Can a Generator Damage a Refrigerator?

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Do you live in a region where power outage can occur from time to time? Did that spoil the food and other items stored in the refrigerator? Maybe you’re considering a generator for a refrigerator.

 

Can you run a fridge on a generator? Yes

 

This article will review the best generators for a refrigerator, answer “can a generator damage a refrigerator?” as well as “What Watt generator do I need for a refrigerator?”

Best Generators For Refrigerators

Briggs and Stratton P3000

briggs and stratton p3000 review
Briggs and Stratton P3000 Inverter Generator

The Briggs and Stratton brand is popular for making generators of all power classes from small 2000 watt generators to large, home standby generators over 20,000 watts. This Briggs and Stratton P3000 model is ideal for TV use for a few different reasons.

 

Power

  • 3,000 Starting watts, 2,600 Running watts

Performance

  • Up to 10 hours of run time at 25% load

Technology

  • 171 cc OHV Engine
  • StatStation LCD Screen features performance statistics and maintenance reminders
  • (4) Household outlets (1) 12 volt, 30 amp locking outlet with RV adaptor DC charging outlet and a USB port

Fuel

  • 1. 5 gallon gasoline fuel tank

Portability

  • Dimensions (inches): 26 x 14 x 21
  • Weight: 84 lbs
  • 6 Inch wheel-kit and luggage style handle included

Noise

  • 58 dB

Safety

  • 1-2 year limited warranty

 

PROS

  • Portable- At only 84 lbs this model is the most portable option. The 6 inch wheel kit and luggage style handle helps you to move this generator where you desire
  • High Performance– Solid 3,000 peak wattage and great 10 hours runtime at 25% load.
  • Quiet– At only 58 dB.. this is one of the more quiet generator models

 

CONS

 

CHECK PRICE

 

Champion 3400 Watt Inverter Generator

Champion 3400 Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator reviews
Champion 3400 Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

The Champion brand is well known for innovative technology and the Champion 3400 Dual Fuel Inverter generator is no different. This model is another good option with enough power to charge a TV. Let’s review the details.

 

Power

  • 3,400 Starting watts, 3,100 Running watts

Performance

  • Up to 7.5 hours of run time at 25% load

Technology

  • 192 cc Engine
  • Quick touch easy electric start
  • Control Panel-120V 30A RV, plus two 120V 20A household outlets with clean electricity (less than 3% THD) and 12V DC outlet with dual USB adapter
  • Inverter Technology helps prevent power surges
  • Economy mode helps improve fuel efficiency

Fuel

  • Dual fuel: Runs on Gasoline or Propane

Portability

  • Dimensions (inches): 25 x 17 x 18
  • Weight: 96 lbs
  • Wheel-kit and built-in handles included

Noise

  • 59 dB

Safety

  • Inverter Technology prevents power surges
  • 3 year limited warranty+ free lifetime tech support

 

PROS

  • Portable- At only 96 lbs this model is the most portable option. The Wheel kit and built-in handle helps you to move this generator where you desire
  • Quiet– At only 59 dB.. this is one of the more quiet generator models
  • Solid Safety Features: Built in inverter technology helps prevent power surges,
  • 3 year warranty helps protects financial investment

 

CONS

  • Expensive

 

CHECK PRICE
 

WEN GN400i

WEN GN400i Inverter Generator
WEN GN400i Inverter Generator

The WEN GN400I has more than enough power to safely power a TV and other household appliances also. This model has some great features as well as some slight drawbacks to discuss as well.

 

Power

  • 4,000 Starting watts, 3,500 Running watts

Performance

  • Up to 7 hours of run time at 50% load

Technology

  • 212 cc 4 stroke engine
  • Includes two 120V NEMA 5-20R receptacles, two 5V USB ports, one 120V RV-ready TT-30R receptacle
  • Eco Mode automatically adjusts machines fuel consumption for better fuel efficiency

Fuel

  • 1. 8 gallon gasoline fuel tank

Portability

  • Dimensions (inches): 19.8 x 13.8 x 18.9
  • Weight: 66 lbs

Noise

  • 67 dB

Safety

  • Inverter Technology helps prevent voltage spikes
  • EPA approved
  • CARB Compliant

 

PROS

  • Affordable- Least expensive option on this list by a wide margin
  • Powerful– With 4000 peak watts, this generator provides more power than the other options
  • Clean Power-Inverter technology allows generator to power sensitive electronics including TVs, computers, phones and tablets without the voltage spikes

 

CONS

  • Noisy– At 67 dB, this is more noisy than the other options

 

CHECK PRICE

 

What Watt Generator Do I Need for a Refrigerator?

