No, typically a generator won’t damage a refrigerator but it of course depends on the wattage of the generator and how sensitive your refrigerator is.
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.
Table of Contents
Best Generators For Refrigerators
Briggs and Stratton P2400
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
- Expensive- The Briggs and Stratton P3000 is not the most affordable option on this list, nor the most expensive
Champion 3400 Watt 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 Latest Price
WEN GN400i
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
What Watt Generator Do I Need for 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.
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
[su_note note_color=”#f38c8d”] 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.[/su_note]
Can A Generator Damage A Refrigerator
No, usually a generator won’t damage your refrigerator however it is possible if you do not use the correct wattage.
A generator won’t usually damage a refrigerator because a refrigerator is not considered sensitive electronic device that can be easily overpowered.
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I’ve always been a lover of Mechanics and the engineering that goes on behind it. Naturally had a knack for fixing things and i’ve had lots of adventures that generators are second nature to me.
Last update on 2022-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I’ve always been a lover of Mechanics and the engineering that goes on behind it. Naturally had a knack for fixing things and i’ve had lots of adventures that generators are second nature to me.
