Sealey Generators
A generator keeps power on site when there's no mains nearby, whether you're running tools, lights, chargers or welfare kit through a long shift.
When you're on a plot with no board in, or the power keeps dropping out mid-job, a decent generator stops the whole day grinding to a halt. This Sealey generator range covers portable generator options for vans, refurbs and site work, including petrol generator and inverter generator models for cleaner output where needed. If you're comparing Generators for trade use, match the output to what you're actually running and buy once, not twice.
What Are Generators Used For?
- Powering site tools on first fix and external jobs keeps saws, drills, mixers and chargers running when the mains supply is not live yet.
- Running temporary lighting on dark starts, late finishes and winter callouts helps keep work safe when you need proper visibility, not just a phone torch.
- Backing up refurbs and maintenance work in older properties gets you through jobs where the existing electrics are unreliable or have to be isolated.
- Supplying mobile power for welfare gear, battery charging and testing equipment makes a portable generator a practical bit of kit for van-based trades.
- Supporting yard and agricultural jobs away from buildings gives you usable power for pumps, heaters and repair work where dragging a long lead is not realistic.
Choosing the Right Generator
Sorting the right generator is simple: work out your actual load first, then leave headroom so it is not screaming its head off all day.
1. Tool Load and Start Up Draw
If you are only charging batteries and running lights, a smaller unit will do. If you are starting bigger motors like mixers, compressors or heavy saws, you need more output because start up draw is what catches lads out.
2. Standard or Inverter
If the job is mostly rough power for site tools, a standard petrol generator is usually the sensible choice. If you are feeding laptops, testing gear or battery chargers that want steadier output, go inverter generator and avoid nuisance problems.
3. Portability Matters More Than You Think
If it is going in and out of the van every day, keep an eye on size, frame design and weight. A bigger unit is no bargain if two blokes have to wrestle it across mud every morning.
4. Runtime and Tank Size
If you need power all shift, do not just look at peak output. Check how long it will run at a realistic working load, otherwise you will spend half the day topping it up instead of getting on.
Who Uses These on Site?
- Builders and general trades reach for a generator on new plots and extensions where the temporary supply is not in, so the job can keep moving.
- Sparkies use inverter generator models for cleaner power when running chargers, test gear and more sensitive kit that does not like rough output.
- Groundworkers, landscapers and fencing teams rely on petrol generator units for outside work where breakers, mixers or compact cutting gear need power away from the building.
- Maintenance crews and site managers keep a portable generator handy for emergency callouts, temporary lighting and keeping essential gear working during outages.
- Fabricators and mobile repair teams often pair them with Sealey Welders where local power is limited and the work still has to get done.
The Basics: Understanding Generators
The main thing is not the badge on the side. It is understanding how the generator delivers power and whether that suits the kit you are plugging into it.
1. Rated Output vs Peak Output
Rated output is the power it can hold steadily through the job. Peak output is the short burst it can give for start up. For real site use, buy around the rated figure, not the headline peak number.
2. Standard Generators
These are the usual choice for tougher site work where you need solid portable power for lights, bigger tools and general equipment. They are often the better pick for straightforward, hard use jobs.
3. Inverter Generators
These produce cleaner, more stable power, which matters when you are running chargers, electronics or kit with sensitive control boards. They are also often quieter, which helps on domestic and maintenance work.
Generator Accessories That Make Site Life Easier
The right extras save wasted trips, messy setups and dead kit halfway through the shift.
1. Extension Leads and Reels
A generator is no use parked safely away from the work if your lead run is short or untidy. Proper Sealey Extension Reels & Leads let you place the unit sensibly and still get power where it is needed.
2. Site Lighting
If the generator is there for early starts, loft work or winter finishing, pair it with Sealey Site Lighting & Torches. You will be glad of it when the natural light drops and the snagging still is not done.
3. Heaters
On cold jobs, temporary heat can matter just as much as power, especially for drying out work areas or making welfare space usable. A setup including Sealey Heaters can make winter jobs far easier to manage.
