What Can a 5500 Watt Generator Run?

What Is A 5500W Generator?

A 5500-watt generator is a powerful tool for emergency backup power outages or for use in remote locations. Such portable power sources can produce up to 5500 watts of electrical power when needed. With a maximum supply of 5500 watts of power, these power stations are enough to run several household appliances, like portable refrigerators, air conditioners, medical ventilator units, and even mid-range powering tools at construction sites.

There are three types of 5500-watt generators currently available in the market:

5500-Watt Portable Generator: A 5500-watt portable generator is a portable unit mostly run using diesel or propane. These portable generators are traditionally bulky and come with wheels and handles to move from one place to another. With a 5500-watt generator, one can run appliances like freezers, electric kettles, air conditioners, and more.

5500-watt Inverter Generator: If you do not like the loud sound of a portable generator, go ahead with a battery-powered 5500-watt inverter generator. These generators are ideal for charging household and outdoor appliances and sensitive appliances like laptops, large-screen TVs, smartphones, and more.

5500-Watt Solar Generator: If you do not want to depend on any form of on-grid power outlet and are looking for an environmentally friendly solution for your emergency usage, you can check out 5500-watt solar generators. These portable, easy-to-move units have solar panels, a battery storage system, and a built-in inverter that converts the harnessed solar energy into usable AC power. You can take a 5500-watt generator to remote places to charge your mid-range powering tools, like saws, drills, sump pumps, and more.

Before we discuss more about the 5500-watt generator and understand your monthly requirements, let us first discuss a couple of important electronics terms that will help you understand the requirement and usage part a little better:

Starting Wattage: Starting wattage is the inrush power required by electrical appliances at the very start of their operation. It is typically higher than the running wattage because some appliances need energy to get started. For instance, an air conditioner might require only 1500W to stay in operation, but the initial surge requirement can be close to 2000W.

Running Wattage: The continuous wattage is the amount of power an appliance needs to run under normal conditions. In the above example, the running wattage of an air conditioner is 1500W. This means that the generator or any portable power unit should provide a continuous 1500W of power to ensure that this appliance will remain operational.

Surge Wattage: Surge wattage is the maximum power that a generator can produce for a short period, helping accommodate the initial power needed by certain appliances for a brief moment. For instance, a table saw might need 2400 watts to start but only 1600 watts to keep running. So, with a 5500-watt generator, you will get the required 2400 watts to handle the initial power surge.

Watt-hours: Watt-hours measure the total amount of energy used over time. For instance, if you have a microwave that uses 1000 watts and you run it for 2 hours, it will consume 2000 watt-hours (Wh) of energy (1000 watts x 2 hours = 2000 Wh) during its operational hour.

What Can a 5500-Watt Generator Run?

A 5500-watt generator can comfortably power essential household appliances and tools, making it ideal for backup power during outages or even for taking along during events or outdoor adventures. It can run a combination of items such as a computer, sump pump, medical ventilator, and small kitchen appliances, like a toaster and even a coffee maker. With this much power, one can easily use such generators to handle multiple devices simultaneously without worrying about overload.

You can use a 5500-watt generator for emergencies, construction sites, RV, and even off-grid living. Here are some of the scenarios where such a generator is ideal:

Will a 5500-watt Generator Run a House?

Yes, you can easily use a 5500-watt generator to run a house. It can power critical items such as a microwave oven (1000W), sump pump (1050W running), washing machine (500W), and several LED lights (10W each). However, if you have large appliances and even your working hours exceed the time a 5500-watt generator can run, then you can check out large capacity generators, like a 10000-watt generator or a 15000-watt generator.

Can a 5500-watt Generator Be Used For Construction Sites?

Yes, you can carry a 5500-watt generator during your remote working sites where you need to power construction-site tools. For example, this portable generator can run a circular saw (1200W), a power drill (600W), and a compressor (1400W) simultaneously, with additional capacity for lights and other small tools, like a jigsaw (300W).

Is 5500 Watt Generator Enough for RV or Campers?

A 5500-watt generator is sufficient for a popup camper, hybrid trailers, and even Class A/B RVs. When fully charged, these generators can easily handle an air conditioner (1500W), refrigerator (200W running), microwave oven (1000W), and various smaller devices like a TV (50W) and laptop (50W). With such high-capacity generators, you can relax in the outdoors while having all the comforts of your home.

Can You Live Off-Grid With a 5500W Generator?

Yes, when the daily power needs are correctly managed, you can live off-grid with a 5500-watt generator. Such a generator can support essential appliances like a well pump (1000W), water heater (4500W, if used intermittently), lights, and basic electronics. However, you must periodically consider checking the fuel and may require supplementation with alternative energy sources, like solar panels, to ensure a reliable and continuous power supply.

Jackery 5500W Portable Solar Generators

If you are looking for a high-capacity solar generator, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (6kWh) has a battery capacity of 6128.4Wh. This powerful battery capacity allows it to charge most of your household and outdoor appliances simultaneously for extended periods.

When considering getting this unit, you can connect the 2*Jackery Battery Pack 2000 Plus with the 1*Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station. Additionally, you can use 2*Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels to recharge this portable power station. With these solar panels, you can recharge this portable generator even when you are living off-grid.

Here are two Jackery Solar Generators that you can use to power different appliances:

Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Double Kit (6000W/240V/4kWh)

A Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Double Kit produces 6000W starting wattage and a 12000W running wattage, which is more than enough when compared to a traditional 5500-watt generator. You can carry this double kit during your outdoor adventures or construction sites and use it to power or charge heavy-duty appliances, like central air conditioners, clothes dryers, electric water heaters, and more.