running (Rated) Watts Additional Starting Watts
Office Equipment
Computer with 17inch Monitor 800 0
Laser Printer 950 0
Fax Machine 65 0
Copy Machine 1600 0

Add up all the Running Watts required to operate your appliances. Now find the item with the highest Additional Starting Watts.

Add this number to your total to find the Total Watts needed for your Greengear generator.

Appliance Running (Rated) Watts Additional Starting Watts
Example
Refrigerator 700 220
Television 500 0
1/2 HP Furnace Fan 800 2350
Lights (6x75Watts) 450 0
TOTAL 2450 2350
4800

Click to download a printable PDF calculation sheet.

In this example, you will need a generator that produces at least 2450 Total Running Watts and 4800 Total Starting Watts.

Using the numbers you calculated in Step 2, find the generator that best suits your energy needs.

If you have any additional questions, please view our FAQs below.

Generator Model Running (Rated) Watts Starting Watts
Power Generators
GE-2000M 2000 W 2200 W
GE-2000E 2000 W 2200 W
GE-3000 2400 W 2600 W
GE-5000 4900 W 5300 W
GE-5000UK 5000 W 5500 W
GE-6000 5900 W 6300 W
GE-6000UK 6000 W 6500 W
GE-7000 6800 W 7300 W
GE-7000UK 7000 W 7500 W

FAQs

1How can I determine the running or the starting Watts needed for a tool or appliance if it’s not clearly labelled?
If the running Watts are not on the data plate or in the instructions of the tool or appliance, you can make an estimate using the following equation: VOLTS (V) x AMPS (A) = WATTS (W or kW).
2How many Watts does an average sized house require to run basic items?
In a typical 2 bed house, running only essentials items (a few lights, refrigerator, heating system) it can require between 5000 – 7000 Watts.
3What is the difference between running Watts and starting Watts?
Running (Rated) Watts – continuous Watts needed to keep the appliance running. Starting Watts – extra Watts needed for a few seconds to start the appliance.
4Why is only one additional starting Watt appliance used to calculate the total starting Watts required?
Running Watts are the amount of power required for the tool or appliance to run normally. However the starting Watts are what is needed only during the first few second or the initial start-up of the operation. In most cases, only one item will start or cycle at the same time. Therefore this is the most accurate estimate.