Outage planning guides
House Power Outage Backup
A house outage plan can include more load types than an apartment plan, so clear priorities keep the system from becoming oversized or confusing.
Use this guide for single-family homes that need a practical estimate before choosing batteries, a portable generator, solar, or a combined setup.
Suggested loads
| Load | Watts | Priority | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator and freezer | 120-300 running watts | critical | Include startup surge and cycling behavior for each appliance. |
| Sump pump | 400-1,200 running watts | critical | Flood risk can make this a top-priority load in many basements. |
| Essential lights | 20-100 watts total | useful | A few circuits or plug-in lamps may be enough for safe movement. |
| Router and phone charging | 20-70 watts | useful | Communication loads are small but important. |
| Garage door opener | 350-600 watts while operating | optional | Usually a short-duration load, but learn manual operation before an outage. |
Planning steps
- Inventory every appliance you want to keep running and mark its priority.
- Estimate both surge watts and daily watt-hours.
- Decide whether the plan is plug-in only or part of a professionally installed transfer setup.
- Create seasonal versions for summer cooling, winter heat support, and storm water management.
- Test noncritical loads after essential loads are covered.
Example plan
- Duration
- 24 hours
- Estimated energy
- 2,000-6,000 Wh for refrigeration, lights, internet, device charging, and occasional pump use
- Battery note
- Battery capacity depends heavily on sump pump cycles, refrigeration count, and whether heating or cooling loads are included.
- Generator note
- A portable generator may handle multiple house essentials when sized for surge and connected only through safe, approved methods.
- Solar note
- Solar can recharge batteries during daytime, but storm debris, roof access, and grid-tied system behavior should be considered.
Mistakes to avoid
- Calling the plan whole-house when it only supports a few essentials.
- Ignoring pump surge and duty cycle.
- Forgetting that central HVAC is a very large load compared with lights and electronics.
- Running extension cords through wet or damaged areas.
Safety and limits
- Use listed equipment, rated cords, and manufacturer instructions.
- Permanent generator connections should be handled by qualified professionals and local code requirements.
- Do not enter flooded areas to operate electrical equipment.
FAQ
Can I back up my entire house with a portable generator?
Usually a portable generator supports selected loads, not normal whole-house use. Central HVAC, water heaters, and ovens can exceed practical portable capacity.
What should a house outage plan include first?
Start with food protection, communication, lighting, pump needs, and any personally essential equipment before adding convenience loads.
Related calculators
Home Outage Backup PlannerPlan 24, 48, or 72 hour backup needs for critical home loads using battery and generator estimates.Generator Wattage CalculatorEstimate running watts, starting surge, and a practical generator size for selected backup loads.Portable Power Station Runtime CalculatorEstimate how long a portable power station can run a load after efficiency losses and reserve.Solar Panel Charging Time CalculatorEstimate solar charging time from battery size, charge target, panel watts, sun hours, and system efficiency.