Power generators are self-contained units that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. They supply power to appliances independently of the mains supply or serve as emergency power generators in the event of a power cut.
Variants include portable inverter generators (1–10 kVA, petrol or diesel-powered) for small tools and camping, stationary emergency power generators (10–2000 kVA) for buildings and industry, construction site generators (typically 20–200 kVA) for building sites, and high-power generators over 1,000 kVA for data centres and hospitals.
Common manufacturers include Caterpillar, Cummins, MTU, SDMO Kohler, Eisemann, FG Wilson, Atlas Copco, Pramac, Honda and Geko.
Generators are used on construction sites, for emergency power supply in hospitals and data centres, at events and festivals, in film production, in agriculture and forestry, for disaster relief, and in remote locations without a mains connection.