What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a Floor Polisher?
By the Generator Size Calculator Team · Updated · 5 min read
Quick answer: Honda lists a 16 inch, 3/4 hp floor polisher at 1,400 running and 3,100 starting watts and a 20 inch, 1 hp one at 1,600 and 4,500. That points to a 3,000-watt generator for the 16 inch and about 4,000 watts for the 20 inch. The starting surge is large, so it decides the size, not the running watts.
Floor polisher watts
| Floor polisher | Running watts | Starting watts | Extra start-up surge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 inch, 3/4 hp | 1,400 | 3,100 | 1,700 |
| 20 inch, 1 hp | 1,600 | 4,500 | 2,900 |
These are Honda's typical figures. A polisher pressed hard against the floor can draw more, so check your label.
Which generator size to choose
| Floor polisher | Generator for the polisher alone |
|---|---|
| 16 inch (1,400 / 3,100 W) | 3,000 W |
| 20 inch (1,600 / 4,500 W) | 4,000 W |
Sizes keep the running load under 80% of the rating and assume a starting capacity about 25% above it. A 3,000-watt generator covers about 3,750 starting watts, enough for the 16 inch machine's 3,100. A 4,000-watt generator covers about 5,000, enough for the 20 inch machine's 4,500. See starting vs running watts.
Example: polisher, lights and a radio
| Load | Running watts |
|---|---|
| Floor polisher, 16 inch | 1,400 |
| Work lights | 200 |
| Radio | 100 |
| Running total | 1,700 |
The polisher's extra start-up load is 1,700 watts, so the peak is about 3,400 watts. A 3,000-watt generator carries 1,700 running watts under its 80% mark (2,400 watts), and its approximate 3,750-watt starting capacity covers the peak. The lights and radio are example values.
List the polisher, lights and a vacuum.
Tips for a clean start
- Start the polisher first, on its own, then add lights.
- Lift the pad slightly at start-up if the maker allows it, since a loaded motor draws more.
- Use a short, heavy cord. See the extension cord calculator.
Run the generator outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents. Never in a garage or shed, even with the door open. See how far a generator should be from your house.
Frequently asked questions
How many watts does a floor polisher use?
Honda lists a 16 inch, 3/4 hp polisher at 1,400 running and 3,100 starting watts, and a 20 inch, 1 hp polisher at 1,600 and 4,500.
Can a 2000-watt generator run a floor polisher?
No. The 3,100-watt start-up figure of the 16 inch machine is above a typical 2,000-watt inverter's peak.
What size generator runs a 20 inch floor polisher?
About 4,000 watts, since it starts at 4,500 watts and runs at 1,600.
Why is the starting surge so large?
The motor has to turn the pad and brush from a standstill under load, so it draws a large current for a moment.
Can I run lights with a polisher?
Yes. A 16 inch polisher, work lights and a radio fit a 3,000-watt generator.
Related calculators
Sources: Running and starting watts from the Honda generator wattage guide (floor polishers). Generator sizes apply the 80% running rule and an assumed starting capacity about 25% above the running rating. The lights and radio in the example are assumed values.