How long will a 10,000 watt generator run on propane

10000 Watt portable generators are a common choice for powering larger and even smaller RVs while being offline, whole houses during emergencies and blackouts, construction sites, and similar.

Thanks to their output power, 10000 Watt generators can successfully power a long list of tools, appliances, gadgets, devices, and other loads. But, one must be aware that 10000 Watt generators are rarely inverter generators, providing electric power with relatively high THD%, requiring users to additionally protect sensitive devices by smoothing out output voltage.

Updated: September 16, 2022.

On This Page:

  • Intro to 10000 Watt Power Generators
  • Wattage Charts of the Most Common Tools, Appliances, and Gadgets
  • Most Popular 10000 Watt Power Generators
  • How to Protect Sensitive Devices and Gadgets
  • Few Final Words

How long will a 10,000 watt generator run on propane

Intro to 10000 Watt Power Generators

10000 Watt power generators feature Running/Starting Watts "around" 10000 Watt mark, they feature mostly open-frame construction for easier access and maintenance, they are "classic" power generators (they are not inverter generators) and are portable using built-in wheels - most of 10000 units can be moved around by one adult using foldable handles, but they cannot be pulled by the car/truck on the streets/roads.

Before diving more deeply into this topic, we must clarify a few things, including:

Running Watts vs Starting Watts

Running Watts is the power that the power generator can provide continuously over a longer period of time, while Starting Watts is the power that the power generator can provide for a very short period of time in order to prevent issues with power surges/spikes.

Power surges are mostly created with tools, appliances, and other similar devices that feature electric motors that require more energy/power when starting.

Typical examples of such devices are various drills, saws, pumps, but also AC units, refrigerators, fans, washing machines, dishwashers, etc.

When calculating what can 10000 Watts generators run, one must consider the running power and starting power requirements of all devices being powered by the power generator.

Fuel Types

Most portable power generators are gasoline (gas) powered units, with some of them being dual-fuel generators - they can be powered by both gas and propane gas (LPG).

A small group of power generators are so-called tri-fuel generators and can be operated using gas, propane gas (LPG), and natural gas (LNG), greatly simplifying operating a generator during emergencies and longer blackouts.

Diesel-powered portable 10000 portable power generators are relatively rare, tend to be heavier, but they have better fuel economy.

Personally, dual-fuel power generators (gas and LPG) offer the best performances at acceptable prices.

Generator fuel conversion kits can be used to convert a power generator from one or two fuel types to two or three fuel types, respectively. However, such conversion kits are rarely officially supported by the generator's manufacturers. Very often, converting a power generator from one fuel type to other fuel types means rendering the warranty void.

Type and Number of Receptacles

10000 Watt power generators often come with a long list of available receptacles, allowing them to power a broad range of various loads.

Such receptacles include:

- 120/240V 50A (14-50R),

- 120/240V 30A (L14-30R),

- 120V 30A (L5-30R),

- 120V 30A (TT-30R),

- 120V 20A (5-20R),

- 120V 15A (5-15R).

Also, some power generators come with DC 12V and USB charging ports, but they are more common on smaller, inverter power generators.

The number of receptacles varies, of course, but the smaller ones, for example, 120V 20A 5-20R, are very often present as one or two double receptacles.

Runtime

The runtime on the single fuel tank varies depending on the load and fuel tank size.

Also, the runtime of dual-fuel power generators depends on the size of the propane bottle.

On average, 10000 Watt power generators can operate 8-15h at 50% load and up to 20-25 hours at 25% load - this is model dependent and must be verified for every power generator individually.

Noise

10000 Watt power generators feature relatively large internal combustion engines and when combined with open frame construction, these units feature noise levels greater than the smaller power generators.

On average, 10000 Watt power generators feature noise levels of ~73-75 dB @25% load.

Start Type

Most 10000 Watt power generators feature a manual recoil start system as a backup system and an electric start system as the main start system.

Some models also feature a remote start fob, allowing the users to start the units from a certain distance, which can come in handy in many situations.

Stability of the Output Voltage

10000 Watt power generators are "classic" power generators, often featuring Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) levels of up to 15-20%.

Such THD levels are not an issue when powering tools and some devices featuring electric motors, but sensitive appliances, gadgets, and devices may have issues with such "dirty" output voltage.

In order to power sensitive devices, the output voltage from 10000 Watt power generators must be smoothed out - but, more on that later in this article.


