What Is a 13000-Watt Generator?
A 13000-watt generator is capable of producing a staggering 13000 watts of electrical power. These powerful generators provide a high level of power output and are considered perfect for various applications, including backup power during household emergencies, powering large appliances at remote job sites, and providing electricity during off-grid or RV living.
With a 13000-watt generator, one can easily charge large appliances, such as an electric water heater (4500 - 5500 W), an electric clothes dryer (5000 - 6000 W), a central AC unit (3500 - 5000 W), etc. These large appliances demonstrate the energy production of a 13000-watt generator.
There are three notable types of 13000-watt generators in the market :
13000-Watt Portable Generator : A 13000-watt portable generator features a combustion engine that is connected to an alternator that produces the energy required to power up the appliances. In most cases, a 13000-watt portable generator comes along with wheels and handles, which makes it easier to move them to different locations when needed.
13000-Watt Inverter Generator : A 13000-watt inverter generator is ideal for those who are looking for a generator that does not emit harmful fumes and provides cleaner energy. Instead of having a combustion engine, a 13000-watt inverter generator comes with an inverter that converts DC power into AC power, which can charge sensitive electronics like office computers, printers, or RV appliances.
13000-Watt Solar Generator : A 13000-watt solar generator is considered ideal for those who wish to utilize solar energy to power up their equipment and household appliances. These generators come with a battery storage to store excessive energy and offer environmentally friendly power solutions.
In order to understand the size of the generator you might need, you must first understand some of the terms that are closely associated with a generator’s power output.
Starting Watts : A starting watt represents the initial surge of power needed by the appliances when they are first turned on. For instance, with a 13000-watt generator, a large air conditioning unit requires roughly 5000 W to start up without causing any power fluctuations or interruptions to other appliances.
Running Watts : A running watt refers to the continuous power output that appliances require to operate once they are powered on. For instance, a refrigerator would need around 800 W to run continuously, and since a 13000-watt generator can easily provide this much power, there will be steady power during a power outage.
Surge Wattage : A surge wattage represents all the extra or additional power capacity beyond the generator’s rated running watts that it can handle for a brief duration to accommodate any sudden surge in power demand. For instance, a 13000-watt generator’s surge wattage capability allows for the smooth operation of a large air conditioning unit that requires 5000 W initially before settling into a lower running wattage of 3000 - 4000 W.
Watt-Hour : A watt-hour is a unit of measurement used to understand the amount of energy consumed by any appliance over time. For instance, if a refrigerator (800 W) is operational for 10 hours, then it would consume at least 8000 Wh of energy from the generator.
What Size Generator Do I Need?
In order to determine the appropriate size generator depends on the specific power requirements of the appliances you intend to power simultaneously. These appliances can either be household appliances or the work site power tools. For most residential and work site purposes, a 13000-watt generator offers high power and can handle a wide range of appliances, like lights, entertainment systems, grills, air conditioners, etc.
That said, your requirement and power from the generator can be explained by following the below-mentioned steps :
Step 1 : If you are looking for household usage, then look around the place and compile a list of all the appliances you plan to power simultaneously.
Step 2 : Add the running wattage of all the appliances to learn about the total running power that you would require when you have connected all of your devices. The running wattage can be calculated via :
Step 3 : Now combine the total running wattage with the highest starting wattage to accommodate the surge. For instance, if the sum of all the appliances’ running wattage is 5000 W and the highest starting wattage of a particular appliance is 7000 W, then you will require a generator that has a surge capacity of at least 12000 W to accommodate the peak power demands.
This is better explained in the following illustration :
What Can a 13000-Watt Generator Run?
A 13000-watt generator can power a variety of electronic appliances and equipment simultaneously. From circular saws and air compressors to hair dryers, microwaves, lights, and toasters, a 13000-watt generator is capable of powering multiple high-demand appliances, which makes it suitable for residential places, work sites, RVs, and off-grid living.
Will a 13000-watt Generator Run a House?
A 13,000-watt generator provides enough power to charge an entire house during a power outage and run several appliances simultaneously.
Home Equipment |
Running Watts |
Starting Watts |
Vacuum Cleaner |
1440 W |
2500 W |
Curling Iron |
1500 W |
- |
Dishwasher |
1500 W |
1500 W |
Toaster |
900 W |
- |
Window AC |
3250 W |
3950 W |
Note : Before attaching all the household appliances to a 13000-watt generator, please calculate their total wattage to ensure the generator’s capacity is equal to or higher than the overall demand.
Work Site
A 13000-watt generator is well-suited for power tools like air compressors, welding machines, electric drills, circular saws, etc. At the same time, this astounding power output can run small work site appliances, like lights and small table fans, for several days.
Work Site Equipment |
Running Watts |
Starting Watts |
Circular Saw |
1400 W |
2300 W |
Hammer drill |
1000 W |
3000 W |
Airless Sprayer |
600 W |
1200 W |
Halogen Work Light, 300 |
300 W |
- |
Air Compressor |
1600 W |
4500 W |
RV
A 13000-watt generator is a great choice for RV living, as it provides ample power to run most RV appliances, like microwaves, refrigerators, entertainment systems, air conditioners, etc. Furthermore, a 13000-watt generator can also accommodate appliances in Class A motorhomes, making it a good option for extended road trips.
Home Equipment |
Running Watts |
Starting Watts |
Electric Grill |
1650 W |
- |
Box Fan |
200 W |
- |
Window AC |
3250 W |
3950 W |
Coffee Maker |
1000 W |
- |
Electric Stove |
2100 W |
- |
Off-Grid Living
A 13000-watt generator is ideal for off-grid living, as it can provide power for appliances and equipment in remote locations, whereas an on-grid electricity supply is not possible. Some of the appliances that it can power are refrigerators, freezers, water pumps, lighting, HVAC systems, etc. With a 13000-watt generator, one can even power equipment related to off-grid farming. Some of the appliances that it can power are irrigation systems, machinery, and pumps.
