Learn

Plain-English explainers on sizing generators and battery power stations. Each one starts with the short answer and keeps the math in a panel you can open.

Generators

• What size generator do I need?

  A step-by-step method, with a worked example for keeping the essentials on.

• Inverter vs conventional generators

  How each one makes power, and what that means for noise, fuel, electronics and starting motors.

Motors and starting

• Running watts vs starting watts

  Why motors need a burst to start, which appliances surge, and how it sets your generator size.

• Locked-rotor amps and NEMA code letters

  Find a motor's starting load on its nameplate and turn it into starting kVA.

Electrical basics

• kW vs kVA and power factor

  Why a motor load fills a generator faster than its watts suggest, and what the power factor on a spec sheet means.

Battery power stations

• How long will a power station run my fridge?

  Work out the runtime from the kWh per year on your fridge's EnergyGuide label.