Are you considering purchasing a 5500 watt generator but are unsure what items it can power? I’ve got some fantastic news for you! At Generatorist, we’ve helped over 350,000 people locate information on generators, and we’ll do the same for you.
Let’s get started.
In the case of 120 volts, a 5500 watt generator produces around 45 amps, and in the case of 240 volts, approximately 23 amps.
Right present, the top models are the Honda EU7000is, Generac GP5500, and WEN GN6000.
A 5500 watt generator, in layman’s terms, can power practically every critical home item, including:
- Small window AC unit – 1,200 watts
- Fridge with a freezer – 700 watts
- Small well pump (1/2 HP) – 1,000 watts
- Washing machine – 1,150 watts
- Coffee maker – 1,000 watts
- Microwave oven – 1,000 watts
- Dishwasher – 1,500 watts
- Pressure cooker – 700 watts
- Espresso machine – 1,300 watts
- Toaster – 850 watts
- Ceiling fan – 60 watts
- Vacuum cleaner – 200 watts
- TV – 85 watts
- Sump pump (1/2 HP) – 1,050 watts
- Small heating system – 500 watts
- Laptop – 50 watts
- VCR / DVD Player – 100 watts
- Smaller electric appliances – 400 watts
- A couple of power tools – 800 watts
- Medium radiant heater – 1,800 watts
- Window AC (10,000 BTU) – 1,200 watts
- Electric water heater – 4,000 watts
- Bench grinder – 1,400 watts
- Radial arm saw – 2,000 watts
- Hammer drill – 1,000 watts
To figure out whether you can run all of them at the same time, you’ll need to know how much electricity each device in your house uses.
This will be made easier by our list of over 100 goods and their power requirements.
You should also check to see whether your generator has the right number and kind of outlets, since certain higher-wattage appliances, such as air conditioners, may need different outlets than low-wattage equipment.
Running watts and Starting watts are the two basic wattage output statistics that describe how much power a generator can create.
The first, lower figure refers to rated (running) watts, which is the maximum amount of power your machine can generate over a lengthy period of time.
The second, higher figure is the surge (or beginning) watts, which is the most power your machine can generate in a short period of time.
A machine capable of producing 5500 operating watts is referred to as a 5500 watt generator.
The beginning watts of each generator will vary depending on the brand and type, however based on our experience, the range is between 6500 and 7000 surge watts.
Just don’t expect to use this generator to power your whole home at the same time, since this would demand much more power than any 5500 watt generator can give.
Choose between the Honda EU7000is, Generac GP5500, or WEN GN6000 if you’re considering about acquiring one.
Please also have a look at our previous list of the finest 5500 watt generators on the market.
If you require an energy backup for your whole home with no restrictions, a stand-by unit is a better option than a portable one.
Generac has a nice calculator that can assist you in making your decision.
These generators are often substantially more costly and need the installation of a skilled electrician.
If you’re interested, here are our recommendations for the best generator for your home, as well as specific recommendations for contractors.
Choosing A Career Path
Wattage specifications
Prepare to perform some arithmetic if you want to find out what electrical gadgets a 5500 generator can power.
Don’t worry, adding up many digits will be a straightforward operation.
Follow these procedures to figure out what appliances you can operate on this sort of generator at the same time:
- List all electronic appliances in your home you want to keep running in the case you are out of power (here is a great list full of appliances you might use)
- Write information from their name tags on required running and starting watts into a table (see examples below)
- Then you need to add up all the running watts required to operate your appliances
- The next step is to find the item with the highest additional starting watts
- Then add this number to your total running watts
- The final number represent the amount of starting watts your generator needs to provide
A nice example of determining wattage requirements for a generator can be found here.
