What can I run on different generator sizes?

• <div><p>Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:</p><p>Portable generator:</p><ul><li><p>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </p></li><li><p>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</p></li><li><p>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</p></li></ul><p>Partial to whole-house generator:</p><ul><li><p>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

How many days can a standby generator run continuously?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-long-can-whole-house-generator-run-continuously.htm">amount of time a standby generator can run continuously</a> is around <b>3,000 hours</b> on average. However, standby generators can generally run indefinitely as long as they have a continuous fuel supply. Generators hooked up to a home’s natural gas supply are the best option for extended usage, as these won’t rely on a finite fuel supply based on how much you have in storage. Generators running on liquid propane or diesel won’t last as long, as these require fuel storage and regular refueling to stay running.</p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Bridport, VT

Q: Can a portable generator power an entire home?

• <div><p>A portable generator can supply power to selected appliances and circuits in a home, but it's generally not designed to handle the entire household's electrical needs simultaneously. Portable generators have limited wattage capacity, so they are only designed to power essential devices and electronics temporarily until local power is restored. If your power needs outweigh the capabilities of a portable generator, consider installing a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/installing-whole-house-generator.htm">whole-home generator</a> instead. </p></div>

Q: How long can a whole house generator run?

• <div><p>As long as they have enough fuel, whole-house generators can run for weeks at a time (400 to 500 hours) without suffering too much wear and tear. However, this type of extensive use isn&rsquo;t ideal if you want to extend the life of your generator.</p><p>Two important points. First, some generators may need you to periodically check oil levels every day or so and refill as necessary for safe operation. Second, if your generator uses a fuel tank, keep it regularly full so it doesn&rsquo;t suddenly shut off. Many backup generators can run through a full tank in a day when they are powering large portions of a home.</p></div>

Q: What can I run on different generator sizes?

• <div><p>Here&rsquo;s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:</p><p>Portable generator:</p><ul><li><p>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </p></li><li><p>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</p></li><li><p>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</p></li></ul><p>Partial to whole-house generator:</p><ul><li><p>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home&rsquo;s power is still on.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: What happens with the generator when the local power goes back on?

• <div><p>If you have a transfer switch properly installed, the generator and main electrical power cannot feed the system at the same time. However, you should still shut off the power at your main circuit breaker panel before activating the generator. If you do that, you&rsquo;ll simply need to shut off the generator and reset your circuit breaker once the local power comes back on.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Bridport, VT

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Bridport, VT is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Install needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Generator Install companies in Bridport, VT is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Install needs.

Last update on December 07, 2025

Reviewed in February 2024
They did a great job installing our new roof and reclaiming of woods into a nice open meadow.
Stevens Roofing and Siding
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Reviewed in December 2022
This is the most thorough, professional, kind, generous, thoughtful, trustworthy, reliable, capable service I have ever hired in fifty years of business and home outsources services.
Northshire Cleaning
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Reviewed in November 2019
Domenic was extremely quick and responsive. We are looking for a permanently installed generator, Dom only sells/services portable ones. He was however, very helpful and understands his business. I certainly plan to use him for other electrical work in the future. I think anyone will be...
Mack and son electric
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Reviewed in April 2017
They do a fine job. I have them for annual maintenance. They're good. I think they're a little pricey but I use them because they're the one's that installed it themselves.
Stanley Gelber & Sons Inc
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Reviewed in May 2013
We contracted Pro-Builders to remodel a bathroom, add a stairway to our basement and to be the general contractor to add air conditioning. The bathroom and stairway job was estimated to cost $33,575 (the AC was a separate contract with the installers). The final bill brought the total for the...
PRO-BUILDERS CONSTRUCTION CO
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Reviewed in April 2013
Very professional job. Two teams came out - one worked on the basement unit, while another worked on installing the attic unit. The basement unit was a straightforward install, and was done in a few hours with hardly any mess. The attic unit install was a little more complicated, involving...
Indoor Comfort Team
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Reviewed in July 2012
Installation was excellent. Dan Nardi, owner of Hectic Electric and his team executed the installation over a 2 day period after the propane line was installed by Holton Propane Service. Overall excellent experience and will use again in future if need arises.
Hectic Electric Inc
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Reviewed in November 2011
Tom is incredible. I rarely spend time writing evaluations but in this instance where Tom Elias and Elias Electrical Service is concerned, I cannot say enough positive things about them. Although they are TWO hours away from me, they responded, communicated, provided exemplary top quality...
Elias Electrical Service
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Reviewed in July 2008
I was very pleased with their work. They were very professional, their product was high quality and the installment went very well.
Pella Windows and Doors
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Reviewed in June 2008
Joel came on time and was well versed in radon mitigation. He was quick, efficient and clean. The system was installed correctly and functions well.
MOUNTAINVALLEY BUILDING INSPECTIONS INC
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Find Generator install pros in Bridport

McCormick Electrical, LLC

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

McCormick Electrical, LLC

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

2 years of experience

Welcome to McCormick Electrical, LLC! In business since 2023, we are a full service electrical company who takes great pride in the quality of our work and guarantees customer satisfaction. We specialize in all maintenance and repair for both residential and commercial properties, and no job is too big or too small. Serving Rutland and its surrounding towns, be sure to give us a all today!

"Colin was prompt with his communication, responded within 24 hours to any inquiries, and made smart recommendations when we hired him to install our L2 Charger and replace a burnt-out switch in our kitchen. He worked smart & safe and finished them both in less time than I expected it to take. We would hire/recommend Colin to anyone seeking big or small project repairs."

