What Size Generator Do I Need to Run a TV and Router?

A television and a router are small loads. This page does not add a surge the charts do not list.

Quick answer: Honda lists a 20-inch flat TV at 120 watts and a 46-inch flat TV at 190 watts, and Champion lists a router at 10–20 watts. None of those rows lists a starting surge, so the size that covers them clears 190 watts of running load and does not add a made-up start. A Honda EU2200i rated at 1,800 W covers a TV and router with the maximum still at 2,200 W.

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Running and starting watts

Load	Running watts	Starting watts	Source
Flat TV, 20-inch	120	Not listed	Honda
Flat TV, 46-inch	190	Not listed	Honda
Router	10–20	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.

Add the TV watts and the router watts. A 46-inch set is 190 W and a router is at most 20 W on these charts. Honda notes that an inverter converts AC to DC and back to AC, which gives lower THD than a conventional generator that runs at full RPM.

Check a full load list on the generator size calculator.

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Run the generator outdoors only, 20 ft from the house (CPSC).

FAQ

How many watts is a flat-screen TV?

Honda lists 120 watts for a 20-inch flat TV and 190 watts for a 46-inch flat TV. No start is listed.

How many watts does a router use?

Champion lists 10–20 watts, with no separate start.

Should I triple the TV watts for startup?

No. Generac says starts are often 2–3 times running watts when a motor starts. These rows do not list a TV or router start, so do not invent one.

Will a small inverter cover the TV?

Yes. 190 W plus a router at 10–20 W is well under the EU2200i rated output of 1,800 W.