08 · Generators & Welders

Inverter Generator

Also called Quiet generator · Suitcase generator

Quiet, fuel-efficient petrol generators with clean power for electronics — with CO detection and auto shutdown.

Petrol engine

Sizes & models we rent

Show all models
2 kW3 kW4 kW

Selected model

Inverter Generator · 3 kW

View the 3 kW in the catalogue ↗Compare →

Overview

Different types of generators suit different needs — powering a home is very different from powering an industrial business. We rent generators from small to large.

These inverters provide clean, quiet power for jobsites, workshops, recreation and power outages. They are equipped with carbon monoxide detection and auto shutdown.

Like a traditional portable generator, an inverter generator runs your home appliances and electronics when the power goes out. You set it up the same way: fuel it with petrol and place it safely at least 20 feet from your home — never indoors — with the exhaust pointing away from the building to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Inverter generators are better in several ways: they're quieter than traditional portable generators, more fuel-efficient, and deliver cleaner power — important for sensitive electronics or medical devices.

Catalogue specifications · 3 kW

  • 3' LENGTH
  • CONVERTS 1 TWIST LOCK PLUG : L5-30 PLUG -> TO >2 LIGHTED 5-20 RECEPTACLES AT 110V
  • WIRE TYPE: STOW
  • 10 GAUGE

Best uses

  • Laptops, phones, TVs and other sensitive electronics
  • Events, markets and food stalls
  • Quiet backup power at home
  • Camping, boats and recreation

Not suited for

  • Large motor loads beyond its rating — use a portable or industrial generator

Troubleshooting

Shut down and the CO light is on

Checks to try, in order

  1. The carbon monoxide sensor shut the engine down — exhaust is building up.
  2. Move the generator outdoors into open air, well away from doors, windows and walls.
  3. Only restart it once it's in a well-ventilated spot.

If anyone feels dizzy, has a headache or feels sick, get them into fresh air and call emergency services.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Overload light on, outlets dead

Checks to try, in order

  1. Unplug some loads — you're over the generator's rating.
  2. Turn Eco mode off if you're starting a motor.
  3. Stop and restart the generator to reset the output (see the panel label for the model's reset method).

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Engine won't startShared · Petrol engine

Likely causes

  • Fuel valve or switch off
  • Stale fuel
  • Low oil sensor
  • Choke position
  • Spark plug cap loose

Checks to try, in order

  1. Turn the fuel valve ON and the engine switch to ON.
  2. Cold engine: close the choke. Warm engine: leave the choke open.
  3. Check there is fresh petrol in the tank — stale or water-contaminated fuel is the most common cause.
  4. Check the engine oil. Many engines have a low-oil shutdown that stops them starting when oil is low or the machine is on a slope — top up and set the machine on level ground.
  5. Make sure the spark plug cap is pushed fully onto the plug.
  6. Pull the starter rope with a smooth, firm pull — don't let it snap back.

If the starter rope is locked or unusually hard to pull, stop — don't force it. Tag the unit and return it to the workshop.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Starts, then stalls or runs roughShared · Petrol engine

Likely causes

  • Choke left on
  • Blocked air filter
  • Low fuel
  • Low-oil shutdown

Checks to try, in order

  1. Open the choke gradually once the engine has warmed up.
  2. Check the fuel level and that the fuel cap vent isn't blocked.
  3. Check the air filter — a dusty filter chokes the engine. Tap it out or swap it.
  4. Check the oil level again; the low-oil sensor can cut the engine on uneven ground.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Smell of fuel or a visible leakShared · Petrol engine

Checks to try, in order

  1. Switch the engine off immediately and move away any ignition sources.
  2. Turn the fuel valve OFF.
  3. Check the fuel cap is seated and look for a wet fuel line or carburettor bowl.

Don't run a machine that is leaking fuel. Tag it out and report it.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?

Safety

  • Never run it indoors, in a garage or under a closed canopy, even with the CO sensor fitted.

For petrol engine

  • Refuel only with the engine off and cool. No smoking or open flames nearby.
  • Exhaust contains carbon monoxide — never run it indoors, in trenches or in enclosed spaces without ventilation.
  • Wear hearing protection, safety glasses and safety boots.

Videos & links

Related equipment

All Generators & Welders →

Always follow the manufacturer’s manual and site safety rules. Favourites and viewing history are stored on this device.