What Size Generator Do You Need to Run a TV and Electronics?
By the Generator Size Calculator Team · Updated · 5 min read
Quick answer: Honda lists a color TV at 300 watts, a computer at 150, a printer at 100, a modem at 25 and a radio at 50 to 200, none with a start-up surge. A 1,000-watt inverter generator runs a TV, and about 2,000 watts a TV, computer, printer, modem and radio together. Add a refrigerator and a 3,000-watt generator covers the lot. Inverter models give the cleanest power for electronics.
Electronics watts
| Device | Running watts | Starting watts |
|---|---|---|
| Color television | 300 | 300 |
| VCR | 50 | 50 |
| Radio | 50 to 200 | 50 to 200 |
| Computer | 150 | 150 |
| Printer | 100 | 100 |
| Modem | 25 | 25 |
These are Honda's typical figures. A large modern TV, a gaming computer or extra monitors can draw more, so check the label or a plug-in watt meter. Lights are extra: add the watts printed on each bulb.
Which generator size to choose
| Setup | Running load | Generator |
|---|---|---|
| TV alone | 300 W | 1,000 W inverter |
| TV and VCR | 350 W | 1,000 W inverter |
| TV, computer, printer, modem and radio | 675 W | 2,000 W inverter |
| The same setup with a refrigerator | 1,375 W (peak about 2,875 W) | 3,000 W |
The radio is counted at 100 watts, inside Honda's 50 to 200 range. The refrigerator adds a start-up surge of about 1,500 watts, so the peak is about 2,875 watts. Sizes keep the running load under 80% of the rating and assume a starting capacity about 25% above it. See the home office guide and generator size for a refrigerator.
Why clean power matters
TVs, computers and routers have sensitive circuit boards. Honda says inverter generators give the cleanest power for sensitive electronics. A surge protector adds a layer of protection. Read inverter vs conventional generators and use the inverter generator calculator.
List every device you want to keep on.
Tips for outages
- Plug electronics into a surge protector that is plugged into the generator.
- Charge phones first, then turn the TV on for news and weather.
- A power station can replace the generator for a short outage. See the portable power station calculator.
- The internet may be down. A generator powers your modem but cannot fix an outage on the provider's side.
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 TV use?
Honda lists a color television at about 300 watts. Large or older sets can use more, so check the label.
Can a 1000-watt generator run a TV?
Yes. A 300-watt TV is well within a 1,000-watt inverter, with room for a modem and a few lights.
What size generator runs a TV, computer and modem?
About 475 watts for those three, so a 1,000-watt inverter works. Add a printer, a radio and lights and a 2,000-watt inverter is more comfortable.
Are inverter generators better for electronics?
Yes. They give the cleanest power for sensitive electronics, according to Honda.
Can I run a TV and a refrigerator together?
Yes, on a 3,000-watt generator. A TV, computer, printer, modem, radio and fridge total about 1,375 running watts and a peak near 2,875 watts.
Related calculators
Sources: Running and starting watts from the Honda generator wattage guide (color television, VCR, radio, computer, printer, modem, refrigerator); inverter clean-power note from Honda. Generator sizes apply the 80% running rule and an assumed starting capacity about 25% above the running rating. The radio value in the setup is an assumed 100 watts.