Use case
Backup power for home medical equipment
For medical backup, reliability and clean power matter most. CPAPs and monitors are sensitive electronics — favor an inverter generator or a battery system.
Running
720W
Peak surge
1,120W
Recommend
1,500W
The medical refrigerator drives the peak here, surging when it starts. Sizing for the running total plus that single largest surge — not the sum of every surge — gives a realistic 1,500W (1.5kW) recommendation.
Typical loads for home medical equipment
| Load | Running | Starting |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 160W | 480W |
| Household lights (LED) | 200W | 200W |
| CPAP machine | 60W | 60W |
| Medical refrigerator | 200W | 600W |
| Phone/laptop charging | 100W | 100W |
Size your exact setup
Common questions
What size generator do I need for home medical equipment?
For this typical load set, about a 1,500W (1.5kW) class covers it — that's 720W running plus the largest startup surge (from the medical refrigerator), with a 20% margin.
Can I run more than this?
Yes — this is a representative set. Add or remove loads in the load sizer to match your exact situation and get an updated number.