What Size Generator Do I Need to Run a Refrigerator?

In a world full of light, a moment of darkness seems obstinate. But when it happens, we wait for it to be back. Yes, we are talking about a power cut. Power cut happens when power from your local grid is unavailable. So, you don’t get to use any of your electronic appliances. Thankfully, generators keep providing power until it is back. They are one of the most significant inventions of our technology-driven world. 

There are different kinds of generators available in the market. Irrespective of their type, their primary purpose is to maintain an uninterrupted power supply to the appliances. Using these devices, you can power various electronic appliances, including TV, fans, refrigerators, etc.

The amount of power supplied by a generator depends on its size. So, what size generator do you need to run a refrigerator? The answer is practically a calculation that you have to make. But before that, you should have a decent idea about what a generator is. As you read ahead, you will find the necessary factors for choosing the right size of generator for your fridge. 

What Is A Generator?

Generators or electrical generators are devices that convert energy and provide electricity to your home or appliances when power from your local grid is unavailable. Generators are used as a power backup that felicitates power to homes, businesses, and industrial sectors. Some places even use it as a primary energy source where a local electrical grid is unavailable or difficult to obtain, such as mining and farming operations or even new developments and construction sites. 

You may even use a generator for any specific purpose. For instance, you can buy it to run your motor or power your refrigerator. Many meat businesses have a generator as a power backup to keep the fridge powered. These generators are compact and portable. Other types of generators are for permanent installation and can provide power to a whole building. 

Generators require fuel to run. Fuels used in generators are natural gas, propane. You can also find a bi-fuel generator if you want one. So, how do they work?

Generators do not create energy, but they convert it by capturing the power of motion, turning it into electrical energy, and forcing electrons from the external source through an electrical circuit. Generators have two primary parts- an engine and an alternator. The engine in the generator consumes the fuel and turns a shaft. 

The alternator has two components- a rotor and a stator. The engine shaft rotates the rotor. It then induces power in the stator. The energy then goes straight to the control panel, from where you can use it to power whatever device you need. 

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How to Use Generators for Domestic Purposes

No one can promise you an endless and uninterrupted power supply to your home. A power cut is a common issue that we can’t avoid. In some areas, it is more frequent during some particular months. But with a generator, you don’t have to face such problems. Instead, you can keep your home powered even when there is no power from your local grid. 

You can use generators for various domestic purposes. Starting from powering any specific appliance to powering your whole house, you can use your generator in many ways. Below we have mentioned some of the ways how you can use a generator for domestic purposes. 

1. Power Backup

The primary use of a generator is that it provides power backup. It means when there is a power cut in your area, the generator can provide you with an uninterrupted power supply. Hence, you can use your electronic appliance until the power is back. Unlike inverter generators run on fuel. So, as long as you have fuel, you can keep it on the run. 

Once the fuel inside the tank is empty, refill it again. The power backup time depends on the size and type of the generator. For instance, a portable generator will provide less backup than a traditional one. The former offers clean electricity that is safe to power sensitive devices like phones, computers, etc. 

2. For Emergency Purpose

The power supply is an integral part of our modern life. Many things depend on that. For example, if you have diabetes and take insulin, you probably need a refrigerator to keep those stored. But, long term power cuts can interrupt the storage and damage your medicines. 

Sometimes, many people depend on some devices for a living. For instance, suppose you have a deadline to submit an assignment, and suddenly there is no power. These situations are far more critical than they seem to be. A generator ensures that you get energy whenever and, whatever for, you need. Sometimes, it can be life-saving too. 

3. To Power Some Specific Appliance

We all have some specific appliance that we never want to run out of. Whether it is your computer or refrigerator, running out of power means total shut down. Some, like inverter generators, can provide such backup efficiently. Unlike traditional or conventional models, they have a light and portable design that you can even carry with you. It makes them extremely convenient for your personal usage. Such devices are specifically helpful in times like summer when you would never want your cooling device to stop, or in winter when you need a heater more than anything. 

