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  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.