What Size Generator Do I Need For An Oxygen Concentrator?
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An oxygen concentrator is a life-saving appliance, and during the therapy, you must ensure a consistent runtime, which can be done using a generator.
But before investing in a generator, find out what size generator do I need for an oxygen concentrator in terms of efficient use and make a wise decision.
Fortunately, we have listed the size of the generator for the oxygen concentrator as well as the criteria to assist you in selecting the best one.
What Size Generator Do I Need For An Oxygen Concentrator?
An oxygen concentrator is a light-duty appliance that can run efficiently on a 400 to 1500 watts generator.
Though oxygen concentrators don’t need a generator for getting power, it may come in handy during a power outage or when the batteries aren’t an option.
Size | Wattage | Recommended Inverter Generator |
---|---|---|
Minimum | 1000 | Buffalo Tools GEN1000I 1000 Watt Inverter Generator |
Medium | 1500 | A-iPower AP1500i Portable Inverter Generator Gas Powered |
Large | 2000 | WEN Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator |
Maximum | 2500 | Champion Power 2500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator |
Power required for Oxygen concentrator

An oxygen concentrator is a life-saving appliance that is mainly used for either short-term or long-term oxygen therapy.
A patient requires short-term oxygen therapy if he has recently done bloodwork and the doctor wants to assess the blood oxygen levels.
On the other hand, long-term oxygen therapy is required for chronic and severe diseases.
Apart from this, an oxygen concentrator is available in two types, including an at-home stationary oxygen concentrator and a portable oxygen concentrator.
An oxygen concentrator comes in a variety of sizes, which are measured in liters.
Typically, the size of the oxygen concentrator is varied from 1L to 10L, which requires different power as well as different sized generators.
Read More: What Size Generator Do I Need For A 3 Bedroom House?
When it comes to choosing the right size generator for the oxygen concentrator, focusing on the required power can help get the right power source.
In general, an oxygen concentrator of 2.5 L/min via nasal cannula setting requires 75 watts per hour on average.
Conversely, the maximum setting is 10 L/min via a nasal cannula, which requires up to 300 watts per hour.
Hopefully, this comparison gives you a basic idea of the required size generator for an oxygen concentrator.
The Size Of The Generator Needed For An Oxygen Concentrator

As you know, an oxygen concentrator is a light-duty appliance that doesn’t require much energy to keep running.
Hence, you can consider a compact yet indoor generator to run an oxygen concentrator.
Read More: What Size Generator To Run a 2.5HP Compressor?
Best Generator For Oxygen Concentrator
1. Buffalo Tools GEN1000I 1000 Watt Inverter Generator
- Made in China
- Package dimension : 9.0″ L x 5.75″ W x 0.375″ H
- Package weight : 22.8 lbs
- Product type : TOOLS
2. A-iPower AP1500i 1500 Watt Portable Inverter Generator Gas Powered
- Produces 1500 starting watts with 1200 running watts of clean and safe power for sensitive electronics, such as phones, televisions, laptops, and other electronics.
- Complete with A-iPower’s “Low idle” technology for an extended run time of 4 hours at 100% load and 6.5 hours at 50% load.
- Equipped with a low oil alert light and low oil automatic shutdown, helping keep your generator performing year after year.
- Powerful 79cc OHV 4-Stroke engine provides an abundant power supply yet runs at a super quiet operation of only 52 decibels.
- Light weight and compact at only 46 pounds, making your tailgate or camping experience as smooth as possible.
3. WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator w/Fuel Shut Off
- Ultralight body weighs in at a mere 39 pounds for easy transport and storage
- Extremely quiet operation comparable to the sound of a normal conversation according to the US Department of Health and Human Services
- Produces 2000 surge watts and 1700 rated watts of clean power for safe charging of sensitive electronics (phones, tablets, televisions, computers, etc.)
- Fuel shutoff maximizes the generator’s lifespan by using up the remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting down
- Includes two three-prong 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle, two 5V USB ports, and a two-year warranty
4. Champion Power Equipment 200951 2500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
- ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT: At only 39 pounds, this inverter is one of the lightest 2500-watt inverters in the industry
- QUIET OPERATION: 53 dBA from 23 feet is perfect for camping, tailgating or to backup a few home essentials, featuring 2500 starting watts, 1850 running watts and up to 11.5 hours run time
- PARALLEL READY: The optional clip-on parallel kit enables this inverter to connect with another 2500-watt Champion inverter to double your output power
- CLEAN POWER: Includes two covered 120V 20A household outlets with clean electricity (less than 3% THD)
- CHAMPION SUPPORT: Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
FAQs About Generator For Oxygen Concentrator
How Many Watts Are Required For Running An Oxygen Concentrator?
Most of the standard oxygen concentrators draw about 4 amps when running on 120 volts. The motor of the oxygen concentrator runs consistently and uses around 480 running watts.
Can I Connect An Oxygen Concentrator To A Generator?
If it is a portable oxygen concentrator, then you connect the appliance to the generator. However, the first choice would be to use the backup battery.
Do The Oxygen Concentrators Have A Backup Battery?
Yes, standard oxygen concentrators have a backup battery that can run the machine for up to 20 minutes.
Final words
A generator is a smart solution for ensuring the continuous run of an oxygen concentrator for the patient during a power outage.
However, it requires a minor consideration of what size generator do I need for an oxygen concentrator.
Hopefully, you have learned the real-life factors and are ready for action.
Lastly, while shopping for the best generator for an oxygen concentrator, make sure you will find it helpful to run other basic appliances to make the investment worth it, as oxygen concentrators hardly require a generator.