WiFi Router / Modem Wattage for Generator Sizing
About the WiFi Router / Modem
A home WiFi router and cable or DSL modem. These devices draw very little power and have no starting surge. However, their importance during outages is enormous. Internet access provides emergency information, communication, remote work capability, and entertainment. Assuming your Internet Service Provider maintains power to local infrastructure, keeping your home router and modem powered preserves your internet connection. Many people pair their router with a small UPS for seamless connectivity, using the generator to keep the UPS charged.
Generator Sizing for a WiFi Router / Modem
Running a wifi router / modem by itself requires a generator with at least 25 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 wifi router / modem contributes 20 W to the continuous running load.
The wifi router / modem 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 wifi router / modem adds a flat 20 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 wifi router / modem 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 wifi router / modem.
Scenarios That Include WiFi Router / Modem
The following pre-calculated generator scenarios include the wifi router / modem in their appliance list. Each scenario shows the total generator size needed for all appliances in the set, not just the wifi router / modem alone. Click any scenario to see the full appliance breakdown.
| Scenario | Total Appliances | Running Watts | Recommended Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Outage Essentials | 5 | 1,095 W | 2 kW |
| Home Office Backup | 5 | 1,245 W | 2 kW |
| Whole House Basic Coverage | 8 | 3,895 W | 7 kW |
| Whole House Full Coverage | 10 | 9,425 W | 15 kW |
| Winter Storm Preparedness | 7 | 3,595 W | 6 kW |
| Summer Heat Wave | 6 | 1,595 W | 3 kW |
| Hurricane Preparedness | 9 | 3,545 W | 6 kW |
| Small Apartment Essentials | 7 | 1,855 W | 3 kW |
| Family with Young Children | 8 | 1,675 W | 3 kW |
| Aquarium / Fish Tank Emergency | 5 | 495 W | 2 kW |
| Pellet Stove Heating System | 6 | 1,695 W | 4 kW |
| Basement Flood Prevention | 4 | 1,195 W | 3 kW |
| Elderly / Retired Couple | 8 | 2,885 W | 5 kW |
| EV Owner Emergency Charging | 5 | 1,735 W | 3 kW |
| Full Remote Work Setup | 7 | 1,825 W | 3 kW |
| Well Water Home Essentials | 7 | 4,095 W | 8 kW |
| Mini-Split AC Comfort | 6 | 1,575 W | 3 kW |
| Full Disaster Preparedness Kit | 11 | 4,105 W | 7 kW |
| Hybrid Generator + Battery Strategy | 6 | 1,795 W | 3 kW |
Tips for Running a WiFi Router / Modem on a Generator
Running a wifi router / modem 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 20 W plus the wattage of all other appliances running simultaneously.
Since the wifi router / modem draws a constant 20 W whenever it is operating, you can accurately predict generator fuel consumption. At typical generator fuel efficiencies, running the wifi router / modem continuously adds approximately 0.0 gallons of gasoline per hour to your fuel consumption. If the wifi router / modem operates intermittently (like a thermostat-controlled heater), the actual fuel impact will be lower.
For sensitive electronic components within the wifi router / modem, an inverter generator provides the cleanest power output. However, most resistive appliances work fine on conventional generators as well. If you are running the wifi router / modem along with sensitive electronics like computers, the inverter generator protects all connected devices.
WiFi Router / Modem Wattage Compared to Similar Appliances
The following table compares the wifi router / modem to other appliances in the entertainment & electronics 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 |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi Router / Modem (this appliance) | 20 W | — |
| TV LED 55-inch | 80 W | — |
| TV Plasma 55-inch | 300 W | — |
| Gaming Console | 200 W | — |
| Desktop Computer | 300 W | — |
| Laptop Computer | 60 W | — |
| Home Theater System | 350 W | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many watts does a wifi router / modem use?
A wifi router / modem uses approximately 20 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 wifi router / modem?
To run a wifi router / modem by itself, you need a generator rated for at least 25 W (1 kW), which includes a 25% safety margin above the running wattage of 20W. However, most people run additional appliances alongside the wifi router / modem, 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 wifi router / modem on an inverter generator?
Yes, a wifi router / modem 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.