What Is a 4000-Watt Generator?
A 4000-watt generator is a machine that can produce 4,000 running watts, typically providing 33.3 amps at 120 volts or 16.6 amps at 240 volts. It can charge multiple household and RV/camping devices, such as televisions, microwave ovens, and coffee makers.
If you are planning to buy a 4000-watt generator for your personal and professional needs, the first step is for you to understand that there are different types of 4000-watt generators currently available in the market, like :
4000-watt Portable Generator : A portable generator is compact and can easily be transported in an RV. A 4000-watt portable generator is ideal for outdoor activities, off-road adventures, campaigns, and emergency home backups during long blackouts.
4000-watt Inverter Generator : A 4000-watt generator produces clean and stable power, perfect for quiet operations. These generators are known for fuel efficiency, which makes them ideal for RVing, camping, and even tailgating.
4000-watt Solar Generator : A 4000-watt solar generator is the one where it utilizes solar panels to harness the energy directly from the sun. The stored energy is later converted into DC electricity that can charge household and off-grid appliances. A 4000-watt solar generator provides a sustainable renewable energy backup solution.
If this is your first time exploring the information about the size of generator you need for your household and off-road adventures, it is recommended to get yourself acquainted with the following terminologies :
Starting Watts : Starting watts are the extra power an appliance needs when initially starting it up. This is often called surge watts, as it is important to ensure that the generator can handle the initial surge of power required by the appliances it will be powering.
Running Watts : Running watts indicate the continuous power appliances would draw when they are operating. This is often called rated watts, and along with starting watts, it ensures that the generator can handle the appliance's requirements.
Surge Wattage : Surge wattage refers to the peak power a generator can supply for a brief moment just to power up certain devices, like air conditioners, refrigerators, water motors, etc. Typically, the surge wattage of Jackery Solar Generator is double its rated wattage, which ensures a reliable and efficient performance during startup.
Watt-Hour : A watt-hour indicates how much power a device uses over time. For instance, a 15000-watt generator can sustain appliances for longer durations than a 10,000-watt generator.
What Size Generator Do I Need?
If you are wondering what size generator you need and wish to accurately determine the size of the generator that would meet your power requirements, then follow the below-mentioned steps :
Step 1 : Identify Appliances
Always start by listing all the appliances that you intend to simultaneously power with your generator during an emergency or off-grid activity. Note down both the starting and running wattages of all the appliances.
Calculate wattage using the Watt formula :
For instance, a refrigerator has a running wattage of 800 W and a starting wattage of 1600 W. Similarly, the microwave's running wattage is 1000 W, and it's starting wattage is 2000 W. Light's running wattage is 30 W, and the television's running wattage is 50 W.
Step 2 : Calculate Total Power Requirements
The second step is to sum up all the running wattage of the appliances to determine the total running requirements. Always start by identifying the appliances with the highest starting wattage.
Step 3 : Account for Surge Wattage
Now combine the total running wattage with the highest starting wattage to calculate the surge wattage that you would need from your generator.
What Can a 4000-Watt Generator Run?
A 4000-watt generator is also ideal for different camping and RV appliances, like CPAP machines and mini-refrigerators. Unlike a 15000-watt generator, which is ideal for running large refrigerators, washing machines, and large split air conditioners, the best 4000-watt generator can run most household appliances, like a pressure cooker, microwave oven, vacuum cleaner, small window AC unit, a few power tools, etc.
Will a 4000-watt Generator Run a House?
