Electric Blanket Wattage for Generator Sizing
About the Electric Blanket
A standard electric blanket or heated mattress pad. Electric blankets are a remarkably efficient way to stay warm during winter power outages because they heat the person directly rather than the entire room. Drawing only 200 watts on the highest setting (and much less on lower settings), an electric blanket uses roughly one-eighth the power of a portable space heater while providing comparable personal warmth. For generator-powered winter heating strategies, electric blankets are one of the most efficient options available.
Generator Sizing for a Electric Blanket
Running a electric blanket by itself requires a generator with at least 250 W of capacity (1 kW), which includes a 25% safety margin. However, you rarely run a single appliance on a generator. When combined with other appliances, the electric blanket contributes 200 W to the continuous running load.
The electric blanket is a resistive load, meaning it uses a heating element or simple electronic circuit rather than a motor. Resistive loads draw the same wattage from the moment they turn on until they turn off, with no starting surge. This makes them the easiest type of appliance to run on a generator. When calculating your total generator load, the electric blanket adds a flat 200 W to your running total with no impact on peak surge calculations. Resistive loads also produce a power factor of 1.0, meaning they use electricity very efficiently with no wasted reactive power.
To determine the total generator size you need, use our interactive calculator to combine the electric blanket with your other appliances. The calculator automatically handles the starting surge calculation and applies the 25% safety margin to give you an accurate recommendation. Alternatively, browse the scenarios below to see common generator setups that include the electric blanket.
Tips for Running a Electric Blanket on a Generator
Running a electric blanket on a generator is straightforward since it is a purely resistive load. There are no special starting procedures or surge considerations. Simply ensure your generator's continuous (rated) wattage exceeds 200 W plus the wattage of all other appliances running simultaneously.
Since the electric blanket draws a constant 200 W whenever it is operating, you can accurately predict generator fuel consumption. At typical generator fuel efficiencies, running the electric blanket continuously adds approximately 0.0 gallons of gasoline per hour to your fuel consumption. If the electric blanket operates intermittently (like a thermostat-controlled heater), the actual fuel impact will be lower.
For sensitive electronic components within the electric blanket, an inverter generator provides the cleanest power output. However, most resistive appliances work fine on conventional generators as well. If you are running the electric blanket along with sensitive electronics like computers, the inverter generator protects all connected devices.
Electric Blanket Wattage Compared to Similar Appliances
The following table compares the electric blanket to other appliances in the other category. Understanding relative power requirements helps you make informed decisions about which appliances to prioritize on your generator and where you might find opportunities to reduce your total load.
| Appliance | Running Watts | Starting Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Blanket (this appliance) | 200 W | — |
| Phone / Tablet Charger | 25 W | — |
| Sewing Machine | 100 W | — |
| Clothes Iron | 1,200 W | — |
| Hair Dryer | 1,500 W | — |
| Pool Pump (1 HP) | 1,500 W | 2,500 W |
| Hot Tub / Spa | 6,000 W | 7,500 W |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many watts does a electric blanket use?
A electric blanket uses approximately 200 watts of continuous (running) power during normal operation. As a resistive load with no motor, it has no starting surge above its running wattage.
What size generator do I need to run a electric blanket?
To run a electric blanket by itself, you need a generator rated for at least 250 W (1 kW), which includes a 25% safety margin above the running wattage of 200W. However, most people run additional appliances alongside the electric blanket, so your actual generator needs will be higher. Use our calculator to add your other appliances and get a comprehensive recommendation.
Can I run a electric blanket on an inverter generator?
Yes, a electric blanket runs perfectly well on an inverter generator. As a resistive load with no motor starting surge, it is one of the easiest appliances to power with any generator type. The clean sine wave output of an inverter generator is a bonus for any electronic components.