Will a 5,500W generator run a sump pump?
Running sump pump (1/3 hp), refrigerator, household lights (led) on a 5,500W generator: the steady draw is 1,160W, but it peaks at 2,440W when the sump pump (1/3 hp) starts.
| Load | Running | Starting |
|---|---|---|
| Sump pump (1/3 HP) | 800W | 2080W |
| Refrigerator | 160W | 480W |
| Household lights (LED) | 200W | 200W |
Why the peak is what matters
A generator doesn't stall on the running total — it stalls on the surge. The single largest startup spike here comes from the sump pump (1/3 hp). Add it to the running load of everything else and you get a 2,440W peak. Since that is under 5,500W, the generator handles it.
Size your exact setup
This covers a typical load set. Your actual appliances will differ — size your real situation in the calculator:
Common questions
Will a 5,500W generator run a sump pump?
Yes. Running sump pump (1/3 hp), refrigerator, household lights (led) draws 1,160W continuously, but peaks at 2,440W when the sump pump (1/3 hp) starts. A 5,500W generator covers that with room to spare.
What's the difference between running and starting watts?
Running watts is the steady draw; starting (surge) watts is the brief spike when a motor starts. Generators must handle the surge, not just the running total — that's why this calculation matters.