Can A Generator Run My Fridge?
We have a few different generator options at Total Tools. They range in price from R6953.94 to R16048.93:
Petrol Generator 4.5 Kva 3500w Recoil
Petrol Generator 4.5 Kva 3500w Elec Starter
The important thing to know about starting a fridge on a generator is that a fridge needs at least 1.5 times the running power to turn on its compressor. So, the generator you choose needs to be able to provide at least that amount of power.
A secondary important thing is to know that if your fridge comes with a smart control panel or various sensors, then you should use an inverter generator instead. This is to avoid damaging the microprocessors that your fridge would be using with the THD (total harmonic distortion) of a regular generator.
To summarise:
Old fridge? Use a generator.
New fridge? Use an inverter.
Here a table of rough power consumption estimates:
|
Type of Fridge |
Running Watts |
Additional Starting Watts |
Inverter Needed? |
|
Mini Fridge |
85 – 100 |
127 – 150 |
Usually no |
|
Smart Fridge |
250 – 500 |
375 – 750 |
Yes |
|
Under-Counter Fridge |
90 – 140 |
120 – 210 |
Usually no |
|
Modern Fridge (2001 and newer) |
100 – 400 |
150 – 600 |
Yes |
|
Side-by-Side Fridge |
792 |
1188 |
Yes |
|
Refrigerator Showcase |
210 |
315 |
Usually no |
|
Old Type of Fridge (2000 and older) |
200 – 800 |
300 – 1200 |
Usually no |
|
Mini Glass Fridge |
140 |
210 |
Usually no |
|
Mini Freezer |
35 – 50 |
52 – 75 |
Usually no |
|
Deep Freezer (Chest) |
350 – 500 |
525 – 750 |
Usually no |
|
Counter-Top Fridge |
1600 |
240 |
Usually no |