The Swiss Army Knife of Generators: An Overview
Without a doubt, it is essential in deciding which generator is suitable for your home, RV, or worksite to know just what amount of power a generator can supply. The 7200-watt generator is adaptable enough to be used for multiple devices and appliances. But what can you run on that much wattage after all? Let's get down to specifics.
What Is a 7200-Watt Generator?
A 7200-watt generator continuously produces 7.2 kilowatts but may momentarily exceed this capacity when appliances with high starting requirements are switched on, such as refrigerators or air conditioners. It strikes a perfect balance between smaller portable generators and larger industrial ones, which is precisely why it has gained popularity with homeowners, campers, and contractors.
Understanding Power Ratings
Before getting into what devices can be powered by a 7200-watt generator, it is important to comprehend some key terms:
- Running Watts: The continuous power required by any appliance for its operation.
- Starting Watts: The extra bits of power some devices need, especially motors, to start. A refrigerator or air conditioner will serve as good examples. This is also known as surge watts or starting watts.
- Surge Power: The peak power produced by a generator for a short duration for starting purposes of heavy-load equipment
- Continuous Power: The power that could be produced continuously by the generator without overheating and shutting off.
A 7200-watt generator thus outputs about 5800 watts in continuous power after surging has been accounted for, with bursts of occasionally going up to about 7200 watts.
Household Appliances a 7200-Watt Generator Can Power
Commonly, a household generator rated at 7200 watts would comfortably run a number of common household appliances. Here is what one might expect to run:
Essential Appliances
- Refrigerator (approx. 600 watts): Keeps your food cold and safe.
- Freezer (approx. 400 watts): Keeps frozen goods intact.
- Microwave (approx. 1000-1500 watts): Quick meals or reheating leftovers.
- Space heater (approx. 1500 watts): Useful for heating small rooms in colder seasons.
- AC Unit (approx. 1200-1500 watts): Possible to run a window air conditioner or small portable unit.
- Washing machine (approx. 600-1000 watts): May use power during the laundry cycle.
Kitchen Equipment
- Blender (approx. 400 watts): For smoothies, sauces, and soups.
- Coffee maker (approx. 600 watts): Can't go without one to start the morning.
- Toaster (approx. 1200 watts): Quick and easy for a toasted breakfast.
- Electric Grill (approx. 1650 watts): For grilling inside.
Home Entertainment
- Television (approx. 120 watts for a small TV, up to 190 watts for larger ones): Keeps the family entertained.
- Laptop (approx. 250 watts): Stay connected with your laptop, working or just having fun while on the go.
- Stereo system (approx. 200 watts): Power for sound for all you music lovers out there.
Power Tools You Can Run
At 7200 watts, a generator usually popular for small construction sites and DIY projects becomes helpful because it runs most of your power tools. Some examples are:
- Drill (approx. 600 to 900 watts): Standard drills or drill presses.
- Circular Saw (approx. 1400 to 3000 watts): Cutting wood, plastic, and other materials.
- Air Compressor (approx. 1000 to 5000 watts): Supplies pneumatic tools like nail guns and impact wrenches.
- Sump pump (approx. 800 watts): This is important in the event of basement flooding or other emergencies.
High-Demand Tools
- Table Saw (approx. 2000-4000 watts): Good for larger projects.
- Concrete Vibrator (approx. 1080 watts): It is attached at the construction site to settle concrete accurately.
- Welder (approx. 4000 to 5000 watts): A 7200-watt generator can run smaller welders if you work in welding.
RVs and Camping
For the outdoor souls, a 7200-watt generator is fantastic in powering anything and everything from RV air conditioners to camping gear. Here is what one can power in an RV or camping:
- RV Air Conditioner (approx. 1500 watts): Stay cool, even in the hottest conditions.
- Portable Refrigerator (approx. 400 to 800 watts): Keep food cold, without relying on ice.
- Camping Lights (approx. 100 watts): Light your campsite.
- Portable Fans (approx. 50 to 120 watts): Perfect for moving air on hot days.
Emergency Backup Power
This is one of the generator applications where the usefulness of a 7200-watt generator becomes evident during emergencies of continuous power interruption. Either a storm, blackout, or any other circumstance that cuts the electricity off calls for a generator of 7200 watts to provide power for necessary equipment.
- Essential medical equipment such as oxygen concentrators (approx. 300 watts) and CPAP machines (approx. 30 to 100 watts).
- Lights: Several LED lights will brighten up the house.
- Phone chargers: Keep communication with phones, laptops, and other devices working.
Real-World Example: Powering a House During a Blackout
Now, here's a more real-life example. It is the winter months, and some snowstorm has just hit your area causing a power failure in your house; this time, you have a 7200-watt generator. The following is how you will share loads with it:
- Refrigerator (600 watts)
- Space Heater (1500 watts)
- Microwave (1000 watts)
- Lights (200 watts for a few LED bulbs)
- Laptop (250 watts)
Total Power Needed: 3600 watts. That is well within the limits of a 7200-watt generator, with plenty of spare power for small appliances or tools if needed. In such a situation, you'd definitely stay comfortable and connected throughout the power interruption.
Is a 7200-Watt Generator Right for You?
The 7200-watt generator is one of the most versatile generators, providing sufficient power for home appliances, power tools, RV devices, and emergency back-up. It makes great sense for any customer wanting back-up power, camping supplies, or worksite solutions. This size generator can also provide sufficient surge for heavy-loading devices, which makes it suitable for many occasions.
Trends within the Industry: Fuel Efficiency, Inverter Generators
In the last few years, 7200-watt inverter generators have become increasingly popular, similar to past trends in inverter generators. Due to their advanced technology, inverter generators are much cleaner and produce more even currents than conventional models, making them perfect for sensitive equipment like TVs and laptops. A recent trend in inverter generators is fuel efficiency; they run on very little fuel and generally provide long run times. They also generate very low noise, which makes them great for outdoor and indoor use.
