How many watts do I need in an emergency?

If you ever want to find out how people lived 100 years ago all you have to do is be at home when there is a power outage. No TV, no computer, no refrigerator and you can forget charging your mobile phone. 

Should you be plunged into darkness next time a tree brings down a power-line or the national grid can’t cope, it’s worth being prepared.

The most basic method of supplying backup power is running a generator in your back garden (10 feet from the house to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning) and using an extension cord to plug-in your appliances.  Portable generators are the simplest and most cost effective way of running your home when the power is down – but then you’ll have to decide which appliances you need to plug in first.

Here’s a look at some of the items you can’t do without in times of an emergency and the power they use.

Microwave – 600 to 1,200 watts

This is the best form of cooking appliance to use if you are without power for a number of days, due to the low amount of wattage it uses. It’s also a good way of heating up those frozen meals that might be defrosting after the freezer has been out of action for a few days.

Refrigerator/Freezer - 700 to 1,200

Depending on the size of your appliance the wattage can be reasonably low. You may want to transfer food items that you will be using soon from the freezer to the refrigerator to keep them reasonably fresh, rather than defrosting entirely. Remember, a decent freezer will be insulated well enough to keep your items frozen for 24 to 48 hours.

Washing Machine - 1,200 watts

Okay, not the most vital appliance in the time of an outage but assuming the kids have to go to school and you still have to go to work, you can’t stay in the same clothes until the power kicks in again. Make sure you put on a full load and set the machine to its lowest possible setting.

Television - 300 watts

 

If sitting around in candle light with the family, creating your own entertainment has become too much to bear, it may be time to switch on the TV. At just 300 watts, turning on the box won’t use up too much of your valuable power and it gives you a good excuse to be selective about what you watch.

Laptop - 250 watts

To ensure you are not entirely cut off from the outside world and if you’ve become exhausted of talking to the neighbours, you may want to power-up the laptop. Used sparingly, the laptop can be run pretty effectively but with your router not getting power there’s little danger of your kids talking to their friends online all day.

Air conditioner/Portable heater 1,500 watts

Depending on when the power cut occurs very much determines whether you use your valuable power supply on climate control, not to mention where you live. But at a massive 1,500 watts by the time you’ve finished arguing whether to turn it on or not the power will have probably been restored.