4. Supports Your Business

A huge number of start-ups are believed to start from home. And what can be a better place to get support than it? With the thriving gig economy, millions of Americans now work from home. So, if you have your business running in, you would never want to hamper it just because of a power cut. Various devices in a business depend on electricity, such as computers, printers, etc. Having a generator ensures your business is always on the power and so it never stops. So, it is indeed a smart choice you can ever make for your business. 

5. Protects Your Food

Food can go bad real fast. And without proper arrangement, your whole money would soon be in vain. If you live in some hotter places, rotten food is a common issue. So a refrigerator is a solution. But what if there is an emergency power cut that keeps your fridge shut for hours or even days? You would never want to imagine that, right? Generators help you maintain the power supply and keep your food from rotting. 

What Size of Generator Do I Need to Run a Freezer or Refrigerator?

Refrigerators are one of the most important appliances that keep your food fresh. Hence, it must get a continuous power supply. Deciding what size of the generator is perfect for your freezer is a matter of calculation. Every refrigerator is different. And so their wattage requirement varies with it. Below we have mentioned how you can calculate the size of a generator that you would require to power your freezer. 

How to determine which size of generator do I need?

To calculate what size of a generator you would need, you would need to follow these points:

1. Check the Starting Wattage 

Surge wattage or starting wattage dictates the amount of energy you would need to start your refrigerator and freezer.

2. Check the Running Wattage

Running wattage or rated wattage is the amount of power you would need to run the refrigerator. 

In most cases, domestic refrigerators require around 2000 starting watts to function properly. Therefore, a portable generator should be enough to serve your purpose. But, we recommend you purchase something larger than the required amount. It keeps you on the safe side. 

Precautions

Running a refrigerator on a generator is common, but not without risks. But the risks are avoidable by taking precautionary actions. 

1. Check the Wattage Requirement of the Refrigerator

Before connecting the refrigerator, make sure you check the wattage requirement to avoid overloading your generator. Overloading of generators can cause unavoidable damages, including permanent damage to the appliance. 

2. Check the Wattage Output Rating of Your Generator

Once you have known the wattage requirement of your refrigerator, check the wattage output rating of your generator. It will tell you whether the generator can provide enough power to the appliance. It serves the same purpose as before. 

3. Keep the Generator at a Safe Distance

Make sure you keep the portable generator outdoor at least 10 feet away from the structure. There shouldn’t be any canopy or overhead protection. It should be under the clear sky. 

4. Turn off the Generator before Going Out

Don’t forget to turn off the generator if you leave home, or sleep. 

Top 3 Generators to Buy for Domestic Use

Now that you have known what size generator you would need to run a refrigerator, we have made a list of 3 such incredible options you can choose from. Each of these hail from reputed manufacturers and have a proven record of success. 

1. Champion 3100-Watt R.V. Ready Portable Inverter Generator

Champion is one of the most reputed manufacturers of portable inverter generators. This generator offers clean electricity of less than 3% THD. So, apart from a refrigerator, you can even power-sensitive devices with this one. 

2. Honda EU2200i

It is one of the quietest and lightweight, portable inverter generators. It is an ideal choice for powering your refrigerator. The Bluetooth function on this one helps you monitor its battery percentage on your phone. This inverter generator also lets your parallel two identical machines with an optional cable or cord for up to 4400 watts of power for time-consuming applications.

3. WEN 56380i

WEN 56380i is one of the inexpensive portable generators with a reliable 3800-watt power supply. It is an ideal choice for powering devices like refrigerators. Owing to its clean electricity supply, you can even power your sensitive devices, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc. 

Conclusion 

Generators are a reliable power backup option that supplies power even when there is a power cut. Having a generator ensures that your appliances run smoothly without any interruption. Refrigerators are one of the most common domestic appliances that keep our food fresh and fine. 

But unlike other sensitive devices in your home, refrigerators do not require a clean electricity supply. Still, if you just want a power backup option for refrigerator and freezer, having a portable generator would serve your many needs. That said, we hope you pick the best generator and have your refrigerator in sound health.