By situation What will it run
What will a 5,000 watt generator run? Every size from 2,000 to 10,000 W
A 5,000 watt generator runs a refrigerator, a furnace blower, a sump pump, a microwave, lights and chargers at the same time: our outage essentials list needs 3,300 running and 4,200 starting watts. Below is the same math for every common size, with an honest central air answer for each.
Every list uses the site's one rule: running total, plus the largest starting surge of any one item, plus 20 percent headroom.
First Read your size
Is your generator's size its rated or its peak watts?
Usually the peak. Listings lead with the bigger, starting (peak) number, and the rated (running) number is lower.
On the generators we verified against the makers' spec sheets, rated watts run from 75 to 82 percent of peak watts. So every list below keeps its starting need at or under the size and its running need at or under three quarters of it. That way each list runs whether your generator's number is its rated or its peak figure. If your generator is rated (running) at the size, you have more room than shown. Running vs starting watts explains both numbers.
| Size | Example list needs | Central air |
|---|---|---|
| 2,000 W | 1,100 / 2,000 W | No |
| 3,000 W | 2,100 / 2,900 W | No |
| 3,500 W | 2,400 / 3,300 W | No |
| 4,000 W | 2,800 / 3,600 W | No |
| 5,000 W | 3,300 / 4,200 W | 2 ton alone |
| 6,500 W | 4,600 / 5,700 W | 2 ton plus fridge |
| 7,500 W | 5,100 / 6,900 W | 3 ton plus a few loads |
| 8,000 W | 6,000 / 7,800 W | 3 ton plus a few loads |
| 10,000 W | 7,200 / 9,900 W | 3 ton plus essentials |
About central air: every answer below uses Champion's figures (3 ton: 3,250 running, 5,500 starting watts). Generac says a 3 ton unit can demand up to 15,000 to 18,000 starting watts; if yours does, none of these sizes starts it without a soft starter. Central air is not a plug-in load either: Consumer Reports says midsize inverters that power only 110-volt plug-in items rule out heating and cooling equipment, and hardwired equipment needs a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician.
01 2,000 W
What will a 2,000 watt generator run?
A refrigerator, a TV, four LED bulbs, the internet router, two phone chargers and a box fan, all at once.
| Item and source | How many | Running W | Starting W (one) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator Champion wattage chart | 1 | 280 | 1,000 |
| TV Champion wattage chart | 1 | 240 | 240 |
| LED bulb Champion wattage chart | 4 | 80 | 20 |
| Internet router/modem Champion wattage chart | 1 | 20 | 20 |
| Phone charger Champion wattage chart | 2 | 120 | 60 |
| Box fan Champion wattage chart | 1 | 130 | 130 |
| Running total | 10 | 870 | + 720 (refrigerator) |
870 W running plus the refrigerator’s 720 W surge is 1,590 W. With 20 percent headroom that is 1,044 and 1,908 W, rounded up to 1,100 running and 2,000 starting watts. That fits: 2,000 is within 2,000 and 1,100 is within three quarters of it (1,500). Build your own list in the calculator.
Central air on 2,000 W: No. By Champion’s figures even a 2 ton central air unit alone needs 2,700 running and 4,800 starting watts.
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Honda EU2200i
1,800 running and 2,200 peak watts on gas: covers this list’s 1,100 running and 2,000 starting watts.
- Running / peak
- 1,800 / 2,200 W on gas
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Outlets
- 20A 125V duplex
- CO shutoff
- Yes (CO-MINDER)
- Weight
- 47.4 lb
- Noise
- 48 to 57 dB(A) (1/4 load to rated load), maker figure
- Model
- EU2200ITAN
- Listing
- Same model as the maker page
Not a fit for: 240 V loads; transfer switch hookup (no locking outlet); an RV 30 A plug without an adapter.
Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)WEN 56235i
1,900 running and 2,350 peak watts on gas: covers this list’s 1,100 running and 2,000 starting watts.
- Running / peak
- 1,900 / 2,350 W on gas
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Outlets
- two 120V three-prong receptacles, 12V DC, two 5V USB
- CO shutoff
- Not stated on the maker page we read
- Weight
- 39 lb
- Noise
- 51 dB at quarter load, maker figure
- Listing
- Same model as the maker page
Not a fit for: 240 V loads; transfer switch hookup; an RV 30 A plug.
Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
02 3,000 W
What will a 3,000 watt generator run?
A refrigerator, a microwave, a TV, six LED bulbs, the internet router and two phone chargers, all at once.
| Item and source | How many | Running W | Starting W (one) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator Champion wattage chart | 1 | 280 | 1,000 |
| Microwave Champion wattage chart | 1 | 900 | 900 |
| TV Champion wattage chart | 1 | 240 | 240 |
| LED bulb Champion wattage chart | 6 | 120 | 20 |
| Internet router/modem Champion wattage chart | 1 | 20 | 20 |
| Phone charger Champion wattage chart | 2 | 120 | 60 |
| Running total | 12 | 1,680 | + 720 (refrigerator) |
1,680 W running plus the refrigerator’s 720 W surge is 2,400 W. With 20 percent headroom that is 2,016 and 2,880 W, rounded up to 2,100 running and 2,900 starting watts. That fits: 2,900 is within 3,000 and 2,100 is within three quarters of it (2,250). Build your own list in the calculator.
Central air on 3,000 W: No. By Champion’s figures even a 2 ton central air unit alone needs 2,700 running and 4,800 starting watts.
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Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready Inverter
3,000 running and 4,000 peak watts on gas: covers this list’s 2,100 running and 2,900 starting watts.
- Running / peak
- 3,000 / 4,000 W on gas
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Outlets
- 120V 25A TT-30R (RV), 120V 20A duplex 5-20R, 12V, parallel outlets
- CO shutoff
- Yes (CO Shield)
- Weight
- Under 49 lb
- Noise
- 64 dBA at 23 ft, maker figure
- Model
- 201419 or 100809 (not shown on the Amazon card)
- Listing
- Brand and specs match; confirm the model number on the listing
Not a fit for: 240 V loads or transfer switch hookup. The maker rates its TT-30R at 25 A, so it does not deliver a full 30 A.
Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
03 3,500 W
What will a 3,500 watt generator run?
A refrigerator, a microwave, a TV, six LED bulbs, the internet router, three phone chargers and a laptop, all at once.
| Item and source | How many | Running W | Starting W (one) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator Champion wattage chart | 1 | 280 | 1,000 |
| Microwave Champion wattage chart | 1 | 900 | 900 |
| TV Champion wattage chart | 1 | 240 | 240 |
| LED bulb Champion wattage chart | 6 | 120 | 20 |
| Internet router/modem Champion wattage chart | 1 | 20 | 20 |
| Phone charger Champion wattage chart | 3 | 180 | 60 |
| Laptop Honda wattage guide | 1 | 230 | 230 |
| Running total | 14 | 1,970 | + 720 (refrigerator) |
1,970 W running plus the refrigerator’s 720 W surge is 2,690 W. With 20 percent headroom that is 2,364 and 3,228 W, rounded up to 2,400 running and 3,300 starting watts. That fits: 3,300 is within 3,500 and 2,400 is within three quarters of it (2,625). Build your own list in the calculator.
Central air on 3,500 W: No. By Champion’s figures even a 2 ton central air unit alone needs 2,700 running and 4,800 starting watts.
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Westinghouse WGen3600DFc
3,600 running and 4,650 peak watts on gas: covers this list’s 2,400 running and 3,300 starting watts.
- Running / peak
- 3,600 / 4,650 W on gas
- On propane
- 3,240 / 4,180 W
- Fuel
- Gasoline or propane
- Outlets
- 120V duplex 5-20R, 120V L5-30R, 120V TT-30R (RV)
- CO shutoff
- Yes
- Weight
- 121.1 lb
- Noise
- 68 dBA, maker figure
- Listing
- Brand and specs match; confirm the model number on the listing
Not a fit for: any 240 V load or a 240 V transfer switch hookup (no L14-30R); whole-house backup.
Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)WEN DF475T
3,800 running and 4,750 peak watts on gas: covers this list’s 2,400 running and 3,300 starting watts.
- Running / peak
- 3,800 / 4,750 W on gas
- On propane
- 3,500 / 4,350 W
- Fuel
- Gasoline or propane
- Outlets
- two 120V GFCI 5-20R, 120/240V L14-30R, 12V DC
- CO shutoff
- Not stated on the maker page we read
- Weight
- Not stated
- Noise
- Not stated
- Listing
- Same model as the maker page
Not a fit for: an RV 30 A plug without an adapter (no TT-30R); central AC or whole-house backup.
Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
04 4,000 W
What will a 4,000 watt generator run?
A refrigerator, a microwave, a TV, six LED bulbs, the internet router, three phone chargers and a small 5,000 BTU window air conditioner, all at once.
| Item and source | How many | Running W | Starting W (one) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator Champion wattage chart | 1 | 280 | 1,000 |
| Microwave Champion wattage chart | 1 | 900 | 900 |
| TV Champion wattage chart | 1 | 240 | 240 |
| LED bulb Champion wattage chart | 6 | 120 | 20 |
| Internet router/modem Champion wattage chart | 1 | 20 | 20 |
| Phone charger Champion wattage chart | 3 | 180 | 60 |
| Window AC 5,000 BTU Champion wattage chart | 1 | 530 | 1,050 |
| Running total | 14 | 2,270 | + 720 (refrigerator) |
2,270 W running plus the refrigerator’s 720 W surge is 2,990 W. With 20 percent headroom that is 2,724 and 3,588 W, rounded up to 2,800 running and 3,600 starting watts. That fits: 3,600 is within 4,000 and 2,800 is within three quarters of it (3,000). Build your own list in the calculator.
Central air on 4,000 W: No. By Champion’s figures even a 2 ton central air unit alone needs 2,700 running and 4,800 starting watts.
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Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready Inverter
3,000 running and 4,000 peak watts on gas: covers this list’s 2,800 running and 3,600 starting watts.
- Running / peak
- 3,000 / 4,000 W on gas
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Outlets
- 120V 25A TT-30R (RV), 120V 20A duplex 5-20R, 12V, parallel outlets
- CO shutoff
- Yes (CO Shield)
- Weight
- Under 49 lb
- Noise
- 64 dBA at 23 ft, maker figure
- Model
- 201419 or 100809 (not shown on the Amazon card)
- Listing
- Brand and specs match; confirm the model number on the listing
Not a fit for: 240 V loads or transfer switch hookup. The maker rates its TT-30R at 25 A, so it does not deliver a full 30 A.
Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Westinghouse iGen5000DFc
3,900 running and 5,000 peak watts on gas: covers this list’s 2,800 running and 3,600 starting watts.
- Running / peak
- 3,900 / 5,000 W on gas
- On propane
- 3,500 / 4,500 W
- Fuel
- Gasoline or propane
- Outlets
- 120V duplex 5-20R, 120V TT-30R (RV), 2 USB
- CO shutoff
- Yes
- Weight
- 105.8 lb
- Noise
- 52 dBA, maker figure
- Listing
- Brand and specs match; confirm the model number on the listing
Not a fit for: 240 V loads or a 240 V transfer switch (120 V only).
Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
05 5,000 W
What will a 5,000 watt generator run?
Our outage essentials list: a refrigerator, a 1/2 hp furnace blower, a 1/3 hp sump pump, a microwave, six LED bulbs, the internet router and three phone chargers, all at once.
| Item and source | How many | Running W | Starting W (one) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator Champion wattage chart | 1 | 280 | 1,000 |
| Furnace blower 1/2 hp Champion wattage chart | 1 | 550 | 1,200 |
| Sump pump 1/3 hp Champion wattage chart | 1 | 650 | 1,300 |
| LED bulb Champion wattage chart | 6 | 120 | 20 |
| Internet router/modem Champion wattage chart | 1 | 20 | 20 |
| Phone charger Champion wattage chart | 3 | 180 | 60 |
| Microwave Champion wattage chart | 1 | 900 | 900 |
| Running total | 14 | 2,700 | + 720 (refrigerator) |
2,700 W running plus the refrigerator’s 720 W surge is 3,420 W. With 20 percent headroom that is 3,240 and 4,104 W, rounded up to 3,300 running and 4,200 starting watts. That fits: 4,200 is within 5,000 and 3,300 is within three quarters of it (3,750). Open this list in the calculator.
Central air on 5,000 W: Only a 2 ton unit with nothing else on: by Champion’s figures it needs 2,700 running and 4,800 starting watts. Add the refrigerator and it needs 5,200 starting watts; a 3 ton unit alone needs 6,600.
