Your complete guide to what size generator do i need for Australian buyers.
For camping and caravans a 2kW–2.5kW generator runs a fridge, lights and small appliances; for home backup you need 5kW–8kW to cover essential circuits; and for worksites 3kW–7kW handles most power tools. Add up the running watts of everything you'll run at once, then add 20–30% headroom for starting surges.
In this guide the team at PowerTools Australia breaks down everything Australian buyers need to know, with straight answers and current local pricing. When you’re ready, you can shop generators — all sizes in stock with fast Australia-wide delivery.
How Generator Sizing Works
Every appliance has running watts and starting watts (the surge when a motor kicks in). A camping fridge might run at 150W but surge to 600W. Your generator's rated output must exceed the total running watts of everything operating simultaneously, and its peak output must cover the biggest single surge on top.
Camping & Caravan (2kW–2.5kW)
A 2000W generator like the Crown 2kW runs a caravan fridge, LED lights, phone chargers, a TV, and a small kettle — the classic Aussie camping setup. If you want to run a small air conditioner, step up to 2.2kW–2.5kW inverter or silent-type models, which also keep noise down at campsites.
Home Backup (5kW–8kW)
To keep a household's essentials running through a blackout — fridge, freezer, lights, modem, fans and TV — 5kW is the realistic minimum. Running ducted air-con or a workshop at the same time pushes you toward 8kW+.
Worksite Use (3kW–7kW)
Most corded power tools draw 800W–2,400W. A 3kW unit runs one high-draw tool safely; a 5kW–7kW unit runs a small crew. Remember: angle grinders and compressors surge hard on startup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 2kW generator enough for camping?
Yes — a 2kW generator comfortably runs a camping fridge, lights, chargers and small appliances. Only step up if you need to run an air conditioner.
What will a 2000 watt generator run?
A 2000W generator runs a fridge (150–600W), LED lighting (20–100W), laptop and phone chargers, a fan, TV, and a small kettle or coffee maker — just not all at once with high-draw appliances.
How loud are silent generators?
Silent or inverter-type generators typically run at 52–60dB at 7 metres — about the level of normal conversation — versus 70dB+ for open-frame units.
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