What will a 2,000 watt generator run?

A 2,000 watt generator is small, light and easy to carry. It's the most popular size for camping and for keeping the basics going at home. Here's what it can and can't handle.

First, check what "2,000 watts" means

Generators have two ratings:

• Starting (peak) watts: the most it can give for a few seconds.
• Running (rated) watts: what it can give all day.

On many small inverter generators, "2,000" is the starting figure, and the running rating is lower. Look at the spec sheet for both. In the tables below we assume about 1,600 running and 2,000 starting watts. If yours is rated higher, you'll have a little more room.

Will a 2,000 watt generator run an air conditioner?

Air conditioners have a compressor, which needs a big burst to start. That's the part that trips small generators.

AC size	Running W	Starting W	On a 2,000 W generator
5,000 BTU window	450–600	900–1,200	Yes, with room for a fridge or lights
6,000 BTU window	about 550–720	about 1,100–1,450	Yes, with lights and chargers
8,000 BTU window	about 720–960	about 1,450–2,000	Borderline. Start it first, with nothing else starting
10,000 BTU window	900–1,500	1,800–2,400	Unlikely for most units. Maybe for a newer inverter AC
13,500 BTU RV roof	1,500–2,000	2,800–3,500	No without a soft start kit

The 5,000 and 10,000 BTU rows come from Champion's chart, with Honda's 1,500 / 2,200 W for an older 10,000 BTU unit. The 6,000 and 8,000 BTU rows are scaled between Champion's figures. The RV row is from Champion's chart. For more on each size, see what size generator for a window AC.

Newer "inverter" window ACs draw less and usually start more gently, so they're the best match for a small generator. Check the box or manual for "inverter" or "variable speed."

The 13,500 BTU RV AC question

This is the most common question about 2,000 W generators. The short version: a stock 13,500 BTU RV AC needs 2,800–3,500 W to start, which is more than 2,000. With a soft start kit fitted, it's often possible. Full details: can a 2,000 watt generator run a 13,500 BTU RV AC?

What else can a 2,000 watt generator run?

Appliance	Running W	Starting W	On 2,000 W
Fridge (modern)	400	1,200	Yes
Fridge + freezer	700	1,500	Yes, if they don't start at the same moment
CPAP (no heated humidifier)	30–60	same	Yes
LED lights, Wi-Fi, TV, chargers	20–400 each	same	Yes
Microwave (1,000 W)	1,000	same	Yes, alone or with small things
Space heater	1,500	same	Yes, on its own (nothing else big)
Sump pump, 1/3 HP	750–800	1,300–1,600	Yes
Sump pump, 1/2 HP	1,000	up to 2,150	Borderline
Furnace fan, 1/3 HP	700	1,800	Usually yes, alone
Well pump, 1/2 HP (240 V)	1,000	3,000	No. Most are 240 V, and the motor maker says 2–3 kW minimum
Electric water heater (240 V)	4,500	same	No
Circular saw, 7-1/4"	1,400	2,300	Unlikely

Watts are the figures in our calculator, from Champion's and Honda's charts. The well pump minimum is from Franklin Electric's manual.

Will a 2,000 watt generator run a camper?

Yes, for the basics: lights, the water pump, the fridge on electric or propane, a fan, a TV and phone chargers. It won't run the roof AC on its own unless the AC has a soft start. See what size generator for a travel trailer.

A worked example: the basics at home

Fridge, LED lights, Wi-Fi, a TV and phone chargers:

• Running: 400 + 100 + 15 + 150 + 80 = 745 W
• Biggest surge: the fridge, 1,200 − 400 = 800 W
• Starting: 745 + 800 = 1,545 W
• With 20% headroom: about 900 running and 1,900 starting watts

That fits a 2,000 W generator. The calculator above is set up with this list. Try adding a sump pump or a window AC to see where it tips over.

Tips to get more from a small generator

• Start the biggest motor first, then plug in the rest one at a time.
• Don't run two heat makers at once. A microwave, a space heater, a hair dryer or a coffee maker will each use most of the generator.
• Use eco or idle mode with care. It saves fuel, but the engine has to speed up when a motor starts, so a start can trip it. Turn eco mode off if the fridge or AC trips the generator.
• Link two units. Two 2,000 W inverter generators with a parallel kit act like one bigger unit. That's one way to run an RV AC.

Check your appliance's label

Chart numbers are averages. Look for a sticker on the back, side or inside the door. If it lists amps, multiply by 120 to get watts. For motors, plan on two to three times that to start.

Safety: Run it outdoors only, 20+ feet from the house, away from windows and doors. Read our carbon monoxide guide.