Do you wish to buy a 4000-watt generator but not sure if it can power all your appliances? Worry not! A 4000-watt generator can run most of the essential home appliances, such as a small well pump, small window AC unit, fridge, coffee maker, washing machine, dishwasher, microwave oven, TV, VCR / DVD player, pressure cooker, and a couple of power tools among others.
A generator is an essential device to have as it helps during power outages. However, when purchasing one, you will need to know the kind of appliance you have to choose one with the ideal wattage. A 4000 watts generator can sort you big time as it can run most appliances at home. Most of their engines use gas and sometimes diesel or propane, which is readily available worldwide.
Nonetheless, it should be a temporary solution as using for long to run several appliances can reduce its effectiveness. The generators that feature circuit breakers are the best as they can protect your device from engine damage in case of an overload.
Here you will learn the appliances that a 4000-watt generator can run for an informed decision.
Tools/Appliances That A 4000-Watt Generator Can Power
Essential Appliances
With a 4000-watt generator, your power needs for essential appliances are sorted. A 4000-watt device can power appliances such as light bulbs, ceiling fans, furnace fan blower, electric water heater, space heater, humidifier, small window AC, well water pump, and sump pump.
If you need to run all the appliances simultaneously, calculate their total wattage, and as long as they do not exceed 4000 watts, the machine will be safe to power. Exceeding the wattage can lead to overload that can damage the engine that affects your device’s power output.
Kitchen Appliances
Toaster, rice cooker, 2200 watts refrigerator, microwave, fryer, stove, electric kettle, electric can opener, dishwasher, deep freezer, and coffee maker are kitchen appliances a 4000 watts generator can power. However, do not expect to simultaneously run all these appliances as you might exceed the ideal watts, leading to overload.
Always calculate how much power each appliance consumes to know which one to switch on simultaneously without affecting your generator.
Laundry And Bathroom Appliances
You can use a 4000 watts generator to run curling iron, gas clothes dryer, 700 watts vacuum cleaner, hairdryer, iron, and 2250 watts washing machines.
Entertainment Appliances
A 4000-watt generator can conveniently power entertainment appliances such as a DVD player, stereo, TV, and laptop. As long as the generator is not overloaded, there should be no issue in powering them.
Power Tools
Some power tools that consume less electricity can be powered conveniently with a 4000-watt generator. Tools like a pressure washer, electric drill, circular saw, chainsaw, and air compressor can operate conveniently without overloading your machine.
What To Consider When Buying A 4000 Watts Generator
Starting And Running Watts Of Your Generator
A generator has two main wattage outputs; surge watts and rated watts. A surge (starting) watt is the power that the generator needs to start, i.e., power the device produces over a short period. On the other hand, rated (running) watts are the generator’s power over a long period. Therefore, a 4,000-watt generator can produce 4,000 running watts, and the surge watts differ from one model to the other. The starting watts for most generators range between 4,300 to 5,250 watts.
Before you buy a 4,000 watts generator, you also need to calculate your appliances’ starting and running wattage. The wattage information is usually found in the user manual or sides or back of the electrical devices. The total wattage of appliances you need to connect simultaneously should not exceed your 4,000 watts generator’s wattage limitation.
Inverter VS. Conventional Generator
They are both inverter and conventional generators that produce 4,000 watts of power, and you will have to check which one best suits your needs. Inverter types are small and lightweight, thus portable. They also produce clean and steady power that keeps your entire appliance safe and secure. Besides, they operate quietly, making the inverters the best for a home.
Conventional generators, on the other hand, are big, making them heavy. However, they come with handle kits and wheels for stress-free transportation. They tend to be powerful than inverters, but, its loud voice makes them unsuitable where quietness is needed.
Fuel Tank Capacity
The capacity of the generator’s tank determines its runtime. A 4,000-watt generator has a different capacity and one that at least a 4-gallon tank, for conventional types, is the best as it gives 10-hours plus runtime. However, inverter generators with a 2-gallon tank will work well to match the runtime of 4-gallon converter types. The runtime can vary depending on engine efficiency, and efficient fuel-engines run longer than non-efficient ones.
Power Outlets
There are two standard outlets of 120V AC in every 4,000-watt generator. However, some come with up to 6 outlets. Thus, your choice of the generator should have the number of outlets you are looking for. For instance, if you want a generator for your RV devices, look for one with an RV-ready outlet. Note that an outlet with a 120/240V 30A twist lock is important if you intend to use the generator to run power tools. Those with a 12V DC outlet and USB have an added advantage.
Noise Level
High noise level is disturbing both at home and workplace. It is, therefore, considerate to buy a generator with lower decibel ratings. For conventional generators, look for one with less than a 70-decibel rating, while 55 Db (A) or less is okay for inverter types. As you buy a generator, consider your neighbors as they may not be comfortable with the slightest noise above the recommended levels.
What Is The Best Wattage For A Generator?
5,000 to 7,000 watts is an ideal generator that can power most household appliances. If you intend to run things like a freezer, refrigerator, and well pump, among other appliances, simultaneously, then a generator with 7,500 watts will be the best option. However, for RV, a generator with 3,000 to 4,000 watts will work fine.
Nonetheless, every home’s needs vary, and it would be best to check the exact wattage of your home appliances to be 100% sure. Here are the 3 steps that can help you to know the right size of generator for your home:
Steps For Finding The Right Size Of Generator
Step 1: List all the electric appliances that you wish to power using the generator
Step 2: Identify starting and running watts for appliances listed in step 1. The starting and the running wattage are normally listed on the labels of each appliance.
Step 3: Sum the wattage for your appliances. The number will guide you on the ideal size of the generator for your home. Always get a generator with a higher wattage than the total number of power needed by your appliances to be on the safe side.
Final Word
A 4,000 watts generator can power most household appliances and come in hand during a power outage. However, you need to know the appliances you want to power to get your home’s ideal generator. This will ensure there is no overheating that can pose safety issues. If you want a generator to use for more running hours, then converter types are the best. Nonetheless, the inverters tend to be easily portable as they are small and lightweight. Besides, they quietly produce clean and steady power, making it a perfect choice to power household appliances temporarily.