A 4000-watt generator is ideal for most urban homes and RV/camping sites, as it can charge between 100 - 2000 W and even 3500 W during crucial surge hours. With a 4000-watt generator, one can power and run household appliances like coffee makers, window air conditioners, space heaters, etc., but not all at the same time.
|
Home Equipment |
Running Watts |
Starting Watts |
|
Dishwasher |
1300 W |
1800 W |
|
Washing Machine |
1200 W |
2300 W |
|
Refrigerator |
700 W |
2200 W |
|
Portable AC |
1000 W |
- |
|
Coffee Maker |
1000 W |
- |
Work Site
For builders and contractors who require reliable power on-site, a 4000-watt generator is efficient for running essential tools that require less than 4000 watts, like saws, portable lights, and small appliances. However, it is important to know that while a 4000 running-watt generator is suitable for powering up large appliances, it might not be ideal for running multiple high-power power tools simultaneously.
|
Work Site Equipment |
Running Watts |
Starting Watts |
|
Circular Saw |
1200 W |
2400 W |
|
Drill |
720 W |
1800 W |
|
Electric Chainsaw |
1200 W |
2400 W |
|
Miter Saw |
840 W |
2100 W |
|
Water Pump |
1000 W |
3000 W |
RV
A 4000-watt generator is sufficient when it comes to powering up various appliances in an RV. With a 4000-watt generator, one can easily charge essentials, like electronic devices, lights, and kitchen appliances that need power. Additionally, a 4000-watt solar generator is compact in size compared to big-wattage generators. Still, consider the size, place, and position of the RV before finalizing the generator.
|
RV Equipment |
Running Watts |
Starting Watts |
|
Dishwasher |
1300 W |
1800 W |
|
Food Processor |
400 W |
- |
|
Hair Dryer |
1500 W |
- |
|
Refrigerator |
700 W |
2000 W |
|
Coffee Maker |
1000 W |
- |
Off-Grid Living
A 4000-watt generator can charge a few off-grid appliances, like window AC units, electric stoves, etc. However, it can technically run 4000 watts worth of appliances as long as the total watt usage does not equal or exceed 4000 watts or as long as the starting watts are not higher than the surging supply that a 4000-watt generator can provide.
|
Off-Grid Equipment |
Running Watts |
Starting Watts |
|
Room Heater |
1500 W |
1500 W |
|
Dishwasher |
1300 W |
1800 W |
|
Window AC unit |
1200 W |
1800 W |
|
Laptop |
200 W |
- |
|
Television |
50 W |
- |
Jackery 4000 W Portable Generators
Jackery currently does not offer a 4000 W portable generator, but you can build your own by connecting two Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Stations in parallel or purchasing large-capacity solar generators like Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus (24 kWh). These powerful portable power stations are ideal for emergency home backups, RV trips, and off-grid adventures.
Here is a list of large Jackery Solar Generators for different usages :
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh)
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit is ideal for powering heavy-duty appliances that require 6000 W surge wattage. With advanced IBC technology, this solar generator can be fully charged in 2 hours when plugged in with 6*Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels.
When connected with the additional Jackery Battery Pack 2000 Plus, this Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station can be expanded up to 24 kWh, which is great for powering heavy-load appliances and during home emergencies.
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Double Kit (6000 W/240 V/4 kWh)
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Double Kit is designed to produce a staggering 6000 W rated and 12000 W surge wattage to power industrial-grade heavy-duty appliances, like large freezers, large split air conditioners, etc.
In order to make this Jackery Solar Generator running, you will required to connect 2*Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station in a parallel connection, and it will be enough to power your resident and industrial appliances.
After connecting the 2*Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station in parallel, you will get multiple AC/DC ports to power up to 18 devices concurrently.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (3000 W/120 V/6 kWh + 2*SolarSaga 200 W Solar Panels)
If you are looking for a 4000-watt generator to power your house for extended power outages, you can go ahead with the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (6 kWh).
This is an excellent alternative to a 4000-watt generator. With a battery capacity of 6128.4 Wh, it can run most of your electrical appliances, such as big AC units, large refrigerators, space heaters, etc.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (3000 W/120 V/24 kWh + 6*SolarSaga 200 W Solar Panels)
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (24 kWh) is yet another powerful battery backup solution for blackouts, extended power cuts, and off-grid living. This solar generator comes with a LiFePO4 battery of 24513.6 Wh, and once fully charged, it can power up to 99% of all household appliances during extended power outages.
