What Can a 3.5kVA Generator Run?

 Are you considering buying a 3.5kVA generator for home use or adventures? You're on the right track. These portable generators are handy, yet they pack so much power that they can run a wide range of appliances, perfect for camping or when you want to run essentials during a power outage.

At present, there are several generator units in the market that you can choose from. Inverter generators like the Gentrax 3.5kva generators are particularly popular due to their fuel efficiency and many other advantages over traditional models.

Some of the most prominent names you might have heard of include the Kings 3.5kVA generator, the Honda inverter generator, and, of course, the famous Gentrax inverter generator. The advantages of inverter generators have been widespread that these are actually the first choice for residential or recreational use.

Gentrax Gtx6600 inverter generator

Now, back to what a 3.5kVA can run, these compact units can simultaneously power electronics like a small fridge and a laptop, or a microwave and a coffee maker. For a little overview, here's a list of items you can run with a single 3.5kVA inverter generator from Gentrax.

 

Understanding Max & Rated Power

You might notice labels pertaining to "max power" and "rated power" in an inverter generator. This refers to the maximum and continuous output of your unit. Before running your appliances on a generator, it is important to take note of these metrics, as electronics require different wattage amounts during start-up and usage.

For example, a large refrigerator may require around 1,200 to 1,600 watts to start up but can drop to 200 to 700 watts during regular operation.

It's also important to note that some appliances, such as microwaves, have static wattage requirements due to the nature of their operation, which is running for a short period of time with a larger watts usage.

How Do You Get Your Required Wattage?

A lot of people's first question when buying generators is: What size generator do I need? Each unit comes at a certain wattage, so you need to have a good estimate of your watt requirements first before choosing your model. Fortunately, most appliances have their watts stamped on or indicated in the user manual, so you can easily list them down for calculation

Here are the key things to consider when it comes to wattage:

Simultaneous Run Times

If you're planning to run a couple of items at the same time, you need to note that down because these will pull a higher wattage compared to when they'll be powered separately.

Starting Wattage

As mentioned earlier, starting wattages are typically higher than the running watts, so this should be taken into account as well. Remember, any equipment with an induction motor will have a starting wattage and therefore a higher watt requirement.

Maxing Out Your Generator

Leave at least 20% of headroom for your generator to ensure long-lasting, optimal performance. Just because you have a 3.5kVA generator doesn't mean you have to run it at maximum power every single time.

So, what capacity generator do I need, exactly? Here's how to work out what your final required wattage is:

All the individual equipment wattages of the appliances you'll be running simultaneously (x 3 if the item has an induction motor), + 20% headroom = required generator wattage.

For example, to run a 300W microwave with a 650W concrete saw, the computation will be:

650W (saw) x 3 (starting wattage) = 1950W

1950W (saw total) + 300W (slow cooker) = 2250W

2250W + 20% = 2700W total required watts required

Gentrax GT2200 Pro Inverter Generator

Quit searching for "best inverter generator Australia" or "3.5kva generator what will it run." Instead, use this handy guide and head straight to Outbax for affordable, high-power portable generators. You get a pure sine wave output, low oil/overload protection, eco mode, and a quiet 58dB operation all in one lightweight unit. We even have a variety of models, so if you want a 3kVA or 6kVA generator, you're sure to find one here too.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What kind of appliances can I power with a 3.5kVA generator?

  A single 3.5kVA inverter generator can run a wide range of appliances, including a refrigerator, laptop, electric furnace, power tools, gaming console, lights, television, microwave oven, and a toaster. It can also power multiple items simultaneously, such as a small fridge and a laptop.

• What are some of the best-known inverter generator brands in Australia?

  The content mentions several prominent and popular names in the Australian market, including the Kings 3.5kVA generator, Honda inverter generators, and Gentrax inverter generators.

• What can the Gentrax 3.5kVA inverter generator power?

  According to the text, a single 3.5kVA inverter generator from Gentrax can run items like a refrigerator, laptop, electric furnace, power tools, microwave oven, and more.

• What do "max power" and "rated power" mean for a generator?

  "Max power" refers to the maximum output of your generator, which is typically needed for the high wattage appliances require during start-up. "Rated power" refers to the continuous power output the unit can sustain during regular operation.

• Why is there a difference between starting and running wattage for appliances?

  Some electronics, particularly those with an induction motor, require a higher amount of wattage to start up than they do for regular operation. For example, a refrigerator may need 1,200 to 1,600 watts to start but then drop to 200 to 700 watts while running.

• How many watts does a refrigerator need to start?

  A large refrigerator may require approximately 1,200 to 1,600 watts to start up.

• How do I figure out the right size generator for my needs?

  You first need to estimate your total watt requirements by listing the appliances you want to run. Most appliances have their wattage stamped on them or listed in the user manual. You then need to account for higher starting wattages and whether you'll run items simultaneously.

• Is there a formula to calculate the generator wattage I need?

  Yes. The required generator wattage is calculated by summing the wattages of all appliances you'll run simultaneously (multiplying by 3 for items with an induction motor), and then adding 20% for headroom.

• How do I account for the starting wattage of an appliance with an induction motor?

  When calculating your total wattage needs, you should multiply the running wattage of any equipment with an induction motor by three to account for its higher starting wattage requirement.

• Why shouldn't I run my generator at its maximum power all the time?

  You should leave at least 20% of headroom for your generator to ensure its long-lasting and optimal performance. You should not run it at maximum power every single time.

• What size generator do I need to run a 300W microwave and a 650W concrete saw?

  Based on the formula provided, you would need a generator with at least 2700W. The calculation is: 650W (saw) x 3 = 1950W; 1950W + 300W (microwave) = 2250W; 2250W + 20% headroom = 2700W total.

• What does "pure sine wave output" mean for a generator?

  The content mentions that the generators from Outbax provide a pure sine wave output, which is listed as a key feature alongside low oil protection and eco mode.

• How loud is a quiet 3.5kVA generator?

  The generators mentioned from Outbax feature a quiet 58dB operation level.

• What is the "eco mode" feature on a generator?

  Eco mode is listed as a feature of the inverter generators available at Outbax, alongside pure sine wave output and overload protection.