What Size Generator Do I Need to Run an Electric Clothes Dryer?
The heating element makes this one of the largest appliances on the Honda and Champion charts.
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Running and starting watts
| Load | Running watts | Starting watts | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric clothes dryer (240 V) | 5,400 | 6,750 | Honda |
| Electric dryer | 4,000–6,000 | Not listed | Champion |
Honda's wattage guide lists starting watts, then running watts. Champion's chart lists running watts, then starting watts. This table puts every figure in the Running and Starting columns. Not listed means that source does not give a separate starting figure.
How to size it
Add the running watts of every load that will be on together, then add the single highest starting surge (Generac; Honda). Generac notes that starting watts are often 2–3 times running watts, and that standby units should get a dealer survey.
Two EU2200i units in parallel reach only up to 4,400 W, under the 4,000 W bottom of Champion's running range. A dryer this size is usually run alone. The circuit is 240 V and hardwired, so use a transfer switch or interlock installed by an electrician rather than a cord plugged into the dryer receptacle. See the transfer switch sizing guide.
Check a full load list on the generator size calculator.
Run the generator outdoors only, 20 ft from the house (CPSC).
FAQ
Can a 5,000 W running generator run an electric dryer?
Not on Honda's row. The dryer is 5,400 W running and 6,750 W starting. The manual lists 5,000 W running and 6,250 W starting.
Does Champion list a dryer start?
No. Champion lists 4,000–6,000 running watts and no separate start. Still cover Honda's 6,750 W start if you want both charts.
Is a gas dryer on this chart?
No. These rows are the electric dryer. A washing machine is a separate, much smaller load at up to 2,300 W starting.
Why not backfeed the dryer outlet?
The dryer is a 240 V appliance and needs a transfer switch or interlock. CPSC also says to run the generator outdoors only, 20 ft from the house.
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