As we head into the colder months, having reliable power available when you need it can make all the difference. Whether you need a generator for home backup, outdoor leisure, a workshop, a construction site, mobile hospitality or emergency power, choosing the right model is important. But with so many different generators available, how do you know which one is right for you? This simple guide will take you through the key things to consider before buying a generator, helping you understand the terminology and choose a machine that is suitable for your needs and budget.
1. How Much Power Do You Need?
The first and most important question is: what do you need your generator to power? To start, make a list of the appliances, tools or equipment you want the generator to run and consider whether you will need to operate more than one item at the same time. There are two important power figures to understand:
Running watts – the continuous amount of power an appliance needs while it is operating.
Starting or surge watts – the additional power some equipment requires when it starts.
Equipment such as refrigerators, freezers, kettles, pumps, compressors,and some power tools can require considerably more power when starting than they do during normal operation. You can check the specification for each item you wish to power either on the manufacturer’s website or within the owner’s manual to find its running and starting requirements. Once you have established what you need to run, you can compare those figures with the generator's specifications. Generators will generally quote both a maximum/peak output and a continuous or rated output. The continuous output is particularly important because this is the power the generator is designed to supply during normal operation. Don't simply choose a generator based on its maximum figure, make sure its continuous rated output is sufficient for the equipment you intend to run, including consideration for starting loads.
2. Do You Need Inverter Technology?
The next question is whether you need a generator with inverter technology. In simple terms, inverter generators are designed to provide a clean and stable electrical supply. This makes them particularly useful for powering sensitive electronic equipment such as laptops, smartphones, tablets and other devices containing electronic components. SIP's digital inverter generators use pure sine wave inverter technology and are specifically designed to provide a clean, stable power supply for electronics. They are also compact and portable, making them suitable for applications including site offices, boats, caravans and outdoor leisure. However, don't assume that every appliance needs an inverter generator. Always check the requirements of the equipment you intend to power and the generator manufacturer's specifications before making your choice.
3. Where Will You Use Your Generator
Where you intend to use the generator can be just as important as how much power you need. For example, a small, lightweight generator may be ideal for:
• Camping and outdoor leisure
• Caravans and boats
• Portable lighting
• Small domestic applications
• Site offices
• Charging electronic devices
For workshops, farms, construction sites, mobile workshops or hospitality applications, you may require considerably more power and a more robust machine. You should also consider portability and noise, if the generator is going to be moved regularly, its weight, dimensions and whether the generator is wheel mounted are worth checking before you buy. SIP's inverter range is designed with portability in mind, with the smaller models weighing from just 13.75kg. The ISG range also incorporates economy control technology, which can vary engine speed according to load to help reduce fuel consumption.
4. Think About Noise Levels
Noise can be an important consideration, particularly if the generator will be used around homes, events, hospitality areas or other locations where noise needs to be kept to a minimum. Traditional open-frame generators will generally be more noticeable louder than enclosed or silenced models. SIP's smaller digital inverter generators include compact, enclosed designs. For example, the ISG1101 is specified at 55dB(A) at 7 metres, while the ISG2202 is specified at 58dB(A) at 7 metres. For larger power requirements, SIP also offers enclosed digital inverter models designed for applications where portability and lower noise are important considerations.
5. Petrol, Inverter or Diesel?
There isn't one generator type that is right for every application.
Digital Inverter Generators
SIP's digital inverter range currently runs from the ISG1101 (25400) through to the larger ISG8800 (25405) models. The smaller models provide rated outputs of:
• ISG1101 (25400): 1,000W rated output
• ISG2202 (25401): 1,800W rated output
• ISG3303 (25402): 2,700W rated output
They feature 230V output alongside 12V DC and USB outputs, with the range designed around clean, stable power, portability and efficient operation. The larger ISG models step up the available power for applications requiring more capacity while retaining the benefits of inverter technology and a portable, enclosed design. The current SIP range includes the ISG4500 (25403), ISG5800 (25404) and ISG8800 (25405).
Conventional Petrol Generators
SIP also offers a range of conventional petrol generators for applications where inverter technology isn't necessarily the primary requirement. These include smaller models such as the SIP MEDUSA T2500W, which provides a 2,000W continuous rated output and 2,200W maximum output. It also features AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulation), which helps provide a stable output. SIP's wider petrol range includes machines fitted with SIP, KOHLER® and HONDA™ engines, with models covering a broad range of applications and power requirements. Remember to check the individual generator specification carefully for the output you require, whether that is 230V 13A, 230V 16A or another configuration such as 110V. It's also worth checking the available outlets. If USB charging is important to you, look specifically at the generator's specification rather than assuming it will be included.