Off-Grid Equipment |
Running Watts |
Starting Watts |
Outdoor Light String |
250 W |
- |
Electric Clothes Dryer |
5400 W |
6750 W |
Sump Pump |
1050 W |
2200 W |
Electric Water Heater |
4000 W |
- |
Food Processor |
400 W |
- |
Jackery 13000 W Portable Generators
Jackery currently does not provide a 13000-watt generator, but one can build their own by assembling two Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Stations in parallel. A Jackery Explorer Plus Portable Power Station is perfect for those who do not want their portable power stations to take up a lot of space in their home or in their RVs. Simultaneously, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station works at a whisper-quiet noise level and releases no harmful fumes, making it a great choice for those who look for eco-friendly energy sources.
Here is a list of large Jackery Solar Generators for different usage :
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Double Kit (6000 W/240 V/4 kWh)
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Double Kit can be set up by connecting 2*Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Stations together in parallel. The expandability feature and high output feature of this portable power station help you charge most household or worksite appliances. If you have a large RV and often travel to remote locations for extended trips, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Double Kit can supply steady electricity to most RV appliances. Thus, you don't have to worry about finding nearby electricity outlets.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (3000 W/120 V/6 kWh + 2*SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels)
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (6kWh) combines 1*Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station, 2*Jackery Battery Pack 2000 Plus, and 2*Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels. You can use the battery-powered generator indoors during extended power outages or blackouts. It can safely charge appliances that require high running and starting wattage — all thanks to its 3000 W rated and 6000 W surge output power.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (3000 W/120 V/24 kWh + 6*SolarSaga 200 W Solar Panels)
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (24kWh) is a great whole-home battery backup solution. You can connect the solar generator to the home electricity circuits and charge appliances when there are unexpected power outages. This solar generator has multiple AC and DC output ports to charge 18 devices simultaneously. Additionally, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (24kWh) is an ideal charging solution for worksite projects that require the usage of heavy-duty power tools for long hours.
Product |
Output Rated / Surge Watts |
Capacity |
Appliances Running Time |
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Double Kit (6000 W/240 V/4 kWh) |
6000 W / 12000 W Surge Peak |
4085.6 Wh |
Vacuum Cleaner (1440 W) : 2.4 H Curling Iron (1500 W) : 2.3 H Circular Saw (1400 W) : 2.4 H Hammer Drill (1000 W) : 3.4 H Electric Grill (1650 W) : 2.1 H Window AC (3250 W) : 1 H |
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (6 kWh) |
3000 W / 6000 W Surge Peak |
6128.4 Wh |
Vacuum Cleaner (1440 W) : 3.6 H Curling Iron (1500 W) : 3.4 H Circular Saw (1400 W) : 3.7 H Hammer Drill (1000 W) : 5.2 H Electric Grill (1650 W) : 3.1 H Window AC (3250 W) : 1 6 H |
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (24 kWh) |
3000 W / 6000 W Surge Peak |
24513.6 Wh |
Vacuum Cleaner (1440 W) : 14.4 H Curling Iron (1500 W) : 13.8 H Circular Saw (1400 W) : 14.8 H Hammer Drill (1000 W) : 20.8 H Electric Grill (1650 W) : 12.6 H Window AC (3250 W) : 6.4 H |
How Many Amps Does a 13000-Watt Generator Put Out?
In order to determine the total amps output of a generator, you can use the following formula :
Amperage (A) = Power (W)/ Voltage (V)
When a 13000-watt generator operates at a standard 120 V, its output is 108.33 amps. Whereas when the same generator operates at 240 V, its output would be 54.16 amps.
One can apply the same formula to analyze the amp-hour of a Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station, which results in a total of 45.6 Ah.
What is the Quietest 13000-Watt Generator?
Compared to inverters or diesel inverters, solar generators are considered the quietest ones. Typically, Jackery Solar Generators would produce 30 - 45 dB noise during normal operation hours, whereas the noise level doubles up when the same appliances are powered up in an inverter or diesel inverter.
When using Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station, one can check out Jackery’s mobile application, where one can select the Quiet Charging Mode to enable a whisper-quiet operation that emits less than 30 dB.
How Long Does a 13000-Watt Generator Last?
The total running time of a 13000-watt generator depends on several factors, but most importantly, on the number of appliances that you have connected simultaneously to power up and the highest wattage power of the same.
In order to determine the running time you will get with the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (24 kWh), which offers a power capacity of 24513.6 Wh, let’s create a scenario where you intend to simultaneously power multiple high-power demanding appliances, like heat pump (4700 W), electric water heater (4000 W), electric stove (2100 W), and table saw (2000 W).
Working Time = Battery Capacity * 0.85 / Wattage Consumption of Appliances = 24513.6Wh * 0.85 / 12800 W = 1.6 H
We have multiplied by 0.85 since there will be some power loss when charging appliances with solar generators.
Conclusion
A 13000-watt generator is a great addition to residential and industrial complexes. Even though it can charge most of the heavy power appliances, its size and weight make it inconvenient for those who wish to take it on an RV or even wish to move it from one part of the house to the other.
When it comes to portability and efficiency, a Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station is ideal for households, construction sites, RV, and off-grid living. This portable power station can be expanded up to 24 kWh, which lets the users charge heavy-power appliances, like HVAC systems, electric saws, split air conditioners, etc. Due to its portability, one can even carry them effectively in their RVs for road trips or off-grid living.
Leave a comment