/* Basic styling for the calculator */
.generator-calculator-container {
font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 20px auto;
padding: 25px;
border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;
border-radius: 8px;
background-color: #f9f9f9;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);
}
.generator-calculator-container h2 {
color: #333;
text-align: center;
margin-bottom: 25px;
font-size: 2em;
}
.generator-calculator-container label {
display: block;
margin-bottom: 8px;
font-weight: bold;
color: #555;
}
.generator-calculator-container input[type="number"],
.generator-calculator-container input[type="text"] {
width: calc(100% – 20px);
padding: 10px;
margin-bottom: 15px;
border: 1px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 5px;
box-sizing: border-box;
font-size: 1em;
}
.generator-calculator-container button {
background-color: #007bff;
color: white;
padding: 12px 20px;
border: none;
border-radius: 5px;
cursor: pointer;
font-size: 1.1em;
transition: background-color 0.3s ease;
margin-top: 10px;
margin-right: 10px;
}
.generator-calculator-container button:hover {
background-color: #0056b3;
}
.generator-calculator-container .add-row-btn {
background-color: #28a745;
}
.generator-calculator-container .add-row-btn:hover {
background-color: #218838;
}
.generator-calculator-container .remove-row-btn {
background-color: #dc3545;
padding: 8px 12px;
font-size: 0.9em;
margin-left: 10px;
}
.generator-calculator-container .remove-row-btn:hover {
background-color: #c82333;
}
.generator-calculator-container .calculator-results {
margin-top: 30px;
padding: 20px;
border: 1px solid #d4edda;
background-color: #dff0d8;
border-radius: 8px;
color: #155724;
font-size: 1.1em;
line-height: 1.6;
}
.generator-calculator-container .calculator-results h3 {
color: #155724;
margin-top: 0;
margin-bottom: 15px;
font-size: 1.5em;
}
.generator-calculator-container .calculator-results p {
margin-bottom: 8px;
}
.generator-calculator-container table {
width: 100%;
border-collapse: collapse;
margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.generator-calculator-container th,
.generator-calculator-container td {
border: 1px solid #ddd;
padding: 10px;
text-align: left;
}
.generator-calculator-container th {
background-color: #e9ecef;
font-weight: bold;
color: #495057;
}
.generator-calculator-container td input {
width: calc(100% – 10px);
margin-bottom: 0;
padding: 8px;
}
.generator-calculator-container .input-group {
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.generator-calculator-container .input-group label {
margin-bottom: 5px;
}
.generator-calculator-container .error-message {
color: #dc3545;
margin-top: -10px;
margin-bottom: 10px;
font-size: 0.9em;
}
var rowCounter = 5; // Start counter after initial rows
function addApplianceRow() {
rowCounter++;
var tableBody = document.getElementById("applianceTableBody");
var newRow = tableBody.insertRow();
newRow.innerHTML = `
Generator Sizing Calculator
Use this calculator to determine the appropriate generator size (in Watts) needed to power your essential appliances during an outage or for off-grid use. Input the running watts, starting watts, and quantity for each appliance you plan to connect.
| Appliance Name | Running Watts | Starting Watts | Quantity | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Generator Sizing Recommendations:
Understanding Generator Sizing
Choosing the right size generator is crucial for ensuring your essential appliances run smoothly during power outages or for off-grid applications. An undersized generator won't be able to power your equipment, while an oversized one might be an unnecessary expense and less fuel-efficient.
Running Watts vs. Starting Watts
The most important distinction when sizing a generator is between Running Watts (also known as continuous watts) and Starting Watts (also known as surge watts).
- Running Watts: This is the power an appliance needs to operate continuously once it's already running. For example, a refrigerator might need 700 running watts to keep its compressor going.
- Starting Watts: Many appliances, especially those with electric motors (like refrigerators, air conditioners, sump pumps, and power tools), require a brief burst of extra power to start up. This surge can be 2 to 3 times their running wattage. For instance, that same refrigerator might need 2200 starting watts for a few seconds to get its compressor going, before settling back down to 700 running watts.
Your generator must be able to supply enough running watts for all the appliances you want to operate simultaneously, AND it must have enough surge capacity to handle the starting watts of the single largest motor-driven appliance that might start while other items are already running.
How to Use This Calculator
- List Your Appliances: Identify all the essential appliances you want to power with your generator.
- Find Wattage Information: Look for the running and starting wattage on the appliance's label, owner's manual, or the manufacturer's website. If only running watts are listed, a common rule of thumb is to estimate starting watts as 2-3 times the running watts for motor-driven appliances. For electronics and resistive loads (like lights, heaters without fans), starting watts are usually equal to running watts.
- Enter Details: Input the appliance name, its running watts, starting watts, and the quantity you plan to run.
- Add More Appliances: Use the "Add Another Appliance" button to include all your items.
- Calculate: Click "Calculate Generator Size" to get your recommendations.
Interpreting the Results
The calculator provides two key figures:
- Total Continuous Power Required: This is the sum of all running watts for your selected appliances. Your generator's continuous (running) wattage rating should meet or exceed this value.
- Peak Starting Power (Highest Individual Surge): This is the highest starting wattage requirement from any single appliance you listed. Your generator's surge (starting) wattage rating must be able to handle this momentary peak, in addition to the running watts of other active appliances.
It's generally recommended to choose a generator that provides a little extra capacity (e.g., 10-20% safety margin) beyond your calculated needs to account for unforeseen circumstances or future additions.
Common Appliance Wattage Examples:
- Refrigerator (Energy Star): Running 600-800W, Starting 1800-2400W
- Microwave (1000W): Running 1000-1200W, Starting 1500-2000W
- Sump Pump (1/2 HP): Running 800-1000W, Starting 1500-2500W
- Television (LED 50″): Running 100-200W, Starting 100-200W
- Incandescent Light Bulb (100W): Running 100W, Starting 100W
- LED Light Bulb (10W): Running 10W, Starting 10W
- Window Air Conditioner (10,000 BTU): Running 1200W, Starting 3000-4000W
- Coffee Maker: Running 800-1500W, Starting 800-1500W
Always refer to your specific appliance's documentation for accurate wattage figures.