How to choose the right generator size
Too small, and the gen trips or struggles to start your fridge. Too big, and you pay more and burn more fuel. Here is a simple way to get it right.
Step 1: List what must run at the same time
Not everything in the house — only what you want on together when NEPA takes light. For example: 6 bulbs, 2 fans, TV, decoder, phone chargers and the fridge.
Step 2: Add up the watts
Every appliance has a power rating in watts (W) on its label. Typical numbers:
| Appliance | Typical running watts |
|---|---|
| LED bulb | 10 W |
| Ceiling fan | 60–80 W |
| TV 32–43" | 60–100 W |
| Fridge | 100–200 W |
| Chest freezer | 150–250 W |
| Pumping machine 1 HP | about 750 W |
| Air conditioner 1 HP | about 900 W |
| Air conditioner 1.5 HP | about 1,300 W |
| Electric iron | about 1,000 W |
Step 3: Allow for the start-up kick
Anything with a motor — fridge, freezer, AC, pumping machine — needs 2–3 times its running power for a few seconds when it starts. Your generator must handle the biggest start-up on top of everything else that is running.
Step 4: Turn watts into kVA and keep a margin
Generators are sold in kVA. For home use, 1 kVA gives roughly 0.8 kW (800 W) of real power. Do not plan to run a generator at 100% all the time — keep about 20–25% spare.
Quick guide
- 1–2.5 kVA: bulbs, fans, TV, phones, laptop — a flat or a small kiosk.
- 3–5 kVA: add a fridge or freezer, a pumping machine or one 1 HP AC.
- 6–10 kVA: the whole house with 2–3 ACs, or a busy shop.
- 10–20 kVA: offices, clinics, pharmacies, big salons.
- 20 kVA and above: estates, hotels, factories — talk to us about sizing.
Easier: tick your appliances in our power calculator and it does the maths for you.