Generator question

[GoneFishingLTN]

How many watts would I need to run a fridge,heater,cpap and a tv plus 3 lights or so. I’m thinking of getting a 3500 one. Also would this be able to charge a boat?
 

sorry if this is the wrong spot to post this. 

[Russ E]

A lot of variables. Is the fridge full size.

Is it a space heater or whole house heat. 120 or 240 volt.

Is it a compact tv or big screen.

Most boat chargers do not draw much power.

 

For reference.:

A full size fridge draws around 10 amps when the compressor is running.

A 120 volt space heater draws around 10 amps.

A big screen tv draws around 10 amps.

 

3X10 =30 amps

30 amps X 120 volts = 3600 watts.

 

If you intend on running everything at once, I would get a 5500 watt generator. That is constant watts. Not peak. 

You may get by with the smaller generator, but it will have to work hard. Plus you may occasionally trip the breaker, if everything turns on at the same time.

[Jig Man]

Sounds like you are planning to power a camper.  If so you may want to check and see what each of those items draws on start up because that is when they pull the most.  Then you can have a better idea of what you need.

[NHBull]

I have a 1k to charge my boat when it is on the dock.

 

We use an 8500 for my house for emergencies .  A 3500 should be fine for what you are looking thank to do

 

 

[Way2slow]

Not all generators are the same.  Check on refrigerator requirements.  A lot of the newer, energy efficient refrigeration systems, ACs refrigerators, freezer's etc, have gone to variable frequency compressors.   Some generators will damage those units.  

[WRB]

If you want to have clean power and both AC and DC you need a inverter generator. Good units like Honda and Yamaha vary out put for the peak power needed and reduce output as demand decreases. When a refrigerator starts up the power needed increases for example. Your electronics require clear power, TV, modem, computer etc.  

Tom

[DanielG]

I've been through a few generators and have settled on one type. Here's my take in Southern Maine were we lose the power a few times a year. Usually for a short time. 3400 watts can be easily enough if you don't mind winging it a bit. I run a couple of extension cables into the house. We plug in an entertainment area which includes a 60" tv and internet stuff. Also a couple of lights (led bulbs) I plug the pellet stove in for heat. Or if you wanted to you could run an electric heater. So far you are well under the limit.

 

Now, if you don't open the fridge you can leave it a day without noticing much heating up. But, once or twice a day unplug something like the heater maybe(?) and run the fridge for an hour. When the compressor stops the fridge is cooled enough till the next time. I also have a cpap... don't worry about the power that needs it's not much.

 

Added info you may not need. I've got a dual fuel propane/gasonline generator. They are expensive but if you run propane then you never have 10% methanol gasoline running through it go gum up the carb, especially if it sits for long periods of time. You turn off the propane bottle to stop it; nothing left in the machine.

 

I've had good luck with a Champion dual fuel. It's an inverter generator. I wouldn't have any other type. Inverter generators run on idle. Other types run wide open all the time. The inverter generator will only ramp up speed as you plug more things into it and they require more power. So, when the fridge isn't running the motor throttles down. It's also a filtered sine wave so it won't hurt any electronics. And they can be great for camping as they are often quieter. i've got a Champion Dual fuel electric start 3400 watt.