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    Generator Q.

    What size generator would I need to run ( at the same time) the following
    Coffee maker, water pump when necessary, some lights, TV.....or radio.
    in othering words the basic things. Not items like air, hair dryer, iron or this types of things.

    Thanks all

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    Attached are two charts (one from the generator manufacturer, and one from Grand Design) showing wattage and current draw (current (I) in amps = watts (P)/voltage (V)) Look up Ohm's Law if you're interested. Based on what you're intending to do, you should be fine with a 2000 watt generator. Know that 2000W is surge draw, the generators typically can handle a continuous draw of 1700W. There are many fine generators in this category, with varying prices from the $350-$1200.

    Champion, Predator, Wen, Honda, Yamaha are pretty common brands. One thing to be aware of is the weight. I'm moving the generators by myself, so I went with two 39 pound Wen generators and the parallel kit. This gives me 4000W surge to run the AC in eco mode. I take one unit with me if I don't think I need the AC. I added an hour meter to each unit, and keep them with roughly the same amount of run time. An important aspect of having a generator is maintaining them. There are many good videos on YouTube on how to do this.

    Hope this helps you.
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  3. #3
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    Coffee makers can range from 600-1200 watts and Keurigs can be as high as 1500
    Your light run off of 12v
    TV maybe 100 watts
    So a 2000 watt would be sufficient


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  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Larry M View Post
    What size generator would I need to run ( at the same time) the following
    Coffee maker, water pump when necessary, some lights, TV.....or radio.
    in othering words the basic things. Not items like air, hair dryer, iron or this types of things.

    Thanks all
    It's going to be best for you to understand the watts you need, then look for an inverter/generator that has a running capacity the exceeds the watts of all the device combined.

    Example: (may not be real numbers)
    Residential Refrigerator: 21 watts
    AC: 3300 watts to start the compressor 1800 watts to run
    Bathroom fan: 12 watts to run
    LED lights: 6 watts
    TV: 12 watts

    So for this list of items, it would be an inverter/generator of 2000 watts to run all of this, but one of 3400 watts to keep everything running, since the AC unit needs 3300 watts to start the compressor.

    Once you know the watts of everything you want to run, then you will have an idea of the size of the inverter/generator you will need.

    To calculate watts the formula is: amps times volts equals watts (A * V = W). Ether DC (12v) or AC (120v) both work give you the watts required to operate the piece of equipment.

    As a side note, watts is a measurement of power.

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    Mark & Mary. Full-timing across the USA (and Canada)!
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    Thanks to all
    very helpful....

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