Could a 1250 watt generator power a standard size refrigerator during power outage?

Or would I need a larger wattage generator. Fridge is average size 16cu ft.

4 Responses to “Could a 1250 watt generator power a standard size refrigerator during power outage?”

  1. Dubidiocho says:

    If you multiply the volts you are running, like 120 V, times the Amps listed on the refrig. label, like mine is a 25 cu.model and the label reads 6.5 Amps, so 120 x 6.5 = 780 Watts. Volts x Amps= Watts.

  2. thorswolf says:

    The answer is likely yes, quite easily. It will also power other things at the same time. 1250 watts is almost as much power as a standard household curcuit (one breaker). Look for the label of the appliance you are trying to run and the wattage will be indicated somewhere on there. Average for a rrefrigerator is about 500 watts.

  3. Peter says:

    It would be a bit close. A fridge will spike at about 8-13 amps but once it is running it should be fine.

  4. f100_supersabre says:

    I would NOT call 16cu ft. average!

    Yes, a 1250 would run it, BUT be sure that is "running" watts NOT "starting" surge. The starting surge would be at least double what the refrigerator runs at, which is usually about 500-750 watts.

    I would recommend the next size larger generator as they last longer if NOT run at maximum load, AND you would probably also like to have lights at least.

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