Miscellaneous Small Electronics (Power Strip) Wattage for Generator Sizing
About the Miscellaneous Small Electronics (Power Strip)
A power strip with assorted small electronics including clocks, phone chargers, a baby monitor, night lights, and similar low-draw devices. This represents the typical miscellaneous electronic load in a home. None of these devices have a starting surge. While individually negligible, the combined load of numerous small electronics can add up. Including a miscellaneous electronics allowance in your generator sizing ensures you have headroom for the various small devices your household uses daily.
Generator Sizing for a Miscellaneous Small Electronics (Power Strip)
Running a miscellaneous small electronics (power strip) by itself requires a generator with at least 188 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 miscellaneous small electronics (power strip) contributes 150 W to the continuous running load.
The miscellaneous small electronics (power strip) 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 miscellaneous small electronics (power strip) adds a flat 150 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 miscellaneous small electronics (power strip) 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 miscellaneous small electronics (power strip).
Tips for Running a Miscellaneous Small Electronics (Power Strip) on a Generator
Running a miscellaneous small electronics (power strip) 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 150 W plus the wattage of all other appliances running simultaneously.
Since the miscellaneous small electronics (power strip) draws a constant 150 W whenever it is operating, you can accurately predict generator fuel consumption. At typical generator fuel efficiencies, running the miscellaneous small electronics (power strip) continuously adds approximately 0.0 gallons of gasoline per hour to your fuel consumption. If the miscellaneous small electronics (power strip) operates intermittently (like a thermostat-controlled heater), the actual fuel impact will be lower.
For sensitive electronic components within the miscellaneous small electronics (power strip), an inverter generator provides the cleanest power output. However, most resistive appliances work fine on conventional generators as well. If you are running the miscellaneous small electronics (power strip) along with sensitive electronics like computers, the inverter generator protects all connected devices.
Miscellaneous Small Electronics (Power Strip) Wattage Compared to Similar Appliances
The following table compares the miscellaneous small electronics (power strip) 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Miscellaneous Small Electronics (Power Strip) (this appliance) | 150 W | — |
| Phone / Tablet Charger | 25 W | — |
| Sewing Machine | 100 W | — |
| Clothes Iron | 1,200 W | — |
| Hair Dryer | 1,500 W | — |
| Electric Blanket | 200 W | — |
| Pool Pump (1 HP) | 1,500 W | 2,500 W |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many watts does a miscellaneous small electronics (power strip) use?
A miscellaneous small electronics (power strip) uses approximately 150 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 miscellaneous small electronics (power strip)?
To run a miscellaneous small electronics (power strip) by itself, you need a generator rated for at least 188 W (1 kW), which includes a 25% safety margin above the running wattage of 150W. However, most people run additional appliances alongside the miscellaneous small electronics (power strip), 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 miscellaneous small electronics (power strip) on an inverter generator?
Yes, a miscellaneous small electronics (power strip) 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.