The "Collision"...
When the Power Efficiency of an Appliance and a Limited Power Supply meet Head-on…
Increases in Efficiency
Consumers typically purchase an appliance based on the “function” that it serves, without much thought for the amount of power it consumes as it performs its intended function.
Technology is evolving at a rapid rate. Electrical appliances of just 5 years ago consumed higher amounts of power than their “present-day” versions, while completing exactly the same tasks.
For example, do you remember when a 100 watt light bulb was purchased because of the amount of light that it produced at 100 watts? With a shift toward LED and CFL lighting technologies today, you can produce the same amount of light (lumens) as the 100 watt incandescent bulb, while consuming a mere fraction of the power.
This increase in efficiency can often be found in a wide range of appliances including lighting, refrigeration, electronics, communications, medical gear, and more.
The Benefits of a “Highly-Efficient” Appliance
As we consume less power, then our power source requirements can also change. Whether you are designing a portable DC electrical system (such as those found in a boat, RV, or as a home-power backup system) or simply shopping for home appliances (that operate on ordinary household electricity), it is prudent to seek out highly efficient products as they will provide you with following benefits:
1. Portable DC Systems (also called a “closed” circuit) - A smaller load (power demand) will give you additional options as to how you supply it with power.
2. Grid-Tied or Fuel-Generator supplied AC Systems - The less power that is consumed, the less expensive the appliances are to operate.
AC Appliances Operating from a DC Power Source
The proper selection of AC or DC appliances is an important factor. When operating appliances from either an AC or DC electrical source, it is most preferred to have the power source and the appliance working at the same Voltage. This will increase the overall “efficiency” of the system.
For example, a 12V DC electrical circuit that supports a refrigerator will use power more efficiently if the refrigerator also operates at 12V DC. It will be less efficient if a 120V AC powered refrigerator is connected to the 12V DC electrical circuit using an inverter. Also, if you are operating an AC appliance from a DC power supply, the inverter must be the correct TYPE and SIZE. Visit the Inverter School section to learn more about how inverters work and selecting the proper inverter.
Shopping for AC & DC Appliances
While many large retailers today sell both AC & DC appliances, did you know that many household AC appliances are commonly available in a DC version?
“Solar Stik™ Compatible”
(Anytime an appliance has a 12V DC Plug as shown above, it will work directly with the Solar Stik™ System.)
It will benefit the consumer to shop around when looking for appliances, as not all consume equal power, even though they may perform the same function. There are several DC appliance vendors listed on our Links page.
APPLIANCE SHOPPING HINT: major retailers of DC appliances also include “Travel Centers” or “Truck Stops” found along many interstate highways!
AC & DC Appliance Lists
Below is a list of common AC & DC appliances which are available over the internet and through major retail outlets. Their average power requirements are also listed. This information can be used to estimate the power consumption in an electrical system. Visit the Solar School to learn more.
NOTE: THE WATTAGES BELOW ARE ESTIMATES. THE ACTUAL WATTAGE REQUIRED FOR YOUR APPLIANCES MAY DIFFER FROM THOSE LISTED. CHECK THE DATAPLATE ON THE APPLIANCE TO DETERMINE THE ACTUAL WATTAGE REQUIRED.