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (24 kWh) can support two weeks of home backup, depending on the appliances you are charging simultaneously and their running/starting wattage.
|
Product |
Output Rated / Surge Watts |
Capacity |
Appliances Running Time |
|
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4 kWh) |
3000 W/ 6000 W Surge Peak |
4085.6 Wh |
Electric Heater Fan (3000 W) : 1.1 H Leaf Blower (2500 W) : 1.3 H Electric Stove (2000 W) : 1.7 H Fryer (1000 W) : 3.4 H Electric Drill (550 W) : 6.3 H Lamp (150 W) : 23.1 H |
|
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Double Kit (6000 W/240 V/4 kWh) |
6000 W / 12000 W Surge Peak |
4085.6 Wh |
Leaf Blower (2500 W) : 1.3 H Air Fryer (1500 W) : 2.5 H Dishwasher (1500 W) : 2.5 H Lawn Mower (1400 W) : 2.4 H Fryer (1000 W) : 3.4 H Electric Drill (550 W) : 6.3 H Lamp (150 W) : 23.1 H |
|
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (6 kWh) |
3000 W / 6000 W Surge Peak |
6128.4 Wh |
Clothes Dryer (4000 W) : 1.3 H Home Air Conditioner (4000 W) : 1.3 H Lawn Mower (1400 W) : 3.7 H Room Heater (1500 W) : 3.4 H Coffee Maker (1000W) : 5.2 H Sump Pump (800 W) : 6.5 H Microwave Oven (600W) : 8.6 H |
|
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (24 kWh) |
3000 W / 6000 W Surge Peak |
24513.6 Wh |
Electric Boiler (14000 W) : 1.4 H Clothes Dryer (4000 W) : 5.2 H Electric Heater Fan (3000 W) : 6.9 H Room Heater (1500 W) : 13.8 H Coffee Maker (1000 W) : 20.8 H Sump Pump (800 W) : 26 H Microwave Oven (600 W) : 34.7 H |
How Many Amps Does a 4000-Watt Generator Put Out?
At 240 V, a 4000-watt generator would produce 16.66 amps, and at 120 V, it would produce 33.33 amps. In order to understand the amp-hour of a Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station, let's calculate it with the following formula :
Amp-hour = Watt-hour / Volts = 2042.8 Wh / 44.8 V = 45.6 Ah
What is the Quietest 4000 W Generator?
Solar generators are the quietest 4000-watt generators, compared to the fuel generators, which are the loudest and also exceed fumes, which is unhealthy for the people and surroundings. Solar generators typically produce 30 - 45 dB during normal operations, comparable to the ideal indoor noise level.
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station is one of the quietest portable power stations, emitting less than 30 dB when charging household appliances. When plugged alongside an additional Jackery Battery Back 2000 Plus, a Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station can be expanded to 24 kWh, which makes it ideal for powering up household and outdoor appliances.
How Long Does a 4000-Watt Generator Last?
The running time of a 4000-watt generator will depend on multiple factors, including its age, number of concurrent appliances, etc. The higher the number of appliances you will power up with a 4000-watt generator, the less running time you will get.
For instance, let's calculate the running time of the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (24 kWh), which has a power capacity of 24513.6 Wh. Consider a scenario where you are charging multiple devices with this solar generator, like a room heater (1500 W), sump pump (800 W), and electric drill (550 W).
Working Time = Battery Capacity * 0.85 / Wattage Consumption of Appliances = 24513.6Wh * 0.85 / 2850 W = 7.3 H.
Note : The reason to consider 0.85 instead of 100 is because of some power loss that happens while charging the appliances.
Conclusion
A 4000-watt generator is a great addition for those who want to power up their household and outdoor appliances during power outages or emergencies. It can power up most household appliances, such as window ACs, televisions, mini refrigerators, etc. However, the cost of maintaining a 4000-watt generator is on the upper end.
If you are unsure which portable solar generator you want and are looking for a 4000-watt generator alternative, then Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station might be an ideal choice. This portable power station can easily be carried around in the house or during the RV trip. Additionally, with a power capacity that can be expanded up to 24 kWh, this portable power station can support up to 2 weeks of home backup, depending on the appliances.
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