Check your plugs. Honda’s wattage guide lists furnace fans and sump pumps as 240 V loads. A 240 V load needs a generator with a 120/240 V outlet, and a hard-wired load needs a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician. Each pick lists its outlets.
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Westinghouse iGen5000DFc
3,900 running and 5,000 peak watts on gas: covers this list’s 3,300 running and 4,200 starting watts.
- Running / peak
- 3,900 / 5,000 W on gas
- On propane
- 3,500 / 4,500 W
- Fuel
- Gasoline or propane
- Outlets
- 120V duplex 5-20R, 120V TT-30R (RV), 2 USB
- CO shutoff
- Yes
- Weight
- 105.8 lb
- Noise
- 52 dBA, maker figure
- Listing
- Brand and specs match; confirm the model number on the listing
Not a fit for: 240 V loads or a 240 V transfer switch (120 V only).
Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)DuroMax XP5500HX
4,500 running and 5,500 peak watts on gas: covers this list’s 3,300 running and 4,200 starting watts.
- Running / peak
- 4,500 / 5,500 W on gas
- On propane
- 4,275 / 5,225 W
- Fuel
- Gasoline or propane
- Outlets
- 120V 20A GFCI 5-20, 120/240V L14-30, 2 USB
- CO shutoff
- Yes, per the maker's spec table
- Weight
- 128 lb
- Noise
- 69 dB, maker figure
- Listing
- Same model as the maker page
Not a fit for: whole-house backup; a TT-30R RV outlet is not confirmed on the maker page read.
Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
06 6,500 W
What will a 6,500 watt generator run?
The outage essentials plus a 1/2 hp well pump and a TV, all at once.
| Item and source | How many | Running W | Starting W (one) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator Champion wattage chart | 1 | 280 | 1,000 |
| Furnace blower 1/2 hp Champion wattage chart | 1 | 550 | 1,200 |
| Sump pump 1/3 hp Champion wattage chart | 1 | 650 | 1,300 |
| LED bulb Champion wattage chart | 6 | 120 | 20 |
| Internet router/modem Champion wattage chart | 1 | 20 | 20 |
| Phone charger Champion wattage chart | 3 | 180 | 60 |
| Microwave Champion wattage chart | 1 | 900 | 900 |
| Well pump 1/2 hp Champion wattage chart | 1 | 880 | 1,750 |
| TV Champion wattage chart | 1 | 240 | 240 |
| Running total | 16 | 3,820 | + 870 (well pump 1/2 hp) |
3,820 W running plus the well pump 1/2 hp’s 870 W surge is 4,690 W. With 20 percent headroom that is 4,584 and 5,628 W, rounded up to 4,600 running and 5,700 starting watts. That fits: 5,700 is within 6,500 and 4,600 is within three quarters of it (4,875). Build your own list in the calculator.
Central air on 6,500 W: A 2 ton unit plus the refrigerator (3,100 running and 5,200 starting watts) fits. A 3 ton unit alone needs 6,600 starting watts, just over this size.
Check your plugs. Honda’s wattage guide lists furnace fans and sump pumps as 240 V loads; most submersible well pumps run on 230 V (Oakville Pump). A 240 V load needs a generator with a 120/240 V outlet, and a hard-wired load needs a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician. Each pick lists its outlets.
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Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv
5,300 running and 6,500 peak watts on gas: covers this list’s 4,600 running and 5,700 starting watts.
- Running / peak
- 5,300 / 6,500 W on gas
- On propane
- 4,800 / 5,800 W
- Fuel
- Gasoline or propane
- Outlets
- 120V duplex 5-20R, 120/240V L14-30R, 120V TT-30R (RV)
- CO shutoff
- Yes
- Weight
- 135.6 lb
- Noise
- 68 dBA, maker figure
- Listing
- Brand and specs match; confirm the model number on the listing
Not a fit for: whole-house backup; any hookup that needs a 50 A outlet.
Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)WEN DF680iX
5,100 running and 6,800 peak watts on gas: covers this list’s 4,600 running and 5,700 starting watts.