We’ve concluded that in the event of a weather-related blackout, we’ll only need the bare necessities: a refrigerator with a freezer to keep our food safe, a lamp to act as an emergency light source, a tiny window AC unit to keep the temperature in check, a toaster, and a laptop.
| Selected Appliances | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Starting Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Toaster | 850 W | 0 W |
| Refrigerator / Freezer | 700 W | 2,200 W |
| Laptop | 50 W | 0 W |
| Lamp (2 Lightbulbs) | 150 W | 0 W |
| Window AC (10,000 BTU) | 1,200 W | 3,600 W |
| TOTAL | 2,950 W | |
| 6,550 W |
As you can see in our example above, adding together all of our appliances’ operating watts gives us 2,950, which is well under the 5500 watts restriction (850 + 700 + 50 + 150 + 1,200 = 2,950).
To power all of these items, we’d need a generator that can produce at least 6,550 surge (beginning) watts (2,950 + 3,600 = 6,550).
Keep in mind that the data tags on certain electric equipment in your house may not include operating watts.
If this is the case, the following formula may be used to determine the needed running watts:
Volts (V) x Amps (A) = Watts (W or kW) (A)
Watts (W or kW) / Volts = Amps (A) (V)
As long as you have the needed Volts and Amps, converting these to an estimate of required operating watts is simple.
This equation may remind you of the Ohm’s law from physics class in high school.
Fortunately, you may use a “appliance load tester” to figure out how many watts each of your appliances uses.
You may simply get one from Amazon and avoid having to deal with all of the physics equations.
Take a look at the tables at the conclusion of this article for general power consumption estimates for the most popular electronic gadgets.
Take these figures as a guideline only.
You must examine the wattage needs of each device / power tool in your house separately.
What is the maximum power output of a 5500 watt generator? On Generatorist, you may find the wattage needs for the most common residential appliances, RV & camping equipment, and contractor power tools.
5500 WATT Generator FAQs
Because we get a lot of inquiries about 5500 watt generators, we decided to create this FAQ area where you may find answers.
If you have any questions that have not been addressed here, please email us or post your query in the comments box at the bottom of this page.
What May A 5500 Watt Generator Be Used For?
A 5500 watt generator can power practically any important home item, including:
- Small window AC unit – 1,200 watts
- Fridge with a freezer – 700 watts
- Small well pump (1/2 HP) – 1,000 watts
- Washing machine – 1,150 watts
- Coffee maker – 1,000 watts
- Microwave oven – 1,000 watts
- Dishwasher – 1,500 watts
- Pressure cooker – 700 watts
- Espresso machine – 1,300 watts
- Toaster – 850 watts
- Ceiling fan – 60 watts
- Vacuum cleaner – 200 watts
- TV – 85 watts
- Sump pump (1/2 HP) – 1,050 watts
- Small heating system – 500 watts
- Laptop – 50 watts
- VCR / DVD Player – 100 watts
- Smaller electric appliances – 400 watts
- A couple of power tools – 800 watts
- Medium radiant heater – 1,800 watts
- Window AC (10,000 BTU) – 1,200 watts
- Electric water heater – 4,000 watts
- Bench grinder – 1,400 watts
- Radial arm saw – 2,000 watts
- Hammer drill – 1,000 watts
Is It Possible To Operate A Well Pump With A 5500 Watt Generator?
In general, a generator with an operating wattage of 5500 should be sufficient to operate a modest well pump.
Unfortunately, without knowing the precise operating and beginning watts needed by your water pump, solving this issue is quite difficult.
I found some preliminary figures for several kinds of pumps:
- 1/3 Horse Power – It takes 750 running watts and 1500 starting watts.
- 1/2 Horse Power – It takes 1000 running watts and 2100 starting watts.
- 3/4 Horse Power – It takes 1500 running watts and 3000 starting watts.
- 1 Horse Power – It takes 2000 running watts and 4000 starting watts.
- 1 & 1/2 Horse Power – It takes 2500 running watts and 5000 starting watts.
The problem is not running watts, but beginning watts, as seen in the estimations above.
To acquire the exact figures, look on the info-plate of your pump for the voltage (120 or 240) and horsepower information.
Then, all you have to do to figure out the needed wattage is use this formula:
Volts (V) x Amps (A) = Watts (W or kW) (A)
Is It Possible To Operate A Central Air Conditioner With A 5500 Watt Generator?
