



But thankfully, inverter generator technology has come far enough that there are now plenty of 3,500-watt inverter options. Until recently, all 3,500-watt generators used a conventional open-frame motor. You’ll need to do your homework on a specific generator model to find out exactly what wattages it is rated for. Keep in mind that the 3,500-watt rating on a generator may refer to either the continuous wattage or surge wattage. This is the wattage that is noted on most appliances and tools. Surge power also comes into play if you use your generator for outdoor tools like lawnmowers, chainsaws, and table saws.Ĭontinuous wattage, also called running wattage, is the amount of power that your generator can sustain for hours. This is typically important when starting up motor-driven appliances, like refrigerators and air conditioners. Surge wattage is the amount of power that your generator can support for a few seconds. When talking about generator wattages, there are two different power ratings you need to know about: surge wattage and continuous wattage. If you want to dive right into our buying guides for each type of generator, you can find them here: Understanding Generator Wattage From choosing the generator that will cover your power and portability requirements to how to set up and maintain your generator for optimal performance, we’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about generators. You know that no matter where you go, you’ll have power from your generator. Having a portable generator can allow you to keep the comforts of home far beyond your home’s power outlets, or to power tools and devices in your yard or at a worksite. Many people think of generators as just a backup for powering your home in case the power goes down, but they’re good for so much more than that.
