To determine the size of the generator you need to power your refrigerator and AC, you'll need to calculate the total wattage (or power) required by both appliances. Here's how you can do it:
Find the power rating of your refrigerator: Look for the manufacturer's label on your refrigerator, which should indicate the wattage or amperage rating. If it provides amperage, you can calculate the wattage by multiplying the voltage (usually 120V in the US) with the amperage. For example, if the refrigerator is rated at 5 amps, the wattage would be 120V * 5A = 600W.
Find the power rating of your AC unit: Similar to the refrigerator, check the manufacturer's label on your AC unit to find the wattage or amperage rating. If it provides amperage, multiply it by the voltage to get the wattage.
Calculate the total power required: Add the wattage of the refrigerator and the AC unit together to get the total power required. For example, if the refrigerator requires 600W and the AC unit requires 1500W, the total power required would be 600W + 1500W = 2100W.
Consider starting surge: Some appliances, like air conditioners, require extra power during startup. This is known as a starting surge or inrush current. It's typically higher than the continuous running power. Check the specifications of your AC unit to see if a starting surge is provided. As a general rule of thumb, you can add 20-30% to the total power required to account for the starting surge.
Once you have the total power required (including the starting surge, if applicable), you'll need to choose a generator with a rated output equal to or higher than that total power. For example, if the total power required is 2100W with a 25% starting surge, you would need a generator with a rated output of at least 2100W + 25% (525W) = 2625W.
Keep in mind that it's always a good idea to have some additional capacity in the generator to handle unexpected power spikes or to power other essential appliances simultaneously. Therefore, consider choosing a generator with a slightly higher wattage rating than the minimum calculated value.
If you're unsure about the calculations or need specific guidance, consult a professional electrician or generator supplier who can help you select the right generator size based on your appliances' requirements and your specific needs.