Although a 5500 operating watts generator may potentially operate a small central air conditioner (that is contemporary and energy efficient), we would prefer to use an emergency window air conditioner since 5500 generators may have insufficient starting power.
The answer to this question, however, is highly dependent on the amount of operating and beginning watts required by your air conditioner.
These figures, of course, vary from one unit to the next and are dependent on the cooling capacity of certain models and brands.
That’s why you should search for these information on the name tag of your central air conditioner:
LRA (Locked Rotor Amps) – This value shows the current you may anticipate when applying full voltage under beginning circumstances.
RLA (Rated Load Amps) – This figure shows the maximum current a compressor should draw in any given situation.
FLA (Full Load Amps) – Value is the same as the Rated Load Amps number.
Just keep in mind that the amps for both the compressor and the fan unit must be taken into account.
Please with the manufacturer or a competent electrician to see whether your 5500 generator can operate a central air conditioner.
Keep in mind that a conventional central air conditioner works on 208/240 volts and is often permanently placed and plugged into your home’s electrical system.
As a result, you’ll need to use a transfer switch to connect your generator to this electric item securely.
If you don’t want to harm your appliances or threaten others working on electric lines in your area, you should always connect your generator via a transfer switch.
Is It Possible To Run A Sump Pump With A 5500 Watt Generator?
A generator with an operating wattage of 5,500 should be able to operate a modest sump pump without any problems.
However, without knowing the precise running and beginning watts needed by your pump, addressing this topic is quite difficult.
I got the following approximate figures for several kinds of sump pumps:
- 1/3 Horse Power – It takes 800 running watts and 1,300 starting watts.
- 1/2 Horse Power – It takes 1,050 running watts and 2,150 starting watts.
The problem is not running watts, but beginning watts, as seen in the estimations above.
You’ll need to discover the voltage, amperage, and horsepower information on the info-plate of your pump to acquire the exact figures.
Then, all you have to do to figure out the needed wattage is use this formula:
Volts (V) x Amps (A) = Watts (W or kW) (A)
Is It Possible To Run A Refrigerator With A 5500 Watt Generator?
In typically, a refrigerator uses roughly 1200 surge watts at first when the compressor starts in, then reduces to around 200 operating watts after that.
As you can see, each generator in this post is capable of powering a medium-sized refrigerator.
However, you shouldn’t depend on these predictions; instead, check the nameplate and data tag on your refrigerator for exact figures.
Furthermore, if your generator has a large total harmonic distortion, your refrigerator (particularly if it is a new model) may be harmed (that is why we recommend getting an inverter type of generator).
Is It Possible To Run An Air Compressor With A 5500 Watt Generator?
In general, a 55000 operating watts generator should be able to power an air compressor (1 horse power) with minimal problems.
However, without knowing the precise operating and starting watts needed by your air compressor, solving this topic is quite difficult.
I found some preliminary estimations for several compressor types:
- 1/2 Horse Power – It takes 975 running watts and 1600 starting watts.
- 1 Horse Power – It takes 1600 running watts and 4500 starting watts.
The problem is not running watts, but beginning watts, as seen in the estimations above.
To acquire the exact figures, look for the voltage, amperage, and horsepower information on your compressor’s info-plate.
Then, all you have to do to figure out the needed wattage is use this formula:
Volts (V) x Amps (A) = Watts (W or kW) (A)
What’s The Best Oil For A 5500 Generator?
A 4-stroke engine is usually found in a 5500 watt gasoline generator.
If this is the case, you’ll need an SAE 30 oil (if you live in a hotter region) or an SAE 10W-30 oil (if you live in a colder environment).
However, there are other factors to consider while selecting an oil for your machine:
- Regardless of whether you have a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine
- Temperatures during start-up and throughout operation
- What kind of gasoline does your machine use?
- The oil certifications and classifications
- The brand and business behind the oil have a good reputation.
If you want to learn more about how to pick the best oil for your generator, check out our guide, which you can find right here.
We also present a list of the finest brands in other oil categories.
A 5500 Generator Produces How Many Amps?