Wattage Charts of the Most Common Tools, Appliances, and Gadgets

The following charts list some of the most common household, office, outdoor, job site, and recreation appliances, devices, tools, and gadgets, often being powered by portable power generators in emergencies, during blackouts, and in other off-the-grid situations.

Note: these charts provide general values. In order to find the actual power requirements of your devices, check their documentation or small labels commonly found at the back of the devices.

Home

Appliance/Tool Running Watts Starting Watts
Aquarium 200 250
Blender 300 800
Box Fan 20" 200 350
Ceiling Fan 100 300
Central AC 10.000 BTU 1500 2400
Central AC 24.000 BTU 3800 5000
Central AC 40.000 BTU 6000 7500
Clothes Dryer - Electric 5000 7000
Clothes Dryer - Gas 700 1800
Coffee Maker 1000 0
Curling Iron 1500 0
Deep Freezer 500 1500
Dishwasher 1300 1800
Electric Can Opener 170 220
Electric Grill 1.6 kW 1600 0
Electric Stove 2kW 2000 0
Electric Water Heater 4 kW 4000 0
Food Processor 400 0
Furnace Fan 1/3 HP 700 1400
Furnace Fan 1/2 HP 800 2350
Garage Door Opener 1/2 HP 900 2400
Hair Dryer 1.5 kW 1500 0
Heat Pump 4700 5500
Humidifier 13 gal. 175 0
Iron (Clothes) 1500 0
Iron (Waffles) 1200 0
Light Bulb 60 W 60 0
Light Bulb 75 W 75 0
Light LED Bulb 10 W 10 0
Microwave Oven 600 W 600 0
Microwave Oven 1000 W 1000 0
Refrigerator/Freezer 700 2200
RV Air Conditioner
7.000 BTU
900 1700
RV Air Conditioner
10.000 BTU
1200 2000
RV Air Conditioner
13.500 BTU
1600 2500
RV Air Conditioner
15.000 BTU
1700 2700
Security System 500 0
Space Heater 2 kW 2000 0
Sump Pump 1/3 HP 800 1300
Sump Pump 1/2 HP 1050 2200
Television 27" 500 0
Toaster 900 0
Toaster Oven 1200 0
Vacuum Cleaner 12 Amps 1440 2500
VCR 100 0
Washing Machine 1200 2300
Well Pump 1/2 HP 1000 2100
Window AC 5.000 BTU 600 900
Window AC 10.000 BTU 1200 1800
Window AC 12.000 BTU 1500 2300
Window AC 15.000 BTU 1900 2900
 

Job Site

Appliance/Tool  Running Watts Starting Watts
Air Compressor 1/4 HP 900 1600
Air Compressor 1 HP 1600 4500
Airless Sprayer 600 1200
Belt Sander 1200 2400
Circular Saw 7 1/4 inch 1400 2300
Electric Drill 3/8 inch 4 Amps 450 700
Electric Drill 1/2 inch 5.4 Amps 600 900
Halogen Work Light 300 W 300 0
Halogen Work Light 500 W 500 0
Halogen Work Light 1 kW 1000 0
Hammer Drill 1.2 kW 1200 3500
Miter Saw 10 inch 1800 2500
Planer/Jointer 6 inch 1800 2500
Reciprocating Saw 900 1300
Table Saw 10 inch 2000 2800

Office

Appliance/Tool  Running Watts Starting Watts
Copy Machine 1600 0
Fax Machine 70 0
Inkjet Printer 80 0
Laptop 200 0
Laser Printer 900 0
PC w/21" Flat Screen 800 0

Recreation/Outdoor

Appliance/Tool  Running Watts Starting Watts
AM/FM Radio 100 0
CD/DVD Player 100 0
Cell Phone Charger 25 0
Electric Trolling Motor
12V 55 lbs
800 1300
Electric Trolling Motor
12V 30 lbs, Kayak
450 700
Hedge Trimmer (Corded, 4 Amps) 500 900
Inflator Pump 50 150
Mower (Corded, 14 Amps) 1700 3000
Outdoor Light String 250 0
Outdoor LED Light String 35 0
Stereo 250 0
X-Box, Wii, Playstation 40 0

Over time devices and appliances become more energy-efficient, requiring less power to do the same task.

When connecting loads to the power generators, always start with the largest ones, especially if there are several tools/appliances with strong electric motors that may draw large currents when starting.

As more and more tools/appliances are added, be sure to monitor the load on the generator - never push the generator to its maximum, especially if You have several tools/appliances with electric motors.

Such combination of loads may trigger the overload protection system of the generator to turn off external loads in order to prevent any possible damage.

