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A Guide to Buying a Generator

Are you looking for a generator?

Not sure what you need or the best machine to suit your needs. Don't panic, it's something lots of our customers face so we have put together a quick and simple guide to help you get started.

Here at Lawn and Power Ltd, it doesn’t matter if you are keen on DIY and looking to run power tools or you love camping holidays and want to power your digital devices while away, or even if you want some backup power the home or office in the event of a power cut, we have a solution for you!

What to look in a generator

Domestic or professional use: Smaller capacity generators are designed for home and leisure use, or for hobbyists. Bigger units are made with the pro user in mind,  and are made for running machinery in workshops, or for commercial use.

Wattage: This is the most important consideration before you buy, the Wattage rating (kW) is the power the generator can produce when in operation. You will need to know the total wattage of all the electrical items you wish to power. If your generator is unable to provide enough power to the equipment you risk damaging the generator and your electrical items.

Equipment types: You need to know what types of equipment you want it to power. For instance, if you want it to power sensitive equipment such as PCs, laptops or TVs you may need an inverter generator to avoid damaging your equipment.

Fuel type: Generators can use a variety of different fuel types. Typical fuels include petrol, diesel, LPG or natural gas, and some will even offer a dual fuel option where it can run on either petrol or LPG.

Standby / backup or specialist generators: Recently standby or backup generators have become very popular, as they provide a buffer against power outages. It does not matter if you are looking to protect your home, office or a large factory, we are able to supply a suitable unit for your requirements. Some are even autonomous in their operation.

What is the total wattage required?

We get lots of calls that ask us - What size generator do I need? The answer will depend on factors such as what is it being used for. All model are rated to a certain wattage, you must work out the total wattage or power you need, it doesn't matter if you want to power just one laptop or a large factory, you will need to know this. The best way to do this is to make a list of what you want your generator to power, add up the wattage and add in a buffer of about 30% for any extra items you may want to plug in.

Example list (Wattage values are for reference only)

  • Fridge - 600w
  • Portable heater - 2000w
  • Laptop - 300w
  • 2 Lights - 30w each x 2 - 60w
  • Wattage Total = 2860w
  • Buffer at 30% - 888w
  • Grand Total = 3848w

In the above example, we should be looking for a 3800w or 3.8kW generator to power the items on the list above.

Types of Generators

Inverter generators

Due to the fact that these engines are more complex, these will cost more than a comparable output traditional portable generator.

Inverter generators are also a lot quieter when compared to conventional portable ones, This is partly due to being encased and partly due to them being able to throttle up and down depending on the load required, they also tend to have better exhaust systems to help the lower sound.

They are fuel-efficient and produce fewer emissions.

Explore our range of inverter generators here (opens in new window)

Portable generators

Typically run on petrol and can be used on or off your property but must never be used in an enclosed space. Some models will offer an electric start. They run at 3000rpm and are at a fixed speed when in use and have higher noise levels than inverter generators. These are great for running jobs on sites and running power tools etc.

Standby or backup generators

These units will need to be installed so factor in some extra budget when looking at these, they can start and stop automatically in the event of a power cut. They also have self-diagnosis and will let you know when and what maintenance is needed. Some can even send a text or email alerts to keep you up to date.

This type of generator typically runs on red or white diesel but other fuel options like natural gas or and LPG are available. They come in sizes from 4kW upwards to very large units that can power tower blocks or large factories.

This type of generator operates at either 3000rpm or 1500rpm, with the 1500rpm units generally have longer lifespans and longer service intervals.

Explore our range of standby / backup generators here (opens in new window)

Still need more info? Then why not give us a call or email and we can talk you through your options.