When planning a party with a bounce house, one crucial aspect to consider is the power supply. A bounce house requires a specific amount of power to inflate and maintain its shape, which is typically provided by a generator.
The size of the generator needed depends on several factors, including the size of the bounce house and the number of fans it uses. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you determine the right generator size for your purchase of a bounce house.
Determining the Right Generator Size
For a single bounce house fan, a minimum of 2,000 watts is advisable. If you need to operate two fans, consider upgrading to a 4,000-watt generator, which also allows for additional electrical needs like lighting or charging devices.
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The power consumption of bounce house fans varies based on the fan size:
Small Bounce Houses
Typically, a 1HP, 7A fan, pushing about 1100 CFM, consumes around 800 watts per hour.
Medium Bounce Houses
A 1.5HP, 9A fan, with approximately 1300 CFM, will use about 1,000 watts (1 kilowatt) per hour.
Large Bounce Houses
For a 2HP, 14A fan, pushing over 1400 CFM, the usage exceeds 1.6 kilowatts per hour.
Generator Duration for Bounce Houses
When starting your bounce house business, it's crucial to consider power options. While bounce house fans typically run on standard electrical outlets, using a generator is a smart choice for flexibility. However, generators have limited fuel capacities, so keep this in mind when planning.
A standard generator can power a bounce house for about 90 minutes, but opting for a more powerful one with smaller fans can extend the runtime to six to seven hours, ensuring uninterrupted fun for your customers.
Cost of Operating a Bounce House
Consider a scenario using a 2,000-watt generator with a 1-gallon fuel tank and a medium-sized bounce house with a 1-kilowatt fan. An average generator of this capacity consumes about three-quarters of a gallon per hour, providing roughly 80 minutes of runtime. With the current average fuel price of $4.70 per gallon, the cost for this duration is approximately $4.70. However, these figures may vary based on different generator and fan sizes.
Selecting Generators for Bounce Houses
When choosing generators for bounce houses, the noise level is a significant factor. Here are some options:
Honda EU2200i
A 2,000-watt, lightweight, and ultra-quiet generator with a carbon monoxide detector. Priced at around $1,179. Buy now!
A-iPower SUA2000iV
Another 2,000-watt option, more affordable offering seven hours of runtime at half load. Buy now!
Champion Power Equipment Digital Hybrid Inverter
For higher power needs, this 4,000-watt generator can run up to 17 hours on Economy Mode. Buy now!
Ego Nexus Power Station
An environmentally friendly, 3,000-watt electric generator with a runtime of two to five hours and swappable batteries for different power needs. Buy now!
Conclusion
In summary, for a single bounce house, a 2,000-watt generator is recommended. For two or more blowers, a 4,000-watt generator is ideal. Choose a generator with enough runtime for your event and consider factors like portability, fuel type, and noise level when making your selection.
