Emergency Radio / HAM Radio Wattage for Generator Sizing
About the Emergency Radio / HAM Radio
An emergency weather radio, CB radio, or amateur (HAM) radio transceiver. During transmit, HAM radios may draw up to 200 watts, but receive-only operation is much lower. Emergency radios draw minimal power. Communication equipment is a critical emergency preparedness item, and the low power requirements make it easy to include in any generator configuration. HAM radio operators often plan generator backup as part of their emergency communication readiness.
Generator Sizing for a Emergency Radio / HAM Radio
Running a emergency radio / ham radio by itself requires a generator with at least 63 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 emergency radio / ham radio contributes 50 W to the continuous running load.
The emergency radio / ham radio 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 emergency radio / ham radio adds a flat 50 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 emergency radio / ham radio 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 emergency radio / ham radio.
Scenarios That Include Emergency Radio / HAM Radio
The following pre-calculated generator scenarios include the emergency radio / ham radio in their appliance list. Each scenario shows the total generator size needed for all appliances in the set, not just the emergency radio / ham radio alone. Click any scenario to see the full appliance breakdown.
| Scenario | Total Appliances | Running Watts | Recommended Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Disaster Preparedness Kit | 11 | 4,105 W | 7 kW |
Tips for Running a Emergency Radio / HAM Radio on a Generator
Running a emergency radio / ham radio 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 50 W plus the wattage of all other appliances running simultaneously.
Since the emergency radio / ham radio draws a constant 50 W whenever it is operating, you can accurately predict generator fuel consumption. At typical generator fuel efficiencies, running the emergency radio / ham radio continuously adds approximately 0.0 gallons of gasoline per hour to your fuel consumption. If the emergency radio / ham radio operates intermittently (like a thermostat-controlled heater), the actual fuel impact will be lower.
For sensitive electronic components within the emergency radio / ham radio, an inverter generator provides the cleanest power output. However, most resistive appliances work fine on conventional generators as well. If you are running the emergency radio / ham radio along with sensitive electronics like computers, the inverter generator protects all connected devices.
Emergency Radio / HAM Radio Wattage Compared to Similar Appliances
The following table compares the emergency radio / ham radio 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Radio / HAM Radio (this appliance) | 50 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 emergency radio / ham radio use?
A emergency radio / ham radio uses approximately 50 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 emergency radio / ham radio?
To run a emergency radio / ham radio by itself, you need a generator rated for at least 63 W (1 kW), which includes a 25% safety margin above the running wattage of 50W. However, most people run additional appliances alongside the emergency radio / ham radio, 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 emergency radio / ham radio on an inverter generator?
Yes, a emergency radio / ham radio 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.