- Running / peak
- 5,100 / 6,800 W on gas
- On propane
- 4,500 / 6,000 W
- Fuel
- Gasoline or propane
- Outlets
- 120/240V L14-30R, two 120V 5-20R, 120V TT-30R (RV), 12V DC, two 5V USB
- CO shutoff
- Yes (CO Watchdog)
- Weight
- Not stated
- Noise
- 64 dB at quarter load, maker figure
- Listing
- Same model as the maker page
Not a fit for: A 50 A inlet or a 50 A RV plug.
Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
07 7,500 W
What will a 7,500 watt generator run?
The outage essentials plus a 1 hp well pump, all at once.
| Item and source | How many | Running W | Starting W (one) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator Champion wattage chart | 1 | 280 | 1,000 |
| Furnace blower 1/2 hp Champion wattage chart | 1 | 550 | 1,200 |
| Sump pump 1/3 hp Champion wattage chart | 1 | 650 | 1,300 |
| LED bulb Champion wattage chart | 6 | 120 | 20 |
| Internet router/modem Champion wattage chart | 1 | 20 | 20 |
| Phone charger Champion wattage chart | 3 | 180 | 60 |
| Microwave Champion wattage chart | 1 | 900 | 900 |
| Well pump 1 hp Champion wattage chart | 1 | 1,500 | 3,000 |
| Running total | 15 | 4,200 | + 1,500 (well pump 1 hp) |
4,200 W running plus the well pump 1 hp’s 1,500 W surge is 5,700 W. With 20 percent headroom that is 5,040 and 6,840 W, rounded up to 5,100 running and 6,900 starting watts. That fits: 6,900 is within 7,500 and 5,100 is within three quarters of it (5,625). Build your own list in the calculator.
Central air on 7,500 W: A 3 ton unit plus the refrigerator, six LED bulbs, the router and three phone chargers needs 4,700 running and 7,400 starting watts: it fits, with almost nothing to spare.
Check your plugs. Honda’s wattage guide lists furnace fans and sump pumps as 240 V loads; most submersible well pumps run on 230 V (Oakville Pump). A 240 V load needs a generator with a 120/240 V outlet, and a hard-wired load needs a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician. Each pick lists its outlets.
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Westinghouse WGen7500DFc
7,500 running and 9,500 peak watts on gas: covers this list’s 5,100 running and 6,900 starting watts.
- Running / peak
- 7,500 / 9,500 W on gas
- On propane
- 6,750 / 8,550 W
- Fuel
- Gasoline or propane
- Outlets
- two 120V duplex 5-20R, 120/240V L14-30R, 2 USB
- CO shutoff
- Yes
- Weight
- 202.1 lb
- Noise
- 72 dBA, maker figure
- Listing
- Brand and specs match; confirm the model number on the listing
Not a fit for: RV hookup (the maker lists RV Ready: No, and there is no TT-30R); a 50 A inlet.
Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Honda EU7000iS
5,500 running and 7,000 peak watts on gas: covers this list’s 5,100 running and 6,900 starting watts.
- Running / peak
- 5,500 / 7,000 W on gas
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Outlets
- two 20A 125V GFCI duplex, 30A 125V locking, 30A 125/250V locking
- CO shutoff
- Yes (CO-MINDER)
- Weight
- 263.2 lb
- Noise
- 52 to 58 dB(A) (1/4 load to rated load), maker figure
- Model
- EU7000iSNAC (50 state)
- Listing
- Brand and specs match; confirm the model number on the listing
Not a fit for: an RV TT-30 plug without an adapter (no TT-30R listed); a 50 A inlet; carrying by hand.
Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
08 8,000 W
What will a 8,000 watt generator run?
The outage essentials plus a 1 hp well pump, a TV and a dehumidifier, all at once.
| Item and source | How many | Running W | Starting W (one) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator Champion wattage chart | 1 | 280 | 1,000 |
| Furnace blower 1/2 hp Champion wattage chart | 1 | 550 | 1,200 |
| Sump pump 1/3 hp Champion wattage chart | 1 | 650 | 1,300 |
| LED bulb Champion wattage chart | 6 | 120 | 20 |
| Internet router/modem Champion wattage chart | 1 | 20 | 20 |
| Phone charger Champion wattage chart | 3 | 180 | 60 |
| Microwave Champion wattage chart | 1 | 900 | 900 |
| Well pump 1 hp Champion wattage chart | 1 | 1,500 | 3,000 |
| TV Champion wattage chart | 1 | 240 | 240 |
| Dehumidifier EWEB appliance table | 1 | 540 | 540 |
| Running total | 17 | 4,980 | + 1,500 (well pump 1 hp) |
4,980 W running plus the well pump 1 hp’s 1,500 W surge is 6,480 W. With 20 percent headroom that is 5,976 and 7,776 W, rounded up to 6,000 running and 7,800 starting watts. That fits: 7,800 is within 8,000 and 6,000 is within three quarters of it (6,000). Build your own list in the calculator.
