For most UK trades who work on managed sites and need genuine 110V output, a JCB 3.6kW/4.5kVA dual-voltage site generator is the machine to beat — it gives you 115V and 230V straight off the panel with no transformer needed. For quiet 230V-only work, a Hyundai inverter generator is the one that earns its keep, and a compact 1kW inverter covers lights and chargers for surveyors and light users.
At a Glance — Comparison
Generator | Output | 110V outlets | Approx price |
JCB 3.6kW/4.5kVA Site Generator | 3.6kW / 4.5kVA | Yes — 115V | £400 |
Hyundai 2200W Petrol Inverter | 2.2kW | No — 230V only | £464 |
Hyundai 3200W Petrol Inverter | 3.2kW | No — 230V only | £618 |
Hyundai 3300W Inverter (16A socket) | 3.3kW | No — 230V only | £524 |
Excel Power XL1000iE | 1.0kW | No — 230V only | £140 |
Clarke PG3800ADV Dual Voltage | 3.0kVA | Yes — 110V | £330 |
JCB and Clarke cover the dual-voltage 110V-capable machines that main contractor sites demand, and Hyundai leads the 230V-only inverter range for quieter, lighter work — all genuinely stocked and sensibly priced.
1. JCB 3.6kW/4.5kVA Site Generator — Best overall / 110V site work
This JCB dual-voltage (115V/230V) petrol generator plugs in and works on any site with no transformer needed. In stock with 28 reviews at 4.5 stars.
- 115V and 230V outlets on one panel
- 5hp 224cc JCB engine
- Recoil start, heavy-duty frame
- 28 reviews, 4.5★ — verified in stock
2. Hyundai 2200W Petrol Inverter — Quietest / domestic and shopfit
This Hyundai 2.2kW inverter delivers pure sine wave output, electric start, and Hyundai’s 3-year UK warranty and parts backup — the sensible pick for domestic and shopfit work.
- 2kW pure sine wave inverter
- Electric start
- 3-year UK warranty
- Genuine Honda-equivalent alternative
3. Hyundai 3200W Petrol Inverter — Best value
A 3.2kW electric-start inverter with pure sine wave output and Hyundai’s 3-year warranty — excellent value at this power level.
- 2kW pure sine wave inverter
- Electric start, lightweight
- 3-year UK warranty
- 3-year UK warranty
4. Hyundai 3300W Inverter with 16A socket — Biggest quiet output
This Hyundai 3.3kW inverter with a 16A industrial socket delivers real 230V output without open-frame noise — the one to buy if you need the biggest quiet output on the list.
- 3kW inverter, 3.0kW continuous
- 16A industrial socket
- Recoil start, pure sine wave
- Genuine Honda EU32i-equivalent alternative
5. Excel Power XL1000iE — Lightest
This Excel Power 1000W inverter is a genuine, purchasable lightweight generator at a sensible price for lights, chargers and small hand tools.
- 1000W petrol inverter
- Digital display, low oil shutoff
- Genuine, sensibly-priced alternative to Honda EU10i
- For lights, chargers and small hand tools
6. Clarke PG3800ADV Dual Voltage — Economy site machine
This Clarke dual-voltage (230V/110V) petrol generator is the genuine current economy option — a 3kVA machine with AVR for sensitive electronics, in stock and well-reviewed.
- 3kVA dual voltage 230V/110V
- 4-stroke engine, 15L tank
- AVR for sensitive electronics
- AVR for sensitive electronics
How to choose a site generator
This is the single decision that matters: if you’re on main contractor sites, your tools are 110V. A 230V-only generator on that job is useless to you unless you carry a step-down transformer.
Generators are sold in kVA and rated in kW, and the two are not the same. Work out what you actually need to run at once, not the total of everything in the van — and size for the starting surge of any induction motor.
Inverter generators produce a clean sine wave and vary engine speed to match load — quieter, more fuel-efficient, and safe for electronics. Conventional AVR generators run at a fixed speed regardless of load — noisier and thirstier, but usually cheaper per kW.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a 110V generator for site work?
If you work on main contractor sites, almost certainly yes — most principal contractors mandate 110V tools.
What size generator do I need for power tools?
For lights, chargers and small hand tools, 1-2kVA is plenty. For a track saw or vacuum, 2.5-3.4kVA is the sensible band. For a mixer or breaker, go 5kVA-plus.
Can I run a generator inside a van?
No. Petrol generators produce carbon monoxide and running one in an enclosed space is genuinely dangerous. Run it outside, on level ground, with clear air around the machine.
Is an inverter generator worth the extra?
For anything with electronics in it, yes. Clean sine-wave output protects chargers and test kit, and variable engine speed means less fuel and far less noise at part load.
The Verdict
JCB, Clarke and Hyundai between them cover every site power need here — genuinely stocked, verified and in the right price and output bands, whether you need dual-voltage 110V site power or a quiet inverter for lighter work.
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