30 Amp Vs 50 Amp Generator | Comparison Between Them

A quick rundown reveals that 30 amp gives you an output of roughly 7200 watts while the elder sibling 50 amp gives about 12000 watts of output. But is that all? Of course not. There are so many things that are different about these two. However, for a quick suggestion, if you want to run a central air conditioning system, you should get the 50 amp generator.

Care to know more about 30 amp vs 50 amp generators? Let’s begin.

Key Differences Between a 30 Amp and a 50 Amp Generator

Depending on the size, a generator can deliver only a fixed amount of electricity, which is measured in amps. So, a 30 amp generator can provide a maximum of 30 amp of electricity. The same is true for 50 amp generators. However, there’s more to it.

1. Size and Weight

It’s no wonder that 50 amp generators are bigger than their 30 amp counterparts. But how big of a difference is it? well, quite a lot actually. While typical 30 amp generators can be 23.3 x 17.5 x 18.7 inches in size, most 50 amp ones go all the way up to 30 x 33 x 35 inches. That’s quite a jump in size. So if you are someone who is living in a smaller apartment, keep that in mind.

The same is true about weight. Typical 30 amp generators are usually under 100 pounds, while 50 amp ones can be more than three times heavier than that, at 350 pounds. So, for RV situations, they can be a bit challenging sometimes, to fit and carry.

2. Power Output

Power output is determined by how many watts the generator is actually giving. Even though theoretically 30 amp equals 7200 watts, the actual wattage output of a 30 amp generator is no more than 3600 watts.

The same equation is not true, however, for 50 amp generators. You see, with their dual outlets, 50 amp generators give an output of 12000 watts, at 240 volts each. That is 12 volts in DC.

For multiple small appliances plus one or two small refrigerators, a 30 amp generator should suffice. However, for multiple bigger appliances like an air conditioning system, freezer, dryer, etc. you should look for bigger alternatives.

Always make a correct estimation of how much output you actually need for your home or RV.

3. Fuel Type and Consumption

Although most generators run on diesel or gas, most portable ones are designed to use gasoline or propane. Especially the bigger ones. For bigger 50 amp generators, you get the flexibility of dual fuel type support, which is absent in most smaller generators.

30 amp generators, with their smaller fuel tanks, can give you a runtime of more than 12 hours. Try usually come with 4 gallons of fuel capacity. On the other hand, with their much larger 8 gallon fuel tanks, 50 amp generators run for about 8 hours.

With gas prices going up all the time, it is wise to determine correctly, if you actually need that extra wattage.

30 Amp Vs 50 Amp Generators for Charging

For people who live off the grid or use solar panels for their RV (Recreational Vehicle) or home, a 30 amp generator should suffice your charging needs, when the sun isn’t out or the sunlight is not strong enough. Most chargers are 30A and they don’t use a current of more than 350 watts. So, charging and using multiple home appliances using a 30 amp generator shouldn’t give you any trouble.

However, if you plan on using the central air conditioning system along with charging, go for the 50 amp.

30 Amp Vs 50 Amp for RV

For RVs with AC units, the minimum requirement of wattage is 2500 to 2800 watts. A 30-amp generator should suffice. So 30 amp RVs usually come with only one 30 amp feed.

For 50 amps RVs, they come with two separate feeds of 50 amps. So with two 120-volt feeds, they are capable of operating at 12000 watts of power. This gives you much more flexibility in running multiple air conditioners along with all the necessary appliances.

However, for smaller RVs, holding a family of two, a 30-amp RV is more than enough. We only recommend 50 amps for bigger RVs for a family of four or more members.

50 Amp vs 30 Amp Generator Plug

A 50 amp generator plug has a three-pin setup that is round. They all have a space of two inches between them. But the 30 amp version has four flat pins that are one inch apart from each other.

The 50 amp plug is generally heavier and produces more noise. They have a higher voltage capacity too, than the 30 amp generator plugs.

In case of durability, 50 amp plugs offer it more. They are also capable of handling much more power. The 30 amp ones, for example, can handle power up to 3600 watts, while the 50 amp can do it up to 6000 watts.

Here’s a quick comparison chart for quicker reading.

	30 Amp	50 Amp
Average Size	23.3 x 17.5 x 18.7	30 x 33 x 35
Average Weight	100 pounds	Over 300 pounds
Fuel Consumption	Less than half of 50 amp generators	More than double of 30 amp generators
Noise level	Less (under 50 decibels)	More (about 60 – 90 decibels)
Output	3600 watts max	12000 watts or more
Prongs	Comes with 3 electrical prongs	Comes with 4 electrical prongs

Frequently Asked Questions Answers

What can you run on a 50 amp generator?

It can run several high-watt appliances like multiple air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines with other regular appliances like lights.

Is 30 amps enough to power a house?

It is if you are only running a small AC with a few regular appliances.

Can I run a 30-amp generator on a 50-amp breaker?

It is possible, but you need to buy the appropriate plug.

What size generator do I need for a 50 amp breaker?

You can use a 30 amp generator in a 50 amp breaker. But the opposite is not true. You cannot use a 50 amp generator in a 30 amp breaker.

Final Words

For adaptability and mobility, a 30-amp generator is the recommended one for most users in most situations. However, your requirements can and will determine your choice ultimately. Buying it too small, you’ll run into the risk of overloading it. consequently, your precious electronic appliances will be fried.

At the same time, buying the bigger one without the need is a huge waste of money. So always make a proper estimation of your wattage needs. Thanks for reading.