Why a motor needs more power to start
A fridge or pump can pull far more power for a second or two than its label suggests. These notes explain that surge in plain words. They also show what it means for inverters and backup batteries.
All the notes
- Running Watts vs Starting Watts
Running watts are what a device draws steadily. Starting watts are the brief extra it needs to get going. Here's why both numbers matter.
- Why Motors Draw a Surge When They Start
A standing-still motor pulls far more current than a spinning one. Here's why, what you can notice, and what it means for backup power.
- How to Read an Appliance Label for Watts and Amps
Find the volts, amps and watts on an appliance's rating label, learn how they connect, and see why a label may not show the startup figure.
- Surge and Continuous Ratings on an Inverter
An inverter or battery system lists a continuous rating and a higher surge rating. Here's what each means and how long the surge figure holds.
- Why a Refrigerator Needs More Power to Start Than to Run
A fridge's label shows its running watts, but the compressor draws more for a moment at start. Here's why that can trip a small backup unit.
- What Happens When Startup Surge Is Too High
Why backup power can shut off the moment a motor starts, what the unit is protecting, and what to check before you try again.