Here is the short list which combines several appliances and gadgets that can be powered by a 10000 Watt power generator:

- Coffee Maker: 1000 Watts,

- Laptop: 200 Watts,

- Large Refrigerator: 700/2200 Watts,

- Large TV: 500 Watts,

- Microwave Owen 1000W: 1000 Watts,

- Set of LED lights: 100 Watts,

- Sump Pump 1/2 HP: 1000/2100 Watts,

- Toaster: 900 Watts,

- Window AC 15.000 BTU: 1900/2900 Watts.

Appliances from this list require ~7300 Running Watts and up to ~10900 Starting Watts, if all devices start at the same time, which is theoretically possible, but in real-life much more difficult.

Also, wattage values are given as a "worst-case" scenario - for example, newer generations of large TVs hardly require 500W, etc.

But, in order to find out how much power actually do You need, make a list of appliances that You want to run using your power generator and list their Running and Starting Watts.


The following comparison chart lists some of the most popular 10000 Watts portable power generators with their most important features and specifications:

Model

Gas Running / Starting Watts

LPG Running / Starting Watts

Runtime Noise

Receptacle

Review

All Power America APGG12000GLC

9000W
12000W

7250W
9500W

10h @50% Gas 76 dB

AC: 2x 120V 20A 5-20R, L5-30R 30A 120V, 14-50R 50A-120/240V

DC: 12V 8.3A

-

Champion 100297 8000/10000

8000W
10000W

7250W
9025W

8h @50% Gas

5h @50% 20 lbs Propane Tank

74 dB @23 feet

AC: 120V 30A L5-30R, 120/240V 30A L14-30R, 2x 120V 20A GFCI 5-20R Duplex 

-

Champion 100416 8000/10000

8000W
10000W

7200W
9000W

7000W
8750W

12.5h @50% Gas

5h @50% 20 lbs Propane Tank

74 dB @23 feet

AC: 120/240V 30A L14-30R, 120V 30A L5-30R, 2x GFCI 120V 20A Duplex 5-20R

-

DuroMax XP12000EH

9500W
12000W

9025W
11400W

8.83h @50% Gas

7.2h @50% 40 lbs Propane Tank

<74 dB

AC: 2x 120V 20A 5-20R, 120V 30A L5-30R, 120/240V 30A L14-30R, 120/240V 50A 14-50R

DC: 12V 8.3A

-

Firman H08051

8000W
10000W

7250W
9050W

12h @50% Gas

12h @50% 8 gal Propane Tank

74 dB

AC: 2x 5-20R 20A 120V GFCI, 14-50R 50A 120/240V, L14-30R 30A 120V/240V, L5-30R 30A 120V 

-

Ford FG11050PBE

9000W
11050W

8100W
10050W

10h @50% Gas -

AC: 2x 5-20R 20A 120V GFCI Duplex, 14-50R 50A-120/240V,  L5-30R 30A 120V

-

Generac 7676 GP8000E 8000W
10000W
11h @50% Gas -

AC: 2x 5-20R 20A 120V GFCI Duplex, L14-30R 30A 120V/240V

DC: 12V

-

Honda EB10000 9000W
10000W
5.4h @100%, 7.9h @50% 71 dB @50%, 73 dB @100%

AC: 2x 20A 5-20R 120V GFCI Duplex, L5-30R 30A 120V, L14-30R 30A 120V/240V, 14-50R 50A 120/240V

-

Pulsar PG10000B16

8000W
10000W

7000W
9000W

12h @50% Gas 74 dB AC: 2x 120V 20A 5-20R Duplex, 120/240V 30A (L14-30R), 120/240V 50A (14-50R)

DC: 12V 8.3A

-

WEN DF1100T

8300W
11000W

7500W
9500W

8.5h @50% Gas

3h @50% 20lbs Propane Tank

- AC: 4x 120V GFCI 5-20R, 120V 30A L5-30R, 120V/240V 50A 14-50R

DC: 12V 8A

-

Westinghouse WGen9500DF

9500W
12500W

8500W
11200W

17.5h @25%, 12h @50% Gas

7h @50% 20(?) lbs Propane Tank

74 dB

AC: 2x 120V 5–20R GFCI Duplex, 120/240V 30A L14-30R, 120/240V 50A 14–50R

DC: 12V

-

Note: Amazon affiliate links (the 'Model' column) open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices. Also, we have really tried to verify every single bit of information in this chart and article (and in the end - our website), but there are sometimes discrepancies found even in data from the official websites.