Choose the Right Generator for the Job
Use this quick guide to narrow down the type you actually need.
| Your Job | Generator or Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Charging batteries and running task lights on domestic work | Inverter generator | Cleaner output, quieter running, easier on chargers and sensitive kit |
| General site tools on plots and extensions with no mains | Portable petrol generator | Solid continuous output, simple setup, suitable for drills, saws and mixers |
| Mobile maintenance jobs from the van | Compact portable generator | Lower weight, easier lift in and out, enough power for chargers, lights and small tools |
| Longer outdoor shifts with several items running | Larger frame generator | Higher rated output, longer runtime, better headroom for multiple loads |
| Running electronics, test gear or delicate control equipment | Sealey inverter generator | Stable current, reduced voltage fluctuation, quieter for occupied sites |
Common Buying and Usage Mistakes
- Buying to the peak power figure instead of the rated output causes overload trips and poor performance once the tool is under real working load. Check the continuous figure first and leave some headroom.
- Assuming every generator suits sensitive electronics can end in damaged chargers or unreliable operation. If you are powering test gear, laptops or battery chargers, look properly at inverter generator models.
- Running a unit flat out all day shortens its life and makes it noisier, hotter and thirstier. Step up a size if the generator will be earning its keep every day, not just now and then.
- Ignoring weight and frame size is a classic van mistake. A larger generator may look better value on paper, but if it is awkward to move, it soon becomes a pain no one wants to load.
- Using poor leads or overlong cable runs wastes the power you are generating and can create nuisance faults. Match the generator with proper site leads and keep the setup tidy and sensible.
Inverter Generator vs Standard Generator vs Portable Generator
Inverter Generator
Best where cleaner power matters, such as battery chargers, testing equipment and domestic jobs where noise also matters. Usually costs more, but it is the right call for sensitive kit and tidier output.
Standard Generator
The usual pick for straightforward site power and tougher use. Better suited to general tools and work areas where output and simplicity matter more than refined current delivery.
Portable Generator
Portable generator models focus on easier transport and van use. They are ideal for mobile trades and small teams, but you still need to check the rated output properly before assuming they will run larger kit.
Maintenance and Care
Keep It Clean After Dusty Jobs
Wipe the casing down, clear vents and keep dirt away from the controls and outlets. Dust and site muck soon build up and make cooling less effective.
Check Oil and Fuel Regularly
Before a full shift, check oil level and fuel condition. Running low on oil or leaving stale petrol sitting around is an easy way to end up with a generator that will not start when you actually need it.
Store It Dry and Secure
Do not leave it sat out in the weather if you can help it. Dry storage protects sockets, switches and the frame, and it saves a lot of grief with corrosion and hard starting.
Inspect Leads and Connections
A lot of generator faults are actually lead problems. Check plugs, reels and sockets for heat damage, loose fits or cuts before blaming the machine.
Repair Sensibly, Replace When It Stops Earning
If it is a simple service item, sort it. If the unit is unreliable, badly worn or costs more in downtime than it is worth, replacement is usually the smarter move for site work.
Why Shop for Generators at ITS?
Whether you need a compact inverter generator for van work or a larger petrol generator for proper site power, we stock the full range. From portable generator options to trade-ready Sealey units, it is all in our own warehouse and ready for next day delivery across the UK.
Sealey Generator FAQs
What generator do I need to power site tools?
Start with the rated wattage of the tools you will actually run together, then add headroom for start up draw. For basic drills, chargers and lighting, a smaller portable generator may be enough. For bigger saws, mixers or multiple tools at once, step up in output so the unit is not working flat out all day.
What is the difference between a standard and inverter generator?
A standard generator is usually the straightforward choice for rougher site power and general tools. An inverter generator gives cleaner, more stable output, which is better for chargers, electronics and sensitive equipment. If you are mainly powering modern battery charging kit or test gear, inverter is the safer bet.
How long can a generator run continuously?
That depends on the tank size, engine design and, more importantly, the load you put on it. Run a generator sensibly below its limit and it will go far longer than one being hammered at maximum output. For full day site use, always check the runtime figure at a realistic working load, not just the best case number.
Will a petrol generator run battery chargers and site electronics safely?
Yes, but not every setup is equal. If you are only running simple tools, most units will cope fine. If you are plugging in chargers, laptops or sensitive testing gear, an inverter generator is the safer option because the power is steadier and less likely to upset modern electronics.
Are Sealey generators actually suitable for regular site use?
Yes, if you match the model to the workload. A Sealey generator is a sensible choice for trade users needing temporary power for tools, lighting and van-based work. Just do not buy a small unit for a heavy daily load and expect miracles. Size it properly and it will earn its keep.
What else should I buy with a generator for site work?
At minimum, get proper leads and enough reach to place the generator safely away from the immediate work area. Good lighting is worth adding straight away too, because a lot of these units end up doing early starts, winter shifts and emergency jobs where visibility matters as much as power.