Diesel Generators
If you need a generator for more demanding applications or as a backup power source, diesel may be the appropriate option to investigate. SIP offers two silenced diesel generators: the MEDUSA T5500 and MEDUSA T15000. The T5500 provides a 5.5kW peak output and 5kW continuous output, with 230V and 110V outlets. It is designed for applications including workshops, construction, mobile hospitality and secondary power. It has an electric start, a 14.5-litre fuel tank and a stated full-load runtime of up to 7.5 hours. The larger T15000 provides a 12kW peak output and 11kW continuous output. It provides 400V three-phase and 230V output and has a 32-litre fuel tank, with a stated full-load runtime of approximately 6–7 hours. Both are enclosed, silenced machines designed for more demanding mobile power applications.
6. Don't Forget The Output You Actually Need
It is easy to concentrate on the headline power figure and overlook the actual outlets. The outlets is a very important factor as here is where your appliances / tools will connect so you need to ensure the generator offers the correct sockets or has adapters available to purchase to make it suit. Before buying we recommend you should use the following as a guide;
• What voltage do you need?
• Do you need 230V or 110V?
• Do you require single-phase or three-phase power?
• Do you need 13A, 16A or another type of connection?
• How many appliances or tools will be connected?
• Do you need USB charging?
• Will you need 12V DC output?
The generator needs to be suitable not only in terms of power output but also for the equipment and connections you intend to use.
7. What About Backup Power?
If your main reason for buying a generator is to have power available during an emergency or power outage, you should think carefully about exactly what you want to keep running. Do you need to keep essential household appliances operating? Are you protecting equipment at a business? Do you need power for heating, lighting, refrigeration, pumps, communications or other essential equipment? Or are you looking for a generator that can provide power to a workshop, site or business when mains power isn't available? For more demanding standby applications, a site survey may be required to make sure the generator is appropriate for the intended installation and load. SIP's T5500 and T15000 diesel generators, for example, require a Site Survey Self Assessment form before an order can be accepted. If you are unsure what size standby generator you require, you can speak to our dedicated technical team to help narrow down suitable models within the range.
8. Don't Under Buy
This is perhaps the most important tip of all, don't under buy your generator by purchasing a generator which doesn’t have the correct power to suit your needs. We understand that buying a generator can be a significant investment, and it can be tempting to choose a smaller machine to save money but this ultimately can cause the generator to under power, damage the equipment you are powering, damage the generator or just give a general poor performance. Take the time to work out what you actually need before you buy. Remember to consider both the continuous running load and starting/surge requirements, particularly when running equipment with motors, compressors or pumps. It is much better to choose the correct generator from the start than to discover during a power cut or on a busy worksite that your generator isn't powerful enough and spending more money to purchase something more suitable.
Choosing the Right Generator
The good news is that there is a wide range of generators available, so there is likely to be a solution for your particular application. SIP's generator range covers everything from compact digital inverter generators for portable power and outdoor leisure through to larger petrol and diesel machines designed for workshops, construction, hospitality and backup applications. The key is to work out your requirements before you start shopping. If you use this simple generator buying checklist before you make the purchase you are on the right path to finding the right generator for your requirements;
• What equipment do I need to power?
• What is the total continuous running wattage?
• What starting/surge power do I need?
• Will several appliances run at the same time?
• Do I need inverter technology?
• What voltage and socket types do I require?
• How long does the generator need to run?
• Will the generator need to be moved regularly?
• How important is noise level?
• Would petrol or diesel be more appropriate for my application?
• Do I need a portable generator or a standby solution?
Need Help Choosing a Generator?
If you're still unsure which generator is suitable, don't guess. Tell us what you need to power, the equipment you will be running, and whether the generator is for home backup, a workshop, site, hospitality, leisure or another application. We can help you work through the requirements and identify a suitable option from the range. For larger standby applications, a site survey will be required before supply to help ensure the generator is appropriate for the intended application. Take your time, check the figures and buy the generator that is right for the job. When you need reliable power, getting the choice right matters.