Generator for jobsite with air compressor?
Check, uncheck or adjust the typical device list below — watts, startup surge and battery size update instantly. Numbers come from U.S. DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer spec sheets, not marketing copy.
1. Check what you need to power
Refrigeration & Freezers
Kitchen
Heating, Cooling & Fans
Water & Pumps
Laundry & Cleaning
Electronics & Office
- 2
Medical Devices
Power Tools & Outdoor
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 1
Lighting
- 4
2. Your sizing
Assumptions: daily hours per device follow DOE / ENERGY STAR duty cycles; capacity adds a 25% margin. Check your appliance nameplates — actual draw varies by model.
3. Best matches from our 6-brand database
- Anker SOLIX F3800~$2,199
- rated 6,000W covers your 5,300W continuous load
- surge 9,000W covers your 7,810W start peak
- 1.9 days of your typical daily use (3,840Wh / 1,973Wh)
- 120/240V split-phase output
Static answer (crawlable summary)
Typical device list: Air Compressor (4.2 gal twin-stack)×1, Circular Saw (7-1/4 inch)×1, Drill (1/2 inch)×1, Shop Vacuum (6 gallon, 3.5 peak HP)×1, LED Bulb (100W equivalent)×4, Phone / Smartphone Charger×2.
Estimated from: Mfr spec: Makita MAC2400 · Mfr spec class: corded 7.25in (Makita 5007MG / DeWalt DWE575) · Mfr spec class: corded 1/2in (Makita DP4000 / B+D DR560) · Mfr spec: Ridgid HD0600 NXT · Energy Star Certified Products (bulbs) · Unbound Solar Power Table (secondary) — some household values are cross-checked class estimates (not single-model nameplates); check your own appliance nameplate before buying.
| Continuous load | 4,810 W |
|---|---|
| Startup peak | 7,810 W (driven by 1× Circular Saw (7-1/4 inch)) |
| Daily energy use | 1,973 Wh |
| Recommended capacity | 2,470 Wh (25% margin included) |
| Minimum inverter | 5,300 W continuous |
Frequently asked questions
What size generator do I need for jobsite with air compressor?
For a typical setup (Air Compressor (4.2 gal twin-stack), Circular Saw (7-1/4 inch), Drill (1/2 inch), Shop Vacuum (6 gallon, 3.5 peak HP) and LED Bulb (100W equivalent), plus 1 more device), you need at least 4,810W of continuous power. The single biggest moment is startup: when 1× circular saw (7-1/4 inch) kicks on, the momentary draw peaks at 7,810W. For a full day of runtime we recommend at least 2,470Wh of battery capacity (your devices use about 1,973Wh per day, plus a 25% margin for a full day of use).
Which power stations can handle this?
Based on published specs, Anker SOLIX F3800 covers the 7,810W startup peak and delivers 1.9 days of typical daily use. Check the comparison cards above for the full numbers.
Why is the startup surge higher than the running watts?
Motor-driven devices (fridge compressors, well pumps, air conditioners) draw 2-5× their running power for a split second at startup — measured as locked-rotor amps (LRA). On this page the biggest spike comes from the Circular Saw (7-1/4 inch): a station that only meets the running load will trip or stall when it starts. Data sources: U.S. DOE Energy Saver, ENERGY STAR certified products, manufacturer spec sheets.