It was a long weekend in January. A family from Sydney packed their esky, strung fairy lights across the back of their ute, and drove four hours to a remote campsite in the Blue Mountains — well away from any powered site. By sunset, the fridge was warm, the lights were dead, and the coffee machine was useless. A neighbour at the next campsite started a compact portable generator. Within minutes, their fridge was humming, their lights were glowing, and the smell of fresh coffee drifted across the site. That one piece of outdoor power equipment changed the entire weekend.
A portable generator can provide reliable electricity when mains power is unavailable — whether you are camping off-grid in a remote location, working on a construction site, running a mobile business, or dealing with an unexpected power outage. They serve as a dependable mobile power source across an enormous range of situations, and understanding those situations is what helps you choose the right one.
But what exactly are portable generators used for? The answer depends on where you need power and what appliances or tools you need to operate. A compact camping generator may be enough to run a portable fridge and charge your devices, while a higher-capacity portable generator may be required for power tools, commercial equipment, or essential business operations.
Understanding the different uses of portable generators — and their wattage requirements, fuel types, and noise levels — helps you choose the right generator size for your actual needs, rather than simply purchasing the most powerful model available.
The primary use of portable generators is to provide a temporary power supply where a mains connection is unavailable or unreliable. Because they function as a mobile power source that can be transported between locations, they are suitable for a wide range of residential, commercial, agricultural and recreational applications.
Common uses of portable generators include:
The most important consideration is always matching the generator’s power output — specifically its running watts and starting watts — to the electrical load of the equipment you need to run.
Camping is one of the most popular reasons Australians invest in a portable generator. When you are staying away from a powered campsite — or heading somewhere entirely off-grid — having access to electricity makes your trip considerably more comfortable and practical.
A portable generator for camping can be used to power equipment such as:
A compact inverter generator is the most practical option for most campers. It combines portability with stable power output and quiet operation — making it far less disruptive at campgrounds than a conventional generator running at full noise.
Inverter generators produce clean power — a stable sine wave of electricity — making them safe for sensitive electronics like phones and laptops, which can be damaged by irregular power output from conventional generators.
The right camping generator depends on what you plan to use. Someone who only needs to charge a phone and run a small camping fridge will have very different wattage requirements from a family travelling with multiple appliances. Always make a list of your equipment and check both the running wattage and the starting (surge) wattage before choosing a model.
Caravan and RV owners regularly travel to locations where mains electricity is simply unavailable. A caravan generator provides an additional source of off-grid power for appliances and equipment during these trips — including equipment that a campsite battery system alone cannot reliably handle.
Depending on its capacity, a generator for RV and caravan travel may be used for:
One common mistake is selecting a caravan generator based only on the running wattage of your appliances. Equipment containing motors or compressors — such as air conditioners and fridges — can require considerably more power at startup. This is known as surge wattage or starting watts, and failing to account for it can cause overloads or prevent equipment from starting altogether.
Noise level is another important consideration. A quieter inverter generator is particularly well-suited to caravan parks and campgrounds where noise can disturb other guests. Check the manufacturer’s decibel (dB) rating before purchasing.
A portable generator can provide valuable home backup power during unexpected electricity outages. A power outage can affect refrigeration, lighting, internet equipment, fans, and other essential household appliances — sometimes for hours or days.
Rather than attempting to power the entire house, most homeowners identify their essential electrical load and choose a generator sized to handle those priorities. Depending on the generator capacity, a home backup generator may be used to operate:
Safety note: If a generator needs to be connected to your home’s electrical system, the generator’s installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician using a proper transfer switch. Never connect a generator directly to household wiring without the appropriate equipment — this can be dangerous to you and to electricity workers on the network.
Severe storms, floods, and other natural disasters can interrupt electricity supplies for extended periods. During these situations, a portable generator provides emergency power when the normal mains electricity supply is unavailable — keeping essential equipment running until grid power is restored.
