What Wattage Generator is Best for Active 2.0 & 2.3 Pressure Washers?

To ensure you're able to get your Active pressure washer started when you need it, it's crucial to understand wattage requirements — especially when using a generator.

Wattage Requirements for the Active 2.0 Pressure Washer

The Active 2.0 pressure washer can surge up to 3000 watts on start-up to get the motor running. While this level of power typically won’t trip a standard household breaker, it can cause issues with some sensitive generators.

For optimal performance, we recommend using a generator with a capacity of at least 3000 watts. Although some lower wattage generators might power the washer, they are more likely to trip the breaker during start-up. Customers have reported success using Predator generators, which are known for their robust performance and reliability.

Wattage Requirements for the Active 2.3 Pressure Washer

The Active 2.3 pressure washer can surge up to 4000 watts on start-up to get the motor running. Again, while this should not trip a household breaker, as they tolerate brief surges, it may pose a challenge for generators with sensitive breakers.

We generally recommend using a generator with a capacity of at least 5400 watts for the Active 2.3, as this gives the unit a bit of a buffer. Although some users have had success with lower wattage generators, such as the Honda 2200, it’s important to ensure the generator’s breaker is not overly sensitive to handle the surge wattage effectively.

Choosing the Right Generator

When selecting a generator for your pressure washer, always consider the start-up wattage and ensure your generator’s capacity exceeds this requirement to avoid tripping breakers. Reliable options like the Predator or Honda 2200 are popular choices among our customers, especially mobile detailers.