Residential vs commercial generators: what’s the difference?

07 Feb 2020

Whether you’re off the grid or you’re without access electricity, at OMC, our comprehensive range of generators covers every use you can think of. Some suit themselves better to smaller jobs, or what we’d consider residential use, while others are bigger and can provide larger volumes of energy for longer. The main thing to be aware of when you’re in the market for one is to determine what you’ll use it for. We’ve come up with a few suggestions as thought starters, but feel free to get in touch if you’re unsure which suits your needs best.

Which generator is right for you? Find out everything you need to know before choosing.

Camping and outdoors

A day at the beach or a weekend camping is a great way to spend your summer. But a generator can make it all the more enjoyable – especially if you’re camping. Having one allows you to charge devices, power lights and even use appliances such as a microwave. But to do so safely and quietly, a small inverter generator is your best bet because they’re compact, quiet and able to charge sensitive devices (like your phone or tablet) safely, unlike standard non-inverter generators which can damage sensitive electronics.

Weddings and food trucks

While it’s becoming more common for couples to have their weddings in stunning locations, and more viable to run a food truck, there are still going to be things that require electricity to ensure success. And whether you require a residential or commercial-grade generator will depend on two things: what you’re operating and whether noise will be an issue.

If it’s for minor appliances such as lights, small speakers or microwaves, you can likely get away with a small inverter. But for larger setups that can include cooking equipment and larger lighting setups, a large inverter or industrial generator is more suitable. Depending on how often you plan to use your generator, an industrial generator may be more cost-efficient. But if noise is a key factor, an inverter is definitely your best option.

Emergency backup

As the price of generators drop with advancements in technology, having access to power in the case of an outage is becoming more and more appealing for homeowners and contractors alike. Industrial generators and inverters come in sizes that let them comfortably power homes in the case of outages, as well as providing a reliable source of energy on building sites. But for homeowners seeking a permanent solution at home, LPG backup generators can provide peace of mind and increase the value of your home.

Find out which generator is right for you

If you’re still unsure or you like to do your due diligence, we’ve prepared a guide to help you choose the right generator. It’s free to download and goes over everything you’ve seen here and more in more detail. Otherwise, feel free to call us on 0800 662 669 or visit us in store.