A 5500 watt generator produces around 45 amps at 120 volts and 23 amps at 240 volts in general.
Check through the owner’s handbook for the machine you wish to purchase to learn more.
It’s really rather easy to figure out how many amps a 5500 operating watt generator has.
All you have to do is follow the formula below:
Watts (W or kW) / Volts = Amps (A) (V)
The wattage must be divided by the voltage.
If you wish to convert 5500 watts to amps, divide 5500 by 120 or 240 to obtain the right figures.
If you want to double-check, here’s a handy conversion calculator and a list of over 100+ goods and their power requirements.
Here’s a quick reference guide:
- 500 Watts, 120 V = 4.2 A, 240 V = 2.1 A
- 1000 Watts, 120 V = 8.3 A, 240 V = 4.2 A
- 2000 Watts, 120 V = 16.7 A, 240 V = 8.3 A
- 3000 Watts, 120 V = 25.0 A, 240 V = 12.5 A
- 4000 Watts, 120 V = 33.3 A, 240 V = 16.7 A
- 5000 Watts, 120 V = 41.7 A, 240 V = 20.8 A
- 6000 Watts, 120 V = 50.0 A, 240 V = 25.0 A
- 7000 Watts, 120 V = 58.3 A, 240 V = 29.2 A
- 8000 Watts, 120 V = 66.7 A, 240 V = 33.3 A
- 9000 Watts, 120 V = 75.0 A, 240 V = 37.5 A
- 10000 Watts, 120 V = 83.3 A, 240 V = 41.7 A
- 12000 Watts, 120 V = 100.0 A, 240 V = 50.0 A
- 14000 Watts, 120 V = 116.7 A, 240 V = 58.3 A
- 16000 Watts, 120 V = 133.3 A, 240 V = 66.7 A
How Long Can A 5500 Watt Generator Keep Going?
Because each generator’s fuel usage and fuel tank capacity are different, there is no uniform solution to this topic.
On average, a 5500 watt generator works for 11 hours at 50% load, according to our experience.
This figure is a median based on the run duration of over 30 generators with a total power output of 5500 watts.
Some instances are as follows:
- Yamaha EF6300ISDE – 5,500 running watts – 13.3 hr on a 25% load (4.5 gal)
- Generac GP5500 – 5,500 running watts – 10 hr on a 50% load (7.2 gal)
- Pulsar PG6580E – 5,500 running watts – 12 hr on a 50% load (5.2 gal)
- Westinghouse WGen5500 – 5,500 running watts – 15 hr on a 50% load (6.6 gal)
- PowerShot SPG5568 – 5,500 running watts – 9 hr on a 50% load (6.1 gal)
- Briggs & Stratton S5750 – 5,750 running watts – 11.5 hr on a 50% load (7.5 gal)
- Honda EU7000iS – 5,500 running watts – 16 hr on a 25% load (5.1 gal)
- Ryobi RY905500 – 5,500 running watts – 9 hr on a 50% load (6.0 gal)
- Powermate CX5500 – 5,500 running watts – 12.5 hr on a 50% load (7.0 gal)
Extra Features to Consider When Buying A Home Generator
When looking for the finest generator for your house, there are various aspects to consider.
The following are some suggestions from the Generatorist team:
- If gasoline is unavailable, at least one alternate fuel source should be accessible.
- Anyone can operate it since it has an electric start and a manual recoil backup.
- A maintenance-free electric battery is included, as well as a trickle charger.
- Automatic voltage adjustment or built-in inverter
- Reduced fuel consumption with automatic idle control
- Steel gasoline tank and sturdy frame
- Low-oil shutdown and fuel gauge
- Valve/switch for manually shutting off the fuel
- Increased run time
- Overhead valve (OHV) engine
- Anti-sparking device
- Covered outlets of various kinds
- There should be at least one outlet for high-wattage equipment (30 amp)
- With a wheel kit, you may fold the handles.
Extra Features To Consider When Using A Job Site Generator
We suggest that you think about the following features:
- Fuel Type – We propose diesel generators for project contractors since this kind of fuel is more often utilized in other devices that are typically present on the job site. Your fuel management will be considerably easy this way.
