What Can A 2000 Watt Generator Run for RV, Home & Camping?
In this helpful guide, you what can a 2000-watt generator run for RV, Home, and camping appliances, and the difference b/w the rated and peak watts.
The 2000-watt inverter generator is an extremely popular variant that most people prefer to buy due to its lightweight and compactness.
These generators have gained a reputation as workhorses and their popularity is increasing by the day as the models are becoming lighter, quieter, and more fuel-efficient.
You can check the best 2000-watt generator list, we have written a very detailed and honest guide.
2000 watts may not seem like much power but these generators are mostly used for camping, tailgating, and small home applications. Even so, many people invest in 2000-watt generators not because they are outdoor types, but to use them as a backup power source as well.
That is why, to understand what can a 2000-watt inverter generator run, we have created this little helpful article to tell you in detail about running and surge watts, and what appliances can you run.
Starting Watts And Running Watts
Starting, peak or surge watts refer to a brief surge of watts require to start a device, and running or rated watts means refer to the continuous wattage require to run the device.
Few extra hundred watts are always added to ratted wattage because devices with motors require extra power to overcome inertia, later then settle down to their rated capacity. Some devices like that require a higher wattage level for a very brief period to start properly.
Both starting and running watts are listed in the spec sheet of all the generators.
HONDA EU2200i means, 2200 surge watts, the rated capacity will be lower than that. WEN 2OOOW generator means 2000 surge watts, its rated capacity is 1600 running watts. Make sure to check the spec sheet for the actual rated capacity.
Popular Devices And Their Average Wattage
Will A 2000 Watt Generator Run A Heat Pump?
A 2000-watt generator doesn’t have enough power to run a heat pump or electric furnace in general. But, if your generator is rated at 1800 watts with 2000 surge watts, and the heat pump draws close to 1800 watts, then it might run it.
Not all generators provide exactly rated watts, you may have to research to know which generators provide as much wattage as advertised.
Will A 2000 Watt Inverter Generator Run A Welder?
Most welders use consistent 5000 watts or more at 208 – 240 volts and 200 amps. To start, the current can reach up to 36 amps at 240 volts so surge watts can shoot up to 8000+ watts. So the answer is NO. A 2000-watt generator cannot run a welder in general.
So it boils down to the power requirement of your welder and the rated watts of your generator.
Can A 2000 Watt Generator Run An Air Compressor?
A 2000 – 2300 watts generator can run a small air compressor (1/4 HP), but you would need to know the rated watts of your model.
To rough estimate for various air compressors:
- ½ HP takes 975 to 980 running watts, and 1600 to 1650 starting watts
- 1 HP takes 1600 to 1650 running watts and 4500+ starting watts
Based on the above estimation, with enough running watts, 2000 to 2300-watt inverter generator can run an air compressor. I have used a small air compressor using my HONDA EU2200i. You can run a smaller horsepower unit without any issues.
Remember the following equation to make it simple:
Watt = Volts X Amps
Will A 2000 Watt Generator Run An RV AC?
I have run my AC unit using different generators of 2000 watts. A 2000 to 2300-watt model can easily run an RV AC unit. However, that still depends on the running watts of your generator.
Let’s see some calculations:
- 11000 BTU AC UNIT takes 1050 to 1100 running watts, and 1600 starting watts.
- 13000 BTU AC UNIT takes 1800 to 1850 running watts, and 2800 to 2850 starting watts.
- 15000 BTU AC UNIT takes 2000 running watts, and 3200 to 3300 starting watts.
An efficient RV AC unit can consume fewer starting watts so your 2000-watt inverter generator can easily run it.
Will A 2000-watt Generator Run a Circular Saw?
It can easily run a 7.25” circular saw which takes about 1400 running watts and 2200 to 2300 starting watts. An efficient circular saw takes even fewer starting watts.
Can a 2000 Watt Inverter Generator Run A Space Heater?
A normal space heater takes about 1750 to 1800 running watts, and 1800 starting watts so based on the rated capacity of your generator, a 2000 to 2300 watts model should easily run a space heater.
Can A 2000 Watt Generator Run A Microwave?
A normal microwave takes about 1000 watts or even less to operate if it is energy efficient, a 2000-watt generator should easily run with no problem at all.
Will A 2000 Watt Generator Run A Fridge?
Yes. Refrigerators take about 1000 to 1200 surges at the beginning, while the compressor kicks in, it drops to 200 and something running watts. I never had any problem while running my fridge on a 2000-watt unit in my RV.
Will A 2000W Inverter Generator Run A Sump Pump?
A 1/3HP Sump pump takes 800 to 850 running watts and 1300 to 1350 surge watts. A ½ HP sump pump takes 1050 to 1100 running watts and 2150 to 2200 surge watts. A 2000-watt generator can run a sump pump.
Can A 2000W Generator Run A Well Pump?
It should run a 1/3HP and ½HP well pump easily. In some cases, if the good pump is efficient, a 2000w generator can even run a ¾ HP well pump.
A 1/3 HP well pump takes about 750 running watts and 1500 peak watts. A ½ HP well pump takes 1000 running watts and 2100 starting watts.
What Can A 2000 Watt Generator Run In Camping, RV, And Home?
FOR Home:
| Appliance | Watts |
|---|---|
| Microwave | 1000 – 2000 |
| Coffee Maker | 600 – 1200 |
| Toaster | 800 – 1500 |
| Fridge | 400 – 700 |
| Laptop and computers | 20 – 75 |
| Speakers | 200 |
| TV (50” LED) | 240 |
FOR Camping
| Appliance | Watts |
|---|---|
| Hair Dryer | 1000 – 1800 |
| Heater | 750 – 1550 |
| Electrical skillet | 1000 – 1550 |
| Washing machine | 500 – 1000 |
| Phone charger | 10 |
| Laptop | 20 – 75 |
FOR RV:
| Appliance | Watts |
|---|---|
| AC Unit | 800 – 1700 |
| Pump | 800 – 1350 |
| Heater | 750 – 1600 |
| Microwave | 900 – 1000 |
| Phone charger | 10 |
| Laptop computer | 20 – 75 |
Which 2000 Watt Inverter Generator you should Buy?
We have shortlisted the top 6 best 2000-watt inverter generators after spending 21 days in research and data gathering.
Each generator is based on weight, compactness, power, budget, efficiency, and noise.
Alex Black is a seasoned electrical engineer with a remarkable 8-year track record specializing in appliances, generators, and transfer switches. With extensive hands-on experience in the field, Alex possesses a deep understanding of electrical systems and their intricate workings. Throughout their career, Alex has consistently demonstrated expertise in designing, troubleshooting, and maintaining various electrical appliances.