Off-the-Grid: How Many Watts and Amps Does a TV Use?

TVs are no longer just used for watching TV. They serve multiple purposes such as media streaming, gaming, communication, and even as part of security systems. With such diverse usage, it is crucial to know how many watts and energy they require. In this article, we will provide you with a comparison chart of TV wattages based on sizes and technologies.

TV Types, Technologies, and Power Consumption

The most popular modern TVs are LED, LCD, and OLED (QLED) flat-screen TVs. These TVs are designed with low power consumption, great contrast, and a broad color range. However, it’s important to note that older technologies like CRT, Plasma, and similar consume much more power than their modern counterparts. If you have any of these older models, consider replacing them with newer, energy-efficient ones.

It’s worth mentioning that the actual power consumption of a TV can be significantly increased with various add-ons such as external hard drives, USB memory sticks, enabled Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, external speakers, and more. Additionally, different TV models of the same technology and size can have different energy requirements. Technological advancements have led to TVs from 5 years ago requiring more power compared to the present, but they also had fewer add-ons.

The standby power of modern TVs is typically between 0.5 to 2 watts, which is negligible if the TV is used on a daily basis. However, if the TV is not going to be used for an extended period of time, it is recommended to unplug it from the power outlet.

How Many Watts Does a 32-inch LED TV Use?

32-inch LED TVs are popular choices, especially for children, guests, and dorm rooms. They are affordable, lightweight, and easy to carry, making them suitable for camping or fishing trips. The power consumption of these TVs can vary, even among TVs of the same technology and brand.

• 32” LED: 30 – 55 watts, but generally around 40 watts
• 32” OLED: around 55 – 60 watts
• 32” LCD: 50 – 85 watts, but on average, around 65-70 watts

For comparison, old 32” CRT TVs require up to 150-200 watts, with an average consumption of around 170 watts. However, these values can depend on sound and light settings, networking, resolution, and other factors.

It’s also important to note that our Boat, Camping, RV and Household Appliances Wattage Charts article rates a 27″ Television at 500 watts, which is considered a “Worst Case Scenario” for safety reasons.

How Much Does It Cost To Run 32″ TVs?

To calculate energy requirements, let’s assume the following:

• 32″ LED TV: 40W On, 1W Standby
• 32″ OLED TV: 55W On, 1W Standby
• 32″ LCD TV: 70W On, 1W Standby
• 32″ CRT TV: 170W On, 2W Standby

If the TV is On for 8 hours per day and in Standby mode for 16 hours per day, we can calculate the energy consumption:

• 32″ LED TV: 40W 8h + 16h 1W = 336 Wh
• 32″ OLED TV: 55W 8h + 16h 1W = 456 Wh
• 32″ LCD TV: 70W 8h + 16h 1W = 576 Wh
• 32″ CRT TV: 170W 8h + 16h 2W = 1392 Wh

For a month, the energy consumption would be:

• 32″ LED TV: 336 Wh * 30d = 10.08 kWh
• 32″ OLED TV: 456 Wh * 30d = 13.68 kWh
• 32″ LCD TV: 576 Wh * 30d = 17.28 kWh
• 32″ CRT TV: 1392 Wh * 30d = 41.76 kWh

Assuming an electricity price of $0.15 per kWh:

• 32″ LED TV: 10.08 kWh * $0.15/kWh = $1.512 per month
• 32″ OLED TV: 13.68 kWh * $0.15/kWh = $2.052 per month
• 32″ LCD TV: 17.28 kWh * $0.15/kWh = $2.592 per month
• 32″ CRT TV: 41.76 kWh * $0.15/kWh = $6.264 per month

Calculating the annual electric cost of running 32″ TVs:

• 32″ LED TV: $1.512 * 12 = $18.144
• 32″ OLED TV: $2.052 * 12 = $24.624
• 32″ LCD TV: $2.592 * 12 = $31.104
• 32″ CRT TV: $6.264 * 12 = $75.168

Switching from a 32″ CRT TV to a 32″ LED TV can save approximately $57 per year. However, keep in mind that the actual savings depend on the specific TV model and turned-on features.

How Many Watts Does a 55-inch LED TV Use?

55-inch LED TVs are commonly used as main TVs in many homes, with even larger models gaining popularity. The power consumption of these TVs can also vary, but generally:

• 55″ LED: 60 – 90 watts, on average 80 watts
• 55″ OLED: 90 – 120 watts, on average 105-110 watts

To find out the maximum power consumption of your TV, check the label on the back of the TV.

How to Power TV in an Emergency?

In case of an emergency, LED, LCD, and OLED TVs can be powered using various methods such as power generators, power stations, and power inverters combined with deep cycle batteries.

Power Generators

Power generators burn chemical fuel like gas, diesel, propane gas, or natural gas to generate electric power. Compact and portable power generators in the range of 1000-2000 watts can easily power 100W TV sets for 10+ hours, making them ideal for outdoor activities like tailgating or camping. However, it is essential to choose units with very low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) levels of ≤3% to ensure the safety of sensitive electronics, including TVs.

One popular power generator in the 2000W class is the WEN 56235i Super Quiet 2350-Watt Portable Inverter Generator. It features 1900 Running Watts and 2350 Starting Watts, with a runtime of up to 10.5 hours at 25% load. This compact and quiet unit is suitable for various outdoor activities and comes with multiple outlets and USB ports.

Power Stations/Solar Generators

Power stations or solar generators are equipped with built-in lithium-ion batteries and can be safely used indoors. These units are virtually maintenance-free and require regular charging. However, the energy stored in the batteries is limited compared to chemical fuels.

For example, the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000 has a capacity of 1002 Wh and can provide 100W for 8+ hours with 85% energy efficiency. It features multiple outlets, including AC and DC ports. The unit can be recharged using solar panels or a wall charger.

Power Inverters

Power inverters connected to deep-cycle batteries or car batteries can provide power to TV sets for extended periods, even indoors. However, it is crucial to be cautious not to discharge starting/cranking batteries below safe levels. Good quality power inverters with pure sine wave output and a power range of 300-500W can easily power 100W TV sets. Deep-cycle lithium batteries are becoming increasingly popular due to their lighter weight and longer lifespan.

For example, the Li Time 12V 100Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate Deep Cycle Battery can provide 100W output for up to 10 hours. It offers excellent cycle life and weighs only 24.2 pounds. The battery can be recharged using dedicated lithium battery chargers or advanced battery chargers that feature lithium battery charging modes.

To conclude, knowing the wattage of your TV is essential for managing energy consumption and costs. Consider replacing older and less energy-efficient TVs with newer LED flat-screen models to save on electricity bills.