- Long run time –The worst thing that may happen on a work site is downtime, which results in a loss of earnings. Your machine will be out of commission for a period of time after each refill. As a result, it’s critical to invest in a generator that can operate for a whole shift without needing to be refueled. After the work shift is done, you may conduct the refueling and simple maintenance this way.
- Large gas tank – Although a big gas tank reduces your generator’s mobility, it allows you to operate it for extended periods of time without having to refill.
- Automatic idle control – The automated idle control (also known as Eco Throttle or Smart Throttle) may help you save money on gasoline while also reducing generator noise. It automatically adjusts your engine’s revolutions in accordance to the load. This approach may dramatically lower the number of spins per minute if your generator is idle.
What Is The Optimum Transfer Switch For A 5500 Generator?
This question does not have a single answer.
When it comes to selecting a transfer switch for your 5500 watt generator, there are various factors to consider.
What Is The Finest 5500 Generator That Costs Less Than $700.00?
We chose three budget-friendly alternatives from a wide range of generators that provide 5500 running watts:
- Westinghouse WGen5500 (1106+ Reviews)
- Predator 5500/6500 (6+ Reviews)
- PowerMate CX5500
Always remember that you get what you pay for.
These machines are inexpensive, but they lack several of our desired features.
What Is The Best 5500 Generator For An RV?
Our recommendation is to get a computer that is both powerful and quiet.
Inverters such as the Yamaha EF6300iSDE (23+ Reviews) or the Honda EU7000iS (74+ Reviews) are ideal.
There isn’t a single machine in our database of 5500 operating watts generators that is “RV ready,” since none of them have a 30 amp or 50 amp RV plug integrated into the panel.
Fortunately, you can purchase the appropriate adapters (commonly known as dogbones) to connect to any equipment on this list using either a 20 or 30 amp outlet.
So choose a generator that best meets your demands, and don’t forget to acquire the appropriate RV adaptor.
Which Of The 5500 Generators Is The Quietest?
Finding solid information about generator “noisiness” is a difficult task.
However, we may classify the following computers as “quietest” based on our findings:
- Honda EU7000iS (74+ Reviews)
- Yamaha EF6300iSDE (23+ Reviews)
- Honda EM6500S (10+ Reviews)
- Wanco WI6000
In general, if you want a portable generator that is both powerful and quiet, an inverter is the way to go.
Regrettably, these units are far more costly than standard generators.
What Is The Finest Electronic Start 5500 Generator?
We may propose the following machines if you need a 5500 operating watts generator with the most pleasant electric start:
- Honda EU7000iS (74+ Reviews)
- Yamaha EF6300iSDE (23+ Reviews)
- WEN 7000E (108+ Reviews)
Honda and Yamaha are both well-known names in the motorcycle market.
They make high-quality devices with one major drawback: they are prohibitively pricey.
That is why we have included WEN generator as a budget-friendly choice.
What Is The Best 5500 Watt Diesel Generator?
We found only one generator that runs on diesel while looking through our database of 5500 running watts generators.
The DuroStar DS7000Q (12+ Reviews) is the product.
It’s a well-constructed generator with a remote electric start.
Unfortunately, with a dry weight of 305 pounds (138.34 kg), it’s extremely hefty.
The DuroStar DS7000Q is a fantastic alternative if you’re searching for a diesel-powered 5500 option.
What Is The Best 5500 Watt Propane Generator?
Only one propane-powered 5500 generator has been discovered.
PowerMate PM0135500 (4+ Reviews) is the product.
Regrettably, it has been phased out.
If you still need a propane-powered generator, you must either raise or reduce the category of operating watts:
- All Power America APG3560CN (24+ Reviews)
- Sportsman GEN7000LP
- Sportsman GEN7500DF (1414+ Reviews)
If you don’t want to use propane, the Winco HPS6000HE/I is a good alternative.
It’s a 5500 Dual Fuel generator that can operate on both gasoline and natural gas.