Modern power generators are relatively simple to use and maintain - just be sure to keep their Owner's Guide close by and to follow the instructions provided by their manufacturer.

Note: Power generators of any kind must be operated outdoors since they emit fumes that contain toxic and very dangerous Carbon Monoxide (CO). And no, the open door of the garage is NOT outdoors!


How to Protect Sensitive Devices and Gadgets

Probably the only issue that 10000 Watt classic generators have is the level of THD, which can be up to 20% at full load.

Such THD levels can cause issues with sensitive devices like laptops, modern TVs, and similar.

Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVR)

Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVR) smooth out input voltage providing output voltage with a much better, almost pure sine waveform, suitable for sensitive equipment.

When looking for a suitable AVR, be sure to check its power rating, input voltage range, output voltage waveform, and similar.

In order to protect the devices from overvoltage (power surges), AVRs with surge protectors are recommended - it is highly unlikely that the power generator will trip surge protection, but the good thing about AVRs is the fact that they can be used to protect sensitive devices even when they are powered by the mains power.

One of the cons of the AVRs is that when the power is gone, their output power is gone, too.

If You have issues with the stability of the mains power and in order to protect the devices when being powered by power generators, one may also use Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)!

Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units monitor input voltage and provide the loads with the power when the input voltage is gone, thanks to the built-in battery.

However, when choosing the right UPS device(s), one must be aware that not all UPS devices act as AVRs and that not all UPS devices feature surge protectors by default.

Personally, a good AVR in combination even with cheaper UPS is an excellent combination in providing smooth and constant voltage to sensitive devices, regardless if the original power source is an inverter generator, classic generator, power station/solar generator, power inverter, or something else.

Power Conditioners

Power conditioners are very special devices that voltage stabilization and filtration raise to another level.

Power conditioners are generally used for sensitive medical equipment, audio devices, recording equipment, entertainment systems, and similar applications where line voltage must be "almost" perfect sine wave.

Power conditioners should be connected to the power generators after AVRs, preferably after AVRs and UPSs - this may sound costly, but in most situations, devices powered by such combination are much more expensive than such combination!

Power Stations/Solar Generators

Power stations/solar generators may be powered by portable power generators either directly or via AVR, while power stations are used to power sensitive devices.

Power stations that are suitable for such combinations also feature "pass-through charging", allowing them to be used for powering external loads, while at the same time recharging their internal batteries.

And the best of all is that many larger/stronger power stations/solar generators also double as UPSs - in the event of mains power failure, power station supply power to the external load, which is usually enough for the user to connect solar panels and/or power generator.

Portable power stations may be found in local stores, or they can be ordered from online shops.

For the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check the Portable Power Station Amazon link (the link opens in the new window).


Few Final Words

 

How long will a 10,000 watt generator run on propane

10000 Watt power generators can supply power for a long list of tools, appliances, devices, and gadgets at the same time.

When connecting the loads, it is important to start with the largest loads, especially those that feature electric motors and larger power requirements when starting.

But, even when such order is not possible to keep, these power generators are able to supply enough power to prevent Power Overload events - just be sure that the total wattage of connected devices is lower than the Starting Watts of the power generator.

Personally, these units have just a few cons:

- they must be operated outside, like any other power generator!

- they tend to be noisier than smaller inverter power generators.

- they have higher THD levels than inverter power generators which can be rectified relatively easily.

But, it is very important that they are used and maintained according to the instructions in their Owner Guides - when maintained properly, modern power generators are very reliable and can last for a long time.

How much propane does a 10kw Generac generator use per hour?

If your Generac uses liquid propane stored in a tank, running times are not indefinite but still considerable. Most standard tanks contain anywhere from 250 to 1,000 gallons. Typical home-use will burn through around 2 to 3 gallons of propane an hour.

How long will a 5500 watt generator run on a 20 lb propane tank?

When using a 20-pound propane tank, it produces 6250 starting watts and 5000 running watts, and will run for 6.5 hours at 50% load.

How long will a 7500 watt generator run on 5 gallons of propane?

Champion's ultra-powerful 7500-watt generator with electric start features Dual Fuel, allowing the 439cc engine to run on either gasoline or propane. Featuring Intelligauge, Volt Guard™ and Cold Start Technology, it provides up to 10 hours of run time on gasoline or 5.5 hours on propane.

How long will a 20 gallon propane tank run a generator?

A 20-pound propane tank will run a generator for a total of about five hours. A propane tank of this size can usually carry around 4.6 gallons of propane.