Central air on 8,000 W: A 3 ton unit with the refrigerator, lights, router, chargers and a TV needs 5,000 running and 7,700 starting watts, which fits. Add the rest of the essentials list and it needs 7,200 running and 9,900 starting watts, which does not.
Check your plugs. Honda’s wattage guide lists furnace fans and sump pumps as 240 V loads; most submersible well pumps run on 230 V (Oakville Pump). A 240 V load needs a generator with a 120/240 V outlet, and a hard-wired load needs a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician. Each pick lists its outlets.
Verified generators at this size
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Westinghouse WGen7500DFc
7,500 running and 9,500 peak watts on gas: covers this list’s 6,000 running and 7,800 starting watts.
- Running / peak
- 7,500 / 9,500 W on gas
- On propane
- 6,750 / 8,550 W
- Fuel
- Gasoline or propane
- Outlets
- two 120V duplex 5-20R, 120/240V L14-30R, 2 USB
- CO shutoff
- Yes
- Weight
- 202.1 lb
- Noise
- 72 dBA, maker figure
- Listing
- Brand and specs match; confirm the model number on the listing
Not a fit for: RV hookup (the maker lists RV Ready: No, and there is no TT-30R); a 50 A inlet.
Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Westinghouse WGen9500DFc
9,500 running and 12,500 peak watts on gas: covers this list’s 6,000 running and 7,800 starting watts.
- Running / peak
- 9,500 / 12,500 W on gas
- On propane
- 8,500 / 11,200 W
- Fuel
- Gasoline or propane
- Outlets
- two 120V GFCI 5-20R, 120/240V L14-30R, 120/240V 14-50R (50A)
- CO shutoff
- Yes
- Weight
- 221 lb
- Noise
- 74 dBA, maker figure
- Listing
- Brand and specs match; confirm the model number on the listing
Not a fit for: whole-house backup when the running load is above 9,500 W; a TT-30 RV plug without an adapter.
Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
09 10,000 W
What will a 10,000 watt generator run?
The outage essentials plus a 3 ton central air conditioner, all at once.
| Item and source | How many | Running W | Starting W (one) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator Champion wattage chart | 1 | 280 | 1,000 |
| Furnace blower 1/2 hp Champion wattage chart | 1 | 550 | 1,200 |
| Sump pump 1/3 hp Champion wattage chart | 1 | 650 | 1,300 |
| LED bulb Champion wattage chart | 6 | 120 | 20 |
| Internet router/modem Champion wattage chart | 1 | 20 | 20 |
| Phone charger Champion wattage chart | 3 | 180 | 60 |
| Microwave Champion wattage chart | 1 | 900 | 900 |
| Central AC 3 ton Champion wattage chart | 1 | 3,250 | 5,500 |
| Running total | 15 | 5,950 | + 2,250 (central AC 3 ton) |
5,950 W running plus the central AC 3 ton’s 2,250 W surge is 8,200 W. With 20 percent headroom that is 7,140 and 9,840 W, rounded up to 7,200 running and 9,900 starting watts. That fits: 9,900 is within 10,000 and 7,200 is within three quarters of it (7,500). Build your own list in the calculator.
Central air on 10,000 W: Yes, with the essentials: the list above includes a 3 ton unit and needs 7,200 running and 9,900 starting watts. Champion says to plan for 10,000 watts or more to run central air.
Check your plugs. Honda’s wattage guide lists furnace fans and sump pumps as 240 V loads. A 240 V load needs a generator with a 120/240 V outlet, and a hard-wired load needs a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician. Each pick lists its outlets.