What Is The Greatest Inverter Generator For 5500 Watts?
Choose between the Honda EU7000iS (74+ Reviews) or the Yamaha EF6300iSDE (23+ Reviews) if you want the greatest inverter generator with 5500 operating watts.
Just bear in mind that inverter generators may be rather costly.
What Is The Finest 5500 Watt Generator For A Building Site?
Are you looking for a generator for your building site? Then check for the following characteristics:
- A great deal of initial strength
- Covered outlets to prevent dirt from entering.
- For clean electricity, use automatic voltage control or a built-in inverter.
- If you’re working in a noisy environment, you’ll need a quiet machine.
- Included is a portability kit.
- Fuel tank made of steel
Based on these factors, the Westinghouse WGen5500 (402+ Reviews) has been chosen as the finest 5500 generator for a building site that won’t break the bank.
It is reasonably priced and has a solid design.
There are also more expensive, quieter, high-quality machines, such as the Honda EU7000iS (74+ Reviews), that deliver a few more beginning watts, but they don’t have covered outlets.
Which 5500 Watt Generator With A Plastic Gas Tank Is The Best?
Are you seeking for a 5500 generator with a plastic gas tank that is the best? There aren’t many alternatives, but the YAMAHA EF6300ISDE (23+ Reviews) is unquestionably the greatest generator.
Appliances for the Home
Wattage estimated
| Kitchen Appliances | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Maker | 1,000 W | 0 W |
| Deep Freezer | 500 W | 1,500 W |
| Dishwasher | 1,500 W | 1,500 W |
| Electric Can Opener | 170 W | 0 W |
| Electric Stove (8″ Element) | 2,100 W | 0 W |
| Food Processor | 400 W | 0 W |
| Microwave | 1,000 W | 0 W |
| Refrigerator / Freezer | 700 W | 2,200 W |
| Toaster | 850 W | 0 W |
| Essential Appliances | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Central AC (10,000 BTU) | 1,500 W | 4,500 W |
| Central AC (24,000 BTU) | 3,800 W | 11,400 W |
| Common Light Bulb | 75 W | 0 W |
| Electric Water Heater | 4,000 W | 0 W |
| Furnace Fan Blower (1/2 HP) | 800 W | 2,350 W |
| Furnace Fan Blower (1/3 HP) | 700 W | 1,400 W |
| Garage Door Opener (1/2 HP) | 875 W | 2,350 W |
| Space Heater | 1,800 W | 0 W |
| Sump Pump (1/2 HP) | 1,050 W | 2,150 W |
| Sump Pump (1/3 HP) | 800 W | 1,300 W |
| Well Water Pump (1/2 HP) | 1,000 W | 2,100 W |
| Window AC (10,000 BTU) | 1,200 W | 3,600 W |
| Window AC (12,000 BTU) | 3,250 W | 9,750 W |
| Laundry Appliances | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Clothes Dryer (Electric) | 5,400 W | 6,750 W |
| Hair Dryer | 1,250 W | 0 W |
| Iron | 1,200 W | 0 W |
| Washing Machine | 1,150 W | 2,250 W |
| Entertainment Appliances | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop | 50 W | 0 W |
| Stereo | 450 W | 0 W |
| Television (49″ LED) | 85 W | 0 W |
| VCR / DVD Player | 100 W | 0 W |
| Video Game System | 40 W | 0 W |
| Other Appliances | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Clock Radio | 50 – 200 W | 0 W |
Machinery And Power Tools
Wattage estimated
| Power tools | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Air Compressor (1 HP) | 1,600 W | 4,500 W |
| Air Compressor (1/4 HP) | 975 W | 1,600 W |
| Belt Sander | 1,200 W | 2,400 W |
| Bench Grinder | 1,400 W | 2,500 W |
| Circular Saw (7.25″) | 1,400 W | 4,200 W |
| Electric Drill | 600 W | 900 W |
| Miter Saw (10″) | 1,800 W | 1,800 W |
| Radial Arm Saw | 2,000 W | 2,000 W |
| Reciprocating Saw | 960 W | 0 W |