DC Appliances:
Download the 12V DC Appliance List in PDF format here
AC Appliances:
Download the 110V AC Appliance List in PDF format here
Download the 220V AC Appliance List in PDF format here
110V AC
110 Volt Appliance : AC Appliance Rating in Watts | DC Amp Draw
Blender : 300W | 27.50A
Blow Dryer : 900W | 82.50A
Cappuccino Maker : 1250W | 114.58A
Clock : 1W | 0.09A
Coffee Grinder : 100W | 9.17A
Coffee Maker (while brewing) : 800W | 73.33A
CD / DVD Player : 35W | 3.21A
Computer - Laptop : 60W | 5.50A
Computer - PC and Monitor : 100W | 9.17A
Computer - Inkjet Printer : 70W | 6.42A
Crock Pot - 6 Quart : 270W | 24.75A
Curling Iron : 1000W | 91.67A
Drill - 1/4” : 250W | 22.92A
Electric Blanket : 200W | 18.33A
Electric Fan - Box, 21” on high : 166W | 15.22A
Electric Fan - 21” on medium : 117W | 10.73A
Electric Fan - 21” on low : 87W | 7.98A
Electric Skillet : 1000W | 91.67A
Fan, Table : 18W | 1.65A
Hair Dryer : 1500W | 137.50A
Iron : 1000W | 91.67A
11W CFL (Equivalent to 40W Light) : 11W | 1.01A
15W CFL (Equivalent to 60W Light) : 15W | 1.38A
20W CFL (Equivalent to 75W Light) : 20W | 1.83A
26W CFL (Equivalent to 100W Light) : 26W | 2.38A
40W Light Bulb : 40W | 3.67A
60W Light Bulb : 60W | 5.50A
75W Light Bulb : 75W | 6.88A
100W Light Bulb : 100W | 9.17A
Microwave 1000W : 1100W | 100.83A
Radio Telephone (Receive) : 5W | 0.46A
Radio Telephone(Transmit) : 40W | 3.67A
14 Cu Ft. Refrigerator : 30W | 2.75A
20 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator : 30W | 2.75A
Satellite Dish : 30W | 2.75A
Electric Shaver : 15W | 1.38A
Space Heater : 1200W | 110.00A
Television 12” B&W : 30W | 2.75A
Television 13” Color TV/VCR Combo : 50W | 4.6A
Television 19” Color : 60W | 5.5A
Television 25” Color : 100W | 9.17A
Toaster : 1000W | 91.67A
Toaster Oven : 1200W | 110.00A
Vacuum (Handheld) : 150W | 13.75A
VCR : 40W | 3.67A
Waffle Iron : 1200W | 110.00A
Washing Machine : 600W | 55.00A
12 Volt DC
Commonly Available DC Appliance : DC Amp Draw
AutoPilot : 2.0
Bilge Pump : 4.0
Blender : 8.0
CD / DVD Player : 3.2
Citrus Juicer : 7.0
Coffee Maker : 10.0
Curling Iron : 1.3
Depth Sounder (Backlit) : 0.1
Fan, 14” Box Fan on High : 2.8
Fan, 14” Box Fan on Low : 1.2
Fan, 7” On High Speed : 1.3
Fan, 7” On Low Speed : 0.6
Food Processor : 9.0
GPS - Fixed Mount : 0.5
Grill (like George Foreman) : 15.0
Hair Dryer : 14.0
Heated Blanket - Single : 4.2
Heated Blanket - Double : 6.7
Heater, Ceramic : 15.0
Laptop Computer : 3.0
Electric Marine Head : 1.3
Light: 5 watt : 0.4
Light: 10 watt : 0.8
Light: 20 watt : 1.7
Light: 25 watt : 2.0
Light: 55 watt Sealed Beam : 4.6
Light: Fluorescent, 16 watt : 1.4
Light: Fluorescent, 30 watt : 2.2
Light: 400,000 Candlepower : 5.5
Light: 3,000,000 Candlepower : 10.0
Microwave - 450 watt Power : 65.0
Popcorn Maker : 13.0
18V Power Tools, Rechargeable; Using a 12V Recharger : 4.0
Radar Antenna : 3.0
Radio: Handheld, Rechargeable : 2.5
Refrigerator in LP Gas Mode : 1.6
9 CU. FT. Refrigerator/Freezer : 2.9
11.4 CU. FT. Refrigerator/Freezer : 5.8
14.4 CU. FT. Refrigerator/Freezer : 5.8
17.4 CU. FT. Refrigerator/Freezer : 9.7
Sandwich Maker : 5.0
Electric Saucepan : 13.0
Television 13” : 4.5
TV Antenna Booster : 1.0
Toaster : 13.0
Toaster Oven on Low : 7.3
Toaster Oven on High : 10.0
Vacuum, 1 Gallon Wet/Dry Canister : 10.0
Vacuum, Hand, w/ Rollers or Hose : 13.0
Variable Speed Ceiling / Vent Fan : 4.0
VCR Recorder / Player : 2.0
VHF Radio - Transmit : 5.8
VHF Radio - Standby : 0.6
Water Pump 1 GPM : 1.0
Water Pump 2 GPM : 5.5
Water Pump 3.5 GPM : 8.5