A generator can help keep the following operating during an emergency:Having a generator available before an emergency occurs is critical. Power outages can make it difficult to source or arrange equipment at short notice. Preparation should also include understanding the operating instructions, storing suitable fuel safely, and knowing exactly where the generator can be operated.
⚠️ Carbon monoxide safety: Always operate a petrol generator or diesel generator outdoors in a well-ventilated area — at least 20 feet (6 metres) away from windows, doors and other openings. Never run a fuel-powered generator inside a house, garage, shed, tent or any enclosed space. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, a colourless, odourless gas that can be fatal.
Reliable electricity is particularly critical in medical environments. Even a brief power interruption can affect refrigeration, lighting, communication systems, and life-supporting equipment. A generator providing a stable backup power supply is an essential part of emergency planning for any medical or healthcare facility.
Depending on the facility and its electrical load, generators may be used to provide backup power for:Medical and healthcare applications require careful generator selection based on the specific equipment and total electrical load involved. Generator capacity, connection method, fuel supply, maintenance schedule, and automatic changeover arrangements should all be evaluated by a qualified professional.
Farms and agricultural properties can span large areas, and essential electrical equipment is often located far from a convenient mains connection. A portable generator provides a reliable temporary power supply wherever it is needed on the property — and serves as a critical backup when a farm experiences an electricity outage.
Motors and pumps have particularly high starting watts requirements. Simply adding the normal running wattage of your equipment will not give you an accurate picture of the generator capacity required. Always check starting requirements before choosing a model for agricultural use.
Construction and maintenance work does not always take place somewhere with convenient access to mains electricity. A portable generator provides reliable remote jobsite power for tools and equipment at building sites, renovation projects, workshops and remote work locations.
Starting current is a critical consideration on a jobsite. A power tool may have a modest running wattage but require significantly more power when its motor starts. Choosing a generator with insufficient starting watt capacity can result in overloads, tripped breakers, or equipment that simply will not start.
For short-term construction projects or temporary power requirements, generator hire is also worth considering as an alternative to purchasing equipment outright.
Food vans, mobile coffee businesses and market stalls frequently operate at locations without a convenient mains connection. A portable generator provides consistent power for commercial equipment throughout the trading day — making it a genuine business essential, not just a convenience.
A generator for food van and mobile business use may need to power:
Commercial equipment carries substantially higher starting and running wattage than typical camping appliances. If multiple pieces of equipment need to operate simultaneously, a small camping generator will not provide enough power output. Calculate your total electrical load — including surge requirements — before selecting a generator for business use.
Portable generators are also widely used at outdoor events and leisure activities where temporary electricity is required. From small private gatherings to large community events, outdoor power equipment keeps the occasion running smoothly.
Events and entertainment applications may require power for:Noise level is especially important for events. A loud conventional generator can interfere with music, speeches, and conversations. A quiet inverter generator is generally the preferred choice for smaller events and private gatherings. Larger events may require higher-capacity systems depending on the number and type of electrical devices in use.
Also consider fuel consumption and generator runtime when an event will run for several consecutive hours. Check the fuel tank capacity and the manufacturer’s rated runtime at the expected load level.
Power interruptions can affect businesses of all sizes. Depending on the type of operation, even a short power outage can disrupt trade, impact customers, and lead to stock or data losses. A portable generator provides a reliable backup power supply for the equipment that matters most.
Business backup applications may include:
Businesses should identify their critical electrical loads before choosing a generator — this ensures the generator can handle the equipment that matters most without being oversized for the application.
For businesses requiring temporary additional capacity or power for a short-term project, generator hire is a practical and cost-effective alternative to purchasing.
Another practical use of portable generators is charging batteries and electronic equipment when access to mains electricity is limited. This is particularly relevant for outdoor workers, remote travellers, and anyone who relies on powered devices away from the grid.
