What Will a 4000-Watt Generator Run? 

A generator is your home’s backup electrical supply. When the power goes out, generators come on, keeping every appliance running smoothly. Portable generators can be used away from home—they can power a coffee pot while camping or supply electricity to an RV. With the increasing integration of technology, reliable power has become a necessity. 

Keep reading to understand watt ratings, the different types of wattages, the power requirements of standard appliances, and how to determine what size generator you need. 

What Is a 4000-Watt Generator?

A 4000-watt generator is a power station that produces a continuous output of 4000 watts (4 kW) of power. It can run devices and appliances requiring 4000W of electrical power. Before purchasing one, you must understand the generator’s starting and running watts. 

However, EcoFlow Solar Generators are different than regular generators. Instead of relying on fuel, a solar generator utilizes EcoFlow Solar Panels to capture sunlight and convert it to electrical power. 

Understanding Wattage

Starting Watts

These are the wattage needed first to start or turn on an appliance. Machines with motors and compressors require an extra electricity push because of inertia. Refrigerators, dryers, and air conditioners have a high starting wattage. This high power need is usually short-lived. 

Running Watts

Running wattage is the power required to keep the appliance running once it’s been turned on. Running wattage is lower than starting wattage. 

Surge Watts

This term is used interchangeably with starting watts, as they both refer to the initial burst of power needed to start an appliance. However, surge watts are typically used to describe the generator’s capacity to handle momentary spikes in power needs, while starting wattage is commonly used when referring to the appliance’s power demand. 

Watt-Hour

A watt-hour is a unit of energy. It measures how much electrical power a device consumes over an hour while only requiring one watt. The generator’s reported value, Wh, describes how long it can sustain an appliance. 

What Can a 4000-Watt Generator Run?

Sometimes, an appliance doesn’t report the running watts. You can calculate the watts yourself if the volts or amps are provided. 

Watts (W or kW) = Volts (V) x Amps (A)

Amps (A) = Watts (W or kW) / Volts (V)

Here are some common appliances with their starting and running watts. If no additional power is needed to start the appliance, the starting watts are the same as the running watts. Look at the appliance’s user manual or calculate it yourself for exact watt requirements. The starting wattage is also found there. 

If you think more power than a 4000W generator is needed to power all your appliances, look at EcoFlow Whole Home Generator solutions. 

Determining What Size Generator Is Necessary

List Out Appliances 

The first step in deciding what size generator you need is to make a comprehensive list of all the appliances and devices you want to run with it. Consider where the generator will be used most. Do you need an RV-rated generator or just one for the home? 

Determine Power Requirements 

Then, identify each appliance’s starting and running wattage. The user manual or device’s label will likely have this information. If not, you can easily calculate it by multiplying volts by amps. 

Calculate Total Wattage

Sum the wattage of the appliances that will be used simultaneously, then add the highest starting wattage. You won’t need to add all the starting wattages because each appliance does not usually start simultaneously. 

Find A Generator

Once you’ve determined the watts needed, you can choose a generator. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra is the most powerful whole-home backup generator, with a maximum storage capacity of 90 kWh and 7.2 Kw of AC output. It can power almost every combination of appliances and devices, so you’ll never need to worry about reliable power.

Final Thoughts

Understanding a generator’s watt rating is crucial when picking out one that suits your needs. Even more important is identifying the running wattage and starting wattage of the appliances that will be powered. The watt-hour will describe how long the appliances will be powered. 

After calculating the size generator needed, it’s time to find the best one. With the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra, you’ll have access to enough watts for any appliance you need to be powered.