How Big of a Generator do I Need for a Bounce House?

how big of a generator do i need for a bounce house

When hosting an event in a park, remote location, or any place without easy access to electricity, you’ll need a generator to power your bounce house blower. But how big of a generator do you need for a bounce house? The answer depends on several factors, including the size of the bounce house, the power requirements of the blower, and the number of inflatables you plan to run. At 3 Monkeys Inflatables, we provide guidance and equipment to ensure your bounce house operates safely and efficiently.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to determine the right size generator for your bounce house, following ASTM standards, Pennsylvania state regulations, and 3 Monkeys Inflatables guidelines for safe operations.

Understanding Bounce House Blower Power Requirements

Before choosing a generator, it’s important to understand how much power a bounce house blower requires. Most commercial-grade bounce house blowers run on 120V electricity and consume between 9 to 14 amps. This translates into a typical power consumption range of 1.0 to 1.5 kilowatts (kW).

Here’s a quick breakdown of the typical power needs for different-sized inflatables:

  • Small Bounce Houses (up to 13×13): These typically use a 1.0 HP blower that requires about 1,000 to 1,200 watts (1.0-1.2 kW).
  • Medium Bounce Houses (up to 15×15): These use a 1.5 HP blower requiring around 1,500 watts (1.5 kW).
  • Large Bounce Houses/Obstacle Courses: Larger units may use a 2.0 HP blower, consuming about 2,000 to 2,500 watts (2.0-2.5 kW).

Once you know the wattage required for the blower, you can calculate how large of a generator you’ll need. It’s important to also account for any additional electrical items (e.g., lighting or other inflatables) that may need power.

How to Calculate the Size of Generator You Need

To determine the right generator size, you’ll need to calculate the total wattage required for the bounce house blower(s) and any other devices that will be plugged into the generator. Most generators are rated in watts, and the size you need depends on the total wattage your equipment will draw.

Here’s how to calculate the generator size:

  1. Find the Blower Wattage: Check the specifications for the blower or refer to the rental company’s information. A typical bounce house blower will list its wattage rating. For example, if the blower requires 1,500 watts, this is the minimum you’ll need from the generator.
  2. Add Additional Wattage: If you’re running more than one inflatable or need to power other equipment (such as lights or speakers), add the wattages together. For example:
  • Blower #1: 1,500 watts
  • Blower #2: 1,200 watts
  • Lights: 200 watts
  • Total: 2,900 watts
  1. Choose a Generator with Extra Capacity: Generators should be able to handle more than the exact amount of power your equipment requires. This ensures that the generator can handle the start-up surge of the blowers, which often draws more power than when they are running steadily. A good rule of thumb is to select a generator that can provide 25% more wattage than what you’ve calculated. If you need 2,900 watts, look for a generator rated for at least 3,600 to 4,000 watts.

Common Generator Sizes for Bounce Houses

Below are common generator sizes and the types of inflatables they can power:

  • 2,000-Watt Generator: Ideal for small bounce houses or a single inflatable with minimal additional power needs. Suitable for 1 small to medium-sized bounce house.
  • 3,500 to 4,000-Watt Generator: Great for larger bounce houses or for running multiple small inflatables. This size can power 1-2 inflatables or a single large obstacle course.
  • 5,000+ Watt Generator: Necessary if you’re running multiple large inflatables, obstacle courses, and additional electrical equipment like lights and music systems. This can power 2-3 inflatables simultaneously, along with other event needs.

For specific events, 3 Monkeys Inflatables provides generator rentals tailored to your power requirements. Visit our Generator Rentals page for more information on renting the right generator for your event.

Considerations for Remote Locations

If your event is being held in a park or other location without access to electricity, a generator is essential for operating your bounce house. Keep the following considerations in mind:

  1. Noise Level: Generators can be noisy, so it’s important to position the generator away from the main activity area. Consider renting a quiet generator if you’re concerned about noise disturbing the event.
  2. Fuel Consumption: Ensure you have enough fuel to run the generator for the entire event. A standard generator will typically run for 6-8 hours on a full tank of gas, but this can vary based on the generator’s size and load. Always have extra fuel on hand to avoid interruptions.
  3. Safety Considerations: Place the generator on a flat surface away from any flammable materials. Follow ASTM standards and 3 Monkeys Inflatables guidelines by setting up the generator at least 20 feet away from the bounce house to ensure the safety of guests and participants. Additionally, ensure that all extension cords are heavy-duty and rated for outdoor use.

Weather Considerations for Generators

Generators should not be exposed to rain or wet conditions. If rain is expected, place the generator under a canopy or tent to protect it from moisture. To learn more about handling different weather conditions, check out our article on What Weather Conditions Make a Bounce House Unsafe?.

Conclusion

Choosing the right generator size for your bounce house is crucial to ensuring a safe and enjoyable event. By calculating the total wattage needed and selecting a generator with enough capacity, you can keep your inflatables powered throughout the day. At 3 Monkeys Inflatables, we provide a variety of generator options to meet your event’s needs and offer expert advice to ensure everything runs smoothly.

For more information about generator rentals, bounce house setups, or safety guidelines, contact 3 Monkeys Inflatables:

3 Monkeys Inflatables
Phone: (717) 650-7657
Email: info@3monkeysinflatables.com
Website: www.3monkeysinflatables.com

We’re here to make your event safe, fun, and powered-up!

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