Verified generators at this size
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
DuroMax XP13000EH
10,500 running and 13,000 peak watts on gas: covers this list’s 7,200 running and 9,900 starting watts.
- Running / peak
- 10,500 / 13,000 W on gas
- On propane
- 10,000 / 12,500 W
- Fuel
- Gasoline or propane
- Outlets
- 120V 20A GFCI 5-20, 120V L5-30, 120/240V L14-30, 120/240V 14-50 (50A), 12V DC
- CO shutoff
- Yes, per the maker's spec table
- Weight
- 234 lb
- Noise
- 74 dB, maker figure
- Listing
- Same model as the maker page
Not a fit for: carrying by hand (234 lb dry); quiet campgrounds.
Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Westinghouse WGen9500DFc
9,500 running and 12,500 peak watts on gas: covers this list’s 7,200 running and 9,900 starting watts.
- Running / peak
- 9,500 / 12,500 W on gas
- On propane
- 8,500 / 11,200 W
- Fuel
- Gasoline or propane
- Outlets
- two 120V GFCI 5-20R, 120/240V L14-30R, 120/240V 14-50R (50A)
- CO shutoff
- Yes
- Weight
- 221 lb
- Noise
- 74 dBA, maker figure
- Listing
- Brand and specs match; confirm the model number on the listing
Not a fit for: whole-house backup when the running load is above 9,500 W; a TT-30 RV plug without an adapter.
Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
10 Questions
What will it run? Questions by size
What will a 2,000 watt generator run?
A refrigerator, a TV, four LED bulbs, the internet router, two phone chargers and a box fan at once: 1,100 running and 2,000 starting watts with 20 percent headroom. That is plug-in, 120 V territory; it will not run central air, a well pump or an electric dryer.
Will a 2,000 watt generator run a refrigerator?
Yes. A typical refrigerator runs on about 280 watts and needs about 1,000 to start (Champion), so with headroom it needs 400 running and 1,200 starting watts. A fridge at the high end of our sources, such as Westinghouse’s 700 running and 2,200 starting watts, needs more, so check its label.
What will a 3,500 watt generator run?
A refrigerator, a microwave, a TV, six LED bulbs, the router, three phone chargers and a laptop: 2,400 running and 3,300 starting watts. Run the microwave and other big heaters one at a time to leave room.
What will a 5,000 watt generator run?
Our outage essentials list: a refrigerator, a furnace blower, a sump pump, a microwave, lights, the router and chargers, at 3,300 running and 4,200 starting watts. Honda lists furnace fans and sump pumps as 240 V loads, so check your plugs and your generator’s outlets.
What will a 6,500 watt generator run?
The outage essentials plus a 1/2 hp well pump and a TV: 4,600 running and 5,700 starting watts. Most submersible well pumps run on 230 V (Oakville Pump), so the generator needs a 120/240 V outlet and the pump a transfer switch.
What will an 8,000 watt generator run?
The outage essentials plus a 1 hp well pump, a TV and a dehumidifier: 6,000 running and 7,800 starting watts. Generac’s GP8000E is an example of the size: 8,000 continuous and up to 10,000 starting watts.
What will a 10,000 watt generator run?
The outage essentials plus a 3 ton central air conditioner by Champion’s figures: 7,200 running and 9,900 starting watts. Champion says to plan for 10,000 watts or more for central air, and Generac warns a 3 ton unit can demand 15,000 to 18,000 watts to start.
Will a 7,500 watt generator run central air?
A 3 ton unit with only the refrigerator, lights, router and chargers, yes, by Champion’s figures (4,700 running and 7,400 starting watts). Not with the rest of the house on. Central air also needs a transfer switch or an approved interlock installed by a licensed electrician.
Is a generator’s size its running or its starting watts?
Often the starting (peak) figure, because listings lead with the bigger number. On the generators we verified, the rated figure is 75 to 82 percent of the peak. Match your running total plus 20 percent to the rated watts and your starting total plus 20 percent to the peak watts.
Run it outside only, at least 20 feet from the house with the exhaust pointed away, never in a garage even with the door open, and never plug it into a wall outlet (CPSC).
Sources: Champion wattage chart, Champion sizing guide, Generac, Generac on power limits, Consumer Reports, Oakville Pump, CPSC, and the makers' spec sheets for each pick. All read October 17, 2026.