What will a 5,000 watt generator run?

A 5,000 watt generator is a step up from the small camping sizes. It's big enough to keep a home's essentials going with some comfort, and it's still portable. Here's what fits.

First, which 5,000 is it?

Every generator has two ratings:

• Starting (peak) watts: a short burst for starting motors.
• Running (rated) watts: what it can give all day.

The number in the name is often the peak figure. The WEN DF480iX, for example, is 4,800 peak and 4,000 running. But some makers name a model by its running watts instead: Westinghouse's WGen7500DFc is 7,500 running and 9,500 peak. So check the spec sheet.

Below, we assume the tougher case: 4,000 running and 5,000 starting watts. If yours is 5,000 running, you have about 25% more room.

Will a 5,000 watt generator run a house?

It runs the essentials, with room for one or two extras. Using our calculator's figures:

Appliance	Running W	Starting W
Fridge	400	1,200
Freezer	300	1,000
Sump pump (1/2 HP)	1,000	2,150
Furnace fan (1/3 HP)	700	1,800
Lights, Wi-Fi, TV	265	same

• Running: 400 + 300 + 1,000 + 700 + 265 = 2,665 W
• Biggest surge: the sump pump, 2,150 − 1,000 = 1,150 W
• Starting: 2,665 + 1,150 = 3,815 W
• With 20% headroom: about 3,200 running and 4,600 starting watts

That fits a 4,000 running / 5,000 starting generator. The calculator above is set to this list. You have about 800 running watts to spare: enough for a window AC or a microwave, but not both. Connecting to house circuits needs a transfer switch or interlock installed by a licensed electrician. See how to connect a generator to a house.

Will a 5,000 watt generator run an air conditioner?

AC	Running W	Starting W	On 4,000 run / 5,000 start
Window AC, 8,000–10,000 BTU	750–1,200	2,000–2,400	Yes, plus the essentials
RV roof AC, 13,500 BTU	1,500–2,000	2,800–3,500	Yes, plus a fridge, lights and TV
Two 13,500 BTU RV ACs	3,000	4,500	Yes, but little else
Central AC, 2 ton (240 V)	2,000–2,500	3,500–4,500	Maybe, alone. Needs a 240 V outlet
Central AC, 3 ton (240 V)	3,000–3,500	5,000–6,000	No, not without a soft start

Figures are from Champion's chart and our calculator. For central air, see will a generator run central air?

More "will it run" answers

Appliance	On a 5,000 W generator
Refrigerator and freezer	Yes, easily, with room for more
Well pump, 1/2 HP 3-wire (240 V)	Yes, if it has a 240 V outlet. Franklin Electric says 2,000 W minimum
Well pump, 1/2 HP 2-wire (240 V)	Yes, with little else. Franklin says 3,000 W minimum
Well pump, 1 HP	Only a 3-wire pump, alone. Franklin says 4,000 W (3-wire) or 6,000 W (2-wire) minimum
Gas furnace fan	Yes
Microwave (1,000 W draw)	Yes
Space heater (1,500 W)	Yes, two, or one with the essentials
Electric water heater (4,500 W, 240 V)	Only if it has 5,000 running watts and a 240 V outlet, and then nothing else
30 amp camper	Yes, all of it (a 30 A RV draws 3,600 W at most)
50 amp camper	Partly. Two ACs or one AC plus the kitchen, not everything
120 V welder	Borderline. Champion lists 1,800–2,500 running and 3,600–5,000 starting
Air compressor, 1 HP	Yes, alone. Honda and Champion list about 1,500 running and 4,500 starting
Circular saw, 7-1/4"	Yes

Inverter or open-frame?

At 5,000 W you can choose either type. They suit different jobs:

• Inverter models are quieter and give cleaner power for electronics. Many have a TT-30R outlet for campers but no 240 V outlet. The DF480iX, for example, has four 120 V outlets, a TT-30R and a 12 V outlet.
• Open-frame models are louder, but more often have the 240 V L14-30R outlet a well pump or transfer switch needs.

If you need 240 V at home, check for that outlet first. See inverter vs conventional generators and dual fuel vs gas.

Tips to get the most from 5,000 watts

• Start the biggest motor first, then add the rest one at a time.
• Don't stack heat makers. A microwave, coffee maker or space heater each use 1,000–1,500 W.
• Check the propane rating. Dual-fuel models make less on propane. The DF480iX drops from 4,000 to 3,600 running watts.
• Watch the altitude. Westinghouse's manual says output drops about 3.5% per 1,000 feet. At 5,000 feet, 4,000 running watts acts like about 3,300.

How long will a 5,000 watt generator run?

It depends on the tank and the load. As an example, WEN says the DF480iX runs about 7 hours at half load on its 1.9-gallon tank. See how long a generator runs on 5 gallons of gas.

Check your own appliances

Look at each appliance's label. Amps × 120 = running watts. For motors, plan on two to three times that to start. Then add them up in the calculator above.

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