When the power goes out, having a backup generator can be a lifesaver. Whether it's due to severe weather, electrical grid issues, or unforeseen circumstances, a generator provides peace of mind by ensuring that your most essential appliances continue running. However, not all appliances in your home need to be powered during an outage, and connecting too many can overload your generator.

Our experts have made a list for you, outlining the appliances you should prioritize hooking up to your generator, why it’s important to manage the load properly, and how a professional electrician can help you set up your generator for maximum safety and efficiency.

Understanding Your Generator’s Capacity

Before deciding which appliances to connect to your generator, it's essential to understand its capacity. Generators are rated by the amount of power they can produce, measured in watts. 

Some generators are designed for basic use, providing enough power to run a few essential appliances, while others are large enough to power most of your home.

• Portable Generators: Typically range from 2,000 to 10,000 watts. These are great for powering critical devices, but they won't simultaneously run everything in your home.

• Standby Generators: These are permanently installed outside your home and are usually wired directly into your electrical system. They typically range from 7,000 to 20,000 watts or more and can handle most of your home’s essential electrical needs.

The first step in determining which appliances to connect is understanding your generator’s wattage and ensuring you don’t exceed its capacity.

Essential Appliances to Power During an Outage

When deciding which appliances to hook up to your generator, focus on those that are crucial for safety, comfort, and preservation of resources. Here are the top priorities:

1. Refrigerator and Freezer

Your refrigerator and freezer are among the most critical appliances to power during an outage. They keep perishable food from spoiling, which is especially important during extended outages. Losing food due to a lack of refrigeration can be costly and inconvenient, particularly in areas where power outages may last for several days.

• Wattage Requirement: The average refrigerator/freezer requires about 600 to 1,200 watts to operate, depending on the size and model.

Include this essential appliance in your generator's load calculation to avoid spoilage and minimize waste.

2. Lights

Having light during a power outage is essential for safety and convenience. While you don’t need to power every light in your home, connecting a few key areas to the generator, such as your kitchen, living room, and hallways, can provide enough visibility to navigate your home safely.

• Wattage Requirement: LED light bulbs are energy-efficient and require very little power—typically 10 to 20 watts per bulb. Even if you power several lights, the total wattage will remain relatively low.

3. Heating and Cooling Systems

If your home relies on electric heating or cooling systems, keeping these functional during a power outage can be crucial, especially in extreme weather conditions. If it’s too hot or too cold, not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous for elderly family members, young children, or those with medical conditions.

• Wattage Requirement: A central air conditioner or electric furnace can draw significant power, ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 watts. You may need to prioritize either heating or cooling depending on the season and the capacity of your generator.

If your generator can’t support the entire HVAC system, consider using space heaters or window air conditioners, as they have much lower power requirements.

4. Water Heater or Well Pump

If your home uses an electric water heater, it’s essential to connect it to the generator to ensure you have hot water for hygiene and cleaning. If you rely on a well for water, powering the well pump is equally important to maintain access to water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.

• Wattage Requirement: Electric water heaters typically require 3,000 to 4,500 watts, while well pumps usually draw 1,000 to 2,000 watts.

Since these appliances require significant power, it’s best to use them intermittently to avoid overloading the generator.

5. Sump Pump

For homes with basements or crawl spaces, a sump pump is critical for preventing flooding, especially during storms that may coincide with power outages. Without power, water can quickly accumulate, causing extensive damage to your home.

• Wattage Requirement: A typical sump pump uses 800 to 2,000 watts, depending on the size and capacity.

If your area is prone to flooding or heavy rain, powering the sump pump should be a top priority during an outage.

6. Medical Devices

For individuals who rely on medical devices, such as oxygen machines, ventilators, or CPAP machines, ensuring that these devices remain powered is crucial for health and safety.

• Wattage Requirement: Medical devices typically have low power demands, ranging from 100 to 400 watts. However, they are essential, so they should be prioritized in any power outage plan.

Non-Essential Appliances to Avoid Powering

While it might be tempting to keep all your electronics running, it’s important to avoid overloading your generator. Here are a few non-essential appliances that can wait until the power returns:

• Large Entertainment Systems: While it’s nice to have access to TVs or home theater systems during an outage, they draw unnecessary power. Stick to essential devices like phones and laptops.

• Oven or Electric Stove: These appliances can use anywhere from 2,500 to 5,000 watts or more, making them difficult to run on most generators. Instead, opt for a gas stove or portable propane burner if possible.

• Dishwasher and Washer/Dryer: While it might be inconvenient, these appliances aren’t essential during an outage and consume a lot of power.

If you need to cook during your power outage, you might be able to achieve that with smaller appliances. Air fryers typically draw 1,200-2,000 watts, Instapots 700-1,200 watts, and Crockpots 100-450 watts. These can be great options during an outage.

Furthermore, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You might consider running your refrigerator and freezer for awhile, then turning them off and switching to focus on other appliances. If the outage goes on long enough, you can always switch back.

Why You Should Have a Professional Electrician Set Up Your Generator

Connecting a generator to your home’s electrical system isn’t as simple as plugging in a few appliances. It requires proper wiring, load management, and safety precautions to prevent overloading the generator or creating electrical hazards. Here’s why you should rely on a licensed electrician:

• Proper Installation: A professional electrician can help you install a transfer switch, allowing you to seamlessly switch between grid power and generator power without the risk of back-feeding electricity into the grid.

• Load Calculation: An electrician can assess your home’s power needs and ensure your generator is capable of handling the essential appliances. They can also help you prioritize which appliances to connect during an outage.

• Safe Operation: Using a generator improperly can pose serious risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning, electrical shock, or fire. A licensed electrician will ensure your generator is safely installed and operated according to all local codes and regulations.

Call Thomas Edison Electric Today!

During a power outage, it’s important to know which appliances are essential and which can be powered down to avoid overloading your generator. Refrigerators, lights, and critical heating or cooling systems should take priority, while non-essential items like entertainment systems can wait.

At Thomas Edison Electric, our professional electricians can help you set up your generator safely and ensure it’s equipped to power the right appliances when you need them most. Contact us today to discuss your generator installation or maintenance needs.

Learn More About Generators

Want to learn more about generators? Check out these additional resources we’ve compiled just for you:

Generator Safety

Portable vs. Standby Generators

Generator Installation Services

Professional Backup Generator Basics