Can a generator damage a refrigerator?

Today’s refrigerator market offers hundreds of brands, price ranges, and sizes to choose from. The wattage requirement of each refrigerator depends on many factors, including its size, capacity, power calibration, etc.

 

A typical household refrigerator uses 2,000 to 2,500 watts to start the refrigerator.

 

You must check the generator that you’re buying to make sure that it can handle this amount of power. Otherwise, an electrical energy spike that goes beyond its level could irrevocably damage it.

 

As far as startup and running wattage are concerned, there’s not a standard calibration or an industry standard for refrigerators. If you want to know how many watts your fridge needs, just look on the label or in the manufacturer’s manual.

 

Overloading your generator can expose you to damaging the unit and, in extreme cases, cause fire or bodily harm. We strongly recommend that you never estimate the wattage and take the time to research your specific model number for the correct wattage.

 

Protecting your food during a power outage is usually the number one priority, and a portable generator makes it easy to keep your food safe.

 

A portable generator that adequately supports the operating and startup wattage of your refrigerator is the biggest factor in the choice to use for the generator.

 

It’s always a nice idea to get a generator that can meet your refrigerator’s electricity needs, plus a little extra in case you need to power something else in the meantime.

 

Regarding the powering of your refrigerator, you need to do a little research on the wattage requirements of your fridge and the performance limits of the generator.

 

It’s better to take more time gathering the right information than plunge into guesswork and regret when it’s too late. The rush to buy the wrong portable generator can be an expensive mistake.

Can a Generator Damage a Refrigerator?

No. A generator won’t damage a refrigerator because a refrigerator is not considered sensitive electronic device. Unlike a laptop or cell phone, the chances of damaging it using power from a generator is low. You should be able to use most portable generators to run your refrigerator with ease.

 

Neither a refrigerator nor a freezer is classified as a sensitive device. You can safely operate them with a conventional, inverter, or solar generator.

 

Sensitive electronics such as laptop computers or home audio systems indeed need clean sinus current to function properly. That’s why solar or inverter generators are the only bulletproof solutions to operate them.

How Big of a Generator Do I Need to Run a Refrigerator?

A typical refrigerator needs a generator with at least 2,200 peak Watts and 700 running Watts to operate. You’ll want to double check your refrigerator specifications sheet to determine its specific wattage requirements.

 

 

Also Read: Best Power Generators [2022]

Here Are A Few Tips to Take Care of Your Generator

Read the manual of the generator. The more you know about the portable generator, the greater the likelihood that you’ll use it correctly and that it will provide a low-maintenance emergency power supply for many years.Note text

Oil is a key to long engine life: Make sure you use the right type and change as stated by the manufacturer’s instructions. SAE10W30 is often recommended for universal use at all temperatures. Never use a power cord to connect a portable generator to an electrical outlet in the house. This power is “fed back” into the supply lines leading to your home, which can potentially result in the death of a supply team called to restore to your neighborhood. Use the correct power cord. The power delivered by a portable generator is measured in watts. A power cord is measured in amps. Select a power cord that complements the most powerful outlet on your generator. So if it has a 50 amp socket, buy a 50 amp power cord. Use a high-performance cable with at least 12 gauge, that’s less than 100 feet. Start the generator and allow it to run briefly before plugging in your devices. Switch off the appliances and connect them one after the other. Let the appliances turn on and stabilize before connecting another device. Don’t overload your generator. Keep in mind that if your refrigerator running at 800 watts, turning it on when the compressor starts up may require 1,600 watts. (Pay attention to the fridge’s wattage on an inner sidewall.) If an appliance doesn’t provide wattage, use this formula: Multiply an appliance’s voltages by amps. Overloading a generator could damage your device. Don’t let appliances or other electronic devices run unnecessarily. Never refuel a running generator, even with an engine that is still hot, as the heat of the engine parts or the exhaust could ignite the gasoline. Turn it off and let it cool down for at last 10 minutes. In the event of prolonged outages, the oil should be changed. Consult the user instruction for correct intervals. If your generator has no hour meter, that shows how long the generator has been running, try to keep an overview. Finally, change the oil. Then feed the generator with half-gallon of gas each month and let it run for at least half an hour. This will help prevent the carburetor from clogging.

 

Conclusion

Because a refrigerator is not a sensitive electronic device, there is little chance of a generator damaging a refrigerator. Each of the generators mentioned have enough power to safely charge an average refrigerator. They are all inverter generators which provide clean, surge free power for electrical devices. 

 

We believe the best overall option to be the Briggs and Stratton P3000 because of its long run times. The WEN GN400i is the most affordable option. 

 

 

Portable Generator Break in
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