Marc S on June 2024

"Colin was prompt with his communication, responded within 24 hours to any inquiries, and made smart recommendations when we hired him to install our L2 Charger and replace a burnt-out switch in our kitchen. He worked smart & safe and finished them both in less time than I expected it to take. We would hire/recommend Colin to anyone seeking big or small project repairs."

Marc S on June 2024

Michael J. Electric

4.68(

)

•Approved Pro

Michael J. Electric

4.68(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

21 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Michael J. Electric has been serving the local Vermont communities residential electrical needs since 2004. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and quality materials combined with our exceptional customer satisfaction. Please allow our experience and professionalism to serve you and your families needs. Master Electrician with 20 years experience.

"All good."

Chris A on August 2020

"All good."

Chris A on August 2020

Northstar Electric LLC

4.94(

)

Northstar Electric LLC

4.94(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Northstar Electric is a responsive and reliable provider of electrical services for both residential and commercial clients. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing the highest quality of electrical services, ensuring that each job is completed to the highest standard. We are proud to be your trusted and dependable source for all your electrical needs. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction is unmatched in the industry. We are confident that you will be pleased with the quality of services and results that we deliver. Have you worked with us before? We'd love your feedback. Consider leaving a review on the Testimonials page or on Google.

"Excellent work and on time in an extremely difficult location."

Doug T on April 2021

"Excellent work and on time in an extremely difficult location."

Doug T on April 2021

Sugar Hollow Electric

No reviews yet

Sugar Hollow Electric

No reviews yet

22 years of experience

Additional email - [email protected].

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

53 years of experience

Sales, Service & Rebuilding of Antique and Classic Car Components such as, Carburetors, Starters, Generators, Fuel Pumps, Double & Single Action Fuel Pump Rebuilding, Water Pumps, Hydraulic Top Pumps, Distributors, and DELCO Knee Action Shocks, We also carry a complete line of NOS and NORS parts. We offer FREE Technical advice for any YEAR Classic Car 609-462-7412

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

Robert Stubbins Electrical and General Contractor

4.89(

)

Robert Stubbins Electrical and General Contractor

4.89(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

At Rob Stubbins Electrical, searching for energy savings while providing honest customer service goes hand in hand. Whether you're renovating & remodeling, in need of specialty wiring or simply need an evaluation, we strive to provide solutions that are innovative, safe & economical. We treat our customers the way we would like to be treated: fairly, honestly, respectfully, neatly, & in a timely manner. Call 802.775.1484 or email us today. We'll discuss your electrical & contractor needs & build a plan for the future.

"Very pleasant Electricians Sam & Brad did a great job. I now understand how the exterior lights are set up on the property (I recently bought the house) I received a price list via email and chatted with Courtney in the office. Very professional. I would call them again if I have another issue."

Susan M on September 2018

"Very pleasant Electricians Sam & Brad did a great job. I now understand how the exterior lights are set up on the property (I recently bought the house) I received a price list via email and chatted with Courtney in the office. Very professional. I would call them again if I have another issue."

Susan M on September 2018

Powers Generator Service

4.25(

)

Powers Generator Service

4.25(

)

Customers say: Super punctual

31 years of experience

Additional address - PO Box 10005, Swanzey, NH 03446. Additional contact name - Sheena Royce. Number of Employees: 45. We offer Financing.

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

A portable generator can supply power to selected appliances and circuits in a home, but it's generally not designed to handle the entire household's electrical needs simultaneously. Portable generators have limited wattage capacity, so they are only designed to power essential devices and electronics temporarily until local power is restored. If your power needs outweigh the capabilities of a portable generator, consider installing a whole-home generator instead.

As long as they have enough fuel, whole-house generators can run for weeks at a time (400 to 500 hours) without suffering too much wear and tear. However, this type of extensive use isn’t ideal if you want to extend the life of your generator.

Two important points. First, some generators may need you to periodically check oil levels every day or so and refill as necessary for safe operation. Second, if your generator uses a fuel tank, keep it regularly full so it doesn’t suddenly shut off. Many backup generators can run through a full tank in a day when they are powering large portions of a home.

Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:

Portable generator:

2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers.
4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.
8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.

Partial to whole-house generator:

20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.

If you have a transfer switch properly installed, the generator and main electrical power cannot feed the system at the same time. However, you should still shut off the power at your main circuit breaker panel before activating the generator. If you do that, you’ll simply need to shut off the generator and reset your circuit breaker once the local power comes back on.

The amount of time a standby generator can run continuously is around 3,000 hours on average. However, standby generators can generally run indefinitely as long as they have a continuous fuel supply. Generators hooked up to a home’s natural gas supply are the best option for extended usage, as these won’t rely on a finite fuel supply based on how much you have in storage. Generators running on liquid propane or diesel won’t last as long, as these require fuel storage and regular refueling to stay running.

The Bridport, VT homeowners’ guide to generator installs

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Taylor Freitas
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Nov 25, 2025Nov 25, 2025
How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost? [2025 Data]
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Oct 29, 2025Oct 29, 2025
How Much Does It Cost To Install a Generator Transfer Switch? [2025 Data]
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How Much Does Whole-House Generator Maintenance Cost? [2025 Data]
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Apr 1, 2025Apr 1, 2025
Can a Whole-House Generator Run an Air Conditioner?
A whole house generator can keep your home running during a power outage, but can it handle the energy demands of an air conditioner? Here’s what to consider.
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Nov 25, 2025Nov 25, 2025
How to Use a Generator to Power Your House
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6 Questions to Ask About Installing a Fixed Backup Generator
Before installing a fixed generator, think about your use and space. Review these backup generator questions to prepare for a talk with your contractor.