How Much Wattage Do You Need to Power Your Home Safely with a Portable Generator?

If you live in the Conejo Valley area of Southern California, you know that power outages can strike without warning—especially during wildfire season or after those infamous Santa Ana winds. Having a reliable gasoline portable generator can keep your essential appliances running and your family safe, but the big question is: How much wattage do you really need? Here’s your easy guide to understanding your wattage needs and safely connecting a generator to your home.

What Should You Power? Start with a List

Before you buy a generator, jot down the appliances and devices you’ll want during an outage. Here are typical wattages for common essentials:

• Refrigerator: 100–800 running watts (up to 2,000 starting watts)

  
  

• Microwave: 600–1,200 watts

  
  

• Laptop/TV: 50–400 watts

  
  

• Lights (LED): 8–12 watts per bulb

  
  

• Wi-Fi Router: 5–20 watts

  
  

• Phone Charger: 2–6 watts

  
  

• Window AC Unit: 500–1,500 watts

  
  

Pro Tip: The “starting watts” are the surge needed when an appliance first turns on—especially important for refrigerators and AC units.

How Much Generator Power Do You Need?

Add up the running wattages of everything you want to use at once, then add the highest starting wattage of any single appliance (usually your fridge or AC).

Here’s a quick example:

• Refrigerator: 800 running, 2,000 starting

  
  

• Microwave: 1,000

  
  

• 4 LED lights: 40

  
  

• Wi-Fi router: 20

  
  

• Laptop: 100

  
  

• Phone charger: 6

  
  

Total running watts: 800 + 1,000 + 40 + 20 + 100 + 6 = 1,966 watts.

Add the highest starting wattage: 2,000

Minimum generator size: 1,966 + (2,000 - 800) = 3,166 watts

Rule of Thumb:

• For a fridge, microwave, lights, Wi-Fi, and charging devices, look for a generator with at least 3,000–4,000 running watts.

  
  

• If you want to run an air conditioner or electric heater, consider 5,000–8,000 watts or more.

How to Safely Connect a Gasoline Portable Generator to Your Home

1. Always Use Your Generator Outdoors

Never run a generator inside your home or garage. Place it outside, away from windows and doors, to prevent dangerous carbon monoxide buildup.

2. Use a Transfer Switch for Home Backup

The safest way to connect a generator to your home’s electrical system is with a professionally installed transfer switch. This device connects your generator directly to your home’s panel, allowing you to safely power selected circuits.

3. Heavy-Duty Extension Cords for Essentials

No transfer switch? Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords to connect your generator directly to essential appliances. Make sure cords are in good condition and rated for the wattage you’ll be using.

4. Never Plug Your Generator Into a Wall Outlet

This is called “backfeeding” and it’s extremely dangerous—it can cause electrical fires and endanger utility workers.

5. Regular Maintenance and Testing

Run your generator every few months and keep it maintained, especially before wildfire season or expected outages.

Final Tips for Conejo Valley Residents

• Calculate your total wattage needs before buying.

  
  

• Choose a generator with extra capacity for starting surges from appliances like refrigerators or AC units.

  
  

• Store fuel safely and keep your generator ready for emergencies.

  
  

• In California, make sure your generator meets state emission standards, or check for temporary allowances during emergencies.

  
  

With the right portable generator and safe setup, you’ll have peace of mind the next time the power goes out in Southern California. Stay safe, stay prepared, and keep your lights on!