What Will A 10000 Watt Generator Run?-[Detailed Estimation]

In this helpful guide, you will learn What Will a 10000 Watt Generator run and our top 3 recommended 10000-watt generators of 2020

We have seen a surge in the sale of 10000 watt generators in the past several years due to the growing number of natural disasters including hurricanes, tornadoes, snow-related, flooding, and extreme weather in general).

Such disasters cause power outages and blackouts for a long time. People are purchasing 10000-watt generators for their homes, job sites, and offices.

We don’t suffer from power outages where I live, but people buy 10KW portable generators for their RVs, as backup power sources, and for other outdoor activities in general. So let’s check what can a 10000-watt generator can run and calculate surge and running watts for most used appliances.

What Will A 10000 Watt Generator Run? A Rough Estimation

A 10000-watt generator unit provides more than enough power to run large appliances, and a variety of tools in the home, RV, or job site. To give you a rough idea, I have made a chart:

Appliance	Quantity	Peak watts	Running watts
A standard fridge	1	1200	200
Microwave oven	1	1000	1000
Coffee maker	1	600	600
AC (10,000) BTU	1	4400	3000
Printer	1	600	600
Computer	1	250	250
Incandescent lights	5	300	300
Total		8350	5950

This is just a rough estimation, in reality, it is important to consider the critical appliances you need to run on a 10000-watt generator during power outages, or camping.

Before I explain in detail what can a 10000-watt generator run, you need to learn about starting watts and peak watts.

What Are Starting Watts And Running Watts?

Peak, starting, or running watts are extra watts needed for a couple of seconds to start motor-driven appliances like a fridge, AC, or power tools.

Devices with a motor need extra watts from their original capacity to overcome inertia. That is why generators have extra capacity to provide a brief surge for those appliances.

Rated or running watts are the watts needed for a tool or device to run continuously.

You need to check the surge watts of motor-driven devices before powering them otherwise, you will be risking overload and can cause significant damage.

Can A 10000 Watt Generator Run An Entire House?

Yes. A 10000-watt generator will run a standard house if you calculate the surge and running watts of the appliances you need to run, and compare them will the generator’s peak and rated watts.

10000-watt units have 120v/240v 50amp outlets to power large appliances. Make sure to look for such outlets in your generator during purchase if you want to power your house.

Checkout our guide about 12kw generators

Can A 10000 Watt Generator Run A Central Air Conditioner?

A 10000-watt generator can even have a 24,000 BTU central AC. Take a look at the chart below:

AC UNIT	Peak watts	Running watts
10,000 BTU	2200	1500
10,000 BTU	4500	2200
24,000 BTU	8750	3800

Not all central air conditioners need high peak watts to start, nowadays more efficient AC units are in the market. Make sure to check out those.

Will A 10000 Watt Generator Run Space Heaters?

Absolutely. Normal space heaters take 1750 to 1800 running watts, and 1800 starting watts. You can easily run 4 to 5 space heaters without overloading your generator.

Will A 10000 Watt Generator Run A Microwave, Fridge, And A Sump Pump?

It should easily run all three at once without any problem. A standard microwave takes about 1000 running watts, a fridge takes 1200 to 1000 surge watts and 200 running watts, and a ½ HP sump pump takes 2150 to 2200 surge watts and 1050 running watts.

Can A 10000 Watt Generator Run A Circular Saw?

It can even run 4 standard circular saws at once. A circular saw takes about 1400 running watts, and 2300 starting watts.

Check out our guide about what can a 7500-watt generator run?

What Will A 10000 Watt Generator Run For A Work Site?

Below is an estimated power requirement of various tools on a work site. Calculate the surge and running watts of each appliance, then compare it with your generator.

Appliance	Running watts	Surge watts
Table saw	1800	4500
Circular saw	1400	2300
Electric drill	600 watts	600 watts
Portable air compressor ½ HP	1000	1600
Portable air compressor 1 HP	1600	4500
Chainsaw	1500	1500
Bench grinder	1400	2500

Check out our guides about what can a 5KW generator runs

What To Know When Running A 10,000-Watt Generator

Before degradation, diesel can last up to 1 year on the shelf whereas gasoline has a shelf life of 3 to 6 months max. Organic Ethanol loses its combustibility in 1 to 3 months.

If you are planning to store your fuel or generator for longer periods, know the shelf-life of each fuel.

How To Safely Run A 10000-Watt Generator?

Before refueling, turn off the generator. Let it cool for a couple of minutes.
Don’t plug the generator in a wall outlet if you don’t know how to do it. Only licensed electricians should plug the generator into a main electrical panel or wall outlet.
Plug your equipment directly into the generator using a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord that handles high loads if your generator is not plugged into the main electrical panel.
Operate your generator in a dry place where plenty of ventilation is available.
Don’t sit near the generator. They release CO (carbon monoxide) which is an odorless poisonous gas. If proper ventilation is not available, CO can be accumulated in one place and can harm you in a bad way.
Change the oil and spark plug when it is due. Don’t be clumsy. Using the same oil for a longer period can cause internal friction and potential damage.

Alex Black

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.

What Will A 10000 Watt Generator Run? – [Detailed Estimation]