How many watts does an electric blanket use?

Updated

Running watts

100 W

Starting watts

100 W

Energy per day

800 Wh

An electric blanket typically draws about 100 watts while running. At about 8 h of use a day, that is roughly 800 Wh per day. These are typical values from generator wattage charts: the label on your own appliance (or its EnergyGuide sticker) gives the exact figure.

What size generator do I need for an electric blanket?

Plan for at least 120 W: 100 W to get through the start-up surge, plus a 20% margin so the generator never runs flat out. Of the common sizes, a 2,000 W generator is the smallest that fits.

Can common generator sizes run an electric blanket?
GeneratorCan it run an electric blanket?
2,000 WYes
3,500 WYes
5,000 WYes
7,500 WYes
10,000 WYes
15,000 WYes

How long will a power station run an electric blanket?

Running continuously at 100 W, assuming 85% of the battery is usable. The station's AC output must also handle the 100 W start-up surge.

Power station runtime for an electric blanket
Battery capacityRuntime
1,000 Whabout 9 h
2,000 Whabout 17 h
3,600 Whabout 31 h

Running more than one appliance?

Starting surges don't add up the way running watts do. Pick everything you want to power to get your real number.

Open the Generator Size Calculator for Your Home

Frequently asked questions

What size generator do I need to run an electric blanket?

At least 120 W: 100 W to cover the start-up surge, plus a 20% safety margin.

Can a 2,000 watt generator run an electric blanket?

Yes. 2,000 W covers its 100 W starting surge with room to spare.

Can a 3,500 watt generator run an electric blanket?

Yes. 3,500 W covers its 100 W starting surge with room to spare.

How long will a 1,000 Wh power station run an electric blanket?

About 9 h, assuming 85% usable capacity, as long as the station's AC output is rated for 100 W of surge.

Never run a generator indoors or in a garage: see the CPSC safety guide.