Depending on the generator and equipment involved, this can include charging:An inverter generator is particularly important when charging sensitive electronics. Conventional generators can produce power with fluctuations that damage delicate devices. Inverter generators produce clean, stable power — a consistent sine wave — making them safe for laptops, phones, and camera equipment.
Use the table below as a general guide when calculating your wattage requirements. Always check the specific specifications of your own appliances and tools, as actual figures vary between models and manufacturers.
Appliance / Tool Running Watts Starting (Surge) Watts
Refrigerator (standard) 150–400W 800–1,200W
Air conditioner (caravan) 1,000–2,000W 2,200–5,000W
Microwave oven 1,000–1,500W 1,000–1,500W
Power drill 400–600W 900–1,200W
Circular saw 1,200–1,800W 2,400–3,600W
LED lights (string) 10–50W 10–50W
Laptop / phone charger 45–100W 45–100W
Coffee machine 800–1,500W 800–1,500W
Portable fridge (camping) 35–60W 100–200W
The best portable generator is not necessarily the biggest or most expensive model. It is the one that can safely and reliably handle the appliances and tools you plan to power. Before purchasing, work through the following considerations.
Start by calculating the total running wattage of all the equipment you want to operate at the same time. Then identify which appliances or tools have a higher starting (surge) wattage — typically motors, compressors and pumps. Add the highest starting wattage to the combined running wattage of everything else. That figure is your minimum generator size — and ideally you want a model with some headroom above that.
Consider fuel availability, fuel consumption at your expected load, and how long you need the generator to run. Check the fuel tank capacity and the manufacturer’s rated generator runtime figures before choosing.
If portability, quiet operation, and clean power are important, an inverter generator is worth the additional cost. Inverter generators are particularly popular for camping, caravanning and recreational applications where noise matters and sensitive electronics need safe, stable power.
For example, the Briggs & Stratton P2400 inverter generator — available through All Generators — provides 1,800 running watts and 2,400 starting watts, making it suitable for a wide range of portable power applications including camping and home backup.
Consider how often you will move the generator. If you plan to transport it between campsites or job sites regularly, weight, physical dimensions, carrying handles, and wheels make a significant practical difference. A generator that provides plenty of power output but is too heavy to move easily may not be the right choice for your application.
Check the fuel tank capacity and the manufacturer’s generator runtime specification — usually given at 25% or 50% load. A generator with a longer runtime is more convenient when you need several hours of continuous power without stopping to refuel.
Always operate a fuel-powered generator outdoors in an open, well-ventilated area — at least 6 metres away from windows, doors and openings. Keep fuel stored safely away from the generator while it is running.
Rather than choosing based on the label, always compare specifications: running wattage, starting wattage, fuel type, runtime, noise level, weight, outlet configuration, safety features, and warranty.
Choosing a generator involves more than finding the highest wattage within your budget. The wrong generator may be inefficient, difficult to transport, or simply unable to handle the starting watts of the equipment you need to run. Speaking with a specialist means you can compare suitable options based on your actual equipment, intended application, and budget — rather than guessing.
All Generators provides portable and camping generator options across a wide range of applications, along with generator-related support and services. Whether you need a generator for camping, home backup power, a remote jobsite, agricultural equipment, or a mobile business, the right starting point is understanding your actual power requirements.
The use of portable generators extends well beyond emergency backup power. They provide practical, reliable electricity for camping trips, caravan and RV travel, home backup, natural disaster preparedness, medical facilities, farms, construction sites, food vans, outdoor events and business continuity.
The most important step is always starting with what you actually need to power. Calculate your running and starting wattage requirements, consider how often the generator will be transported, factor in noise level, fuel type and generator runtime, and choose a model with appropriate safety features.
For occasional requirements, generator hire or generator rental can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to purchasing. For those who camp regularly, work remotely, travel by caravan, or need reliable home backup power, investing in the right portable generator delivers long-term convenience and peace of mind.
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