Inverter Generators
Petrol inverter generators from JCB Tools, from a 2kW suitcase unit you can carry one-handed up to an 11kW three-phase machine. Every model puts out clean pure sine wave power, so you can run laptops, TVs, fridges, phone chargers and other sensitive electronics without the voltage spikes an older open-frame generator produces.
The smaller models are built for leisure. The 2kW JCB-IG2000 weighs 18kg, runs at 58 dB(A) measured at 25% load from 7 metres and gives up to 7.5 hours on a 5.5-litre tank, which suits camping, caravans, motorhomes and campervans. Step up to the 3.4kW or 4.2kW and you get electric start, a 16A or 32A industrial socket alongside the standard 13A, and wheels fitted as standard on the 4.2kW.
A quiet inverter generator also works well as short-term emergency backup during a power cut. Sized correctly, a 3.4kW or 4.2kW unit will carry a fridge freezer, a boiler, lighting and a few sockets. The buying guide below shows you how to work out what size you need.
For market stalls, food vans, mobile valeting, events and smaller trade jobs, the 7.6kW JCB-IG8500DVE adds remote key-fob start, an LCD display and a 115V 32A outlet for compatible 110V/115V equipment. The 11kW JCB-IG12000DVE-3 gives 400V three-phase and 230V single-phase from one machine. Both have wheels fitted as standard.
Every generator in the range ships with automatic overload protection, low-oil shut-off, Eco mode, a 12V DC outlet and USB plus USB-C charging. All models are covered by a 3-year warranty for domestic use, reduced to 1 year where the machine is used commercially.
If you need open-frame site power with AVR output and a larger fuel tank instead, see the JCB petrol generators range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an inverter generator?
An inverter generator produces AC power, converts it to DC and then inverts it back to a clean, stable AC output. The result is pure sine wave electricity that is safe for laptops, phones, TVs and other sensitive electronics. Because the engine speed can vary with the load rather than running flat out, an inverter generator is also quieter and uses less fuel at part load than an open-frame generator of the same output.
Are inverter generators quiet?
They are quieter than open-frame generators of the same output. The JCB-IG2000 is rated at 58 dB(A) and the JCB-IG3500E and JCB-IG4200E at 60 dB(A), each measured at 25% load from 7 metres. Eco mode holds engine speed down until you draw more power. Noise rises as you load the machine, so a generator sized with some headroom runs quieter than one working near its limit.
What size inverter generator do I need?
Add up the running watts of everything you want to run at once, then allow headroom for start-up surge, because motors in fridges, freezers and pumps briefly draw two to three times their running watts. As a rough guide, 2kW suits lights, a laptop, a phone charger and a small fridge; 3.4kW covers a caravan hook-up, a kettle and a fridge freezer; 4.2kW handles most domestic backup including a boiler; 7.6kW and above suits food vans, events and 16A or 32A equipment. Always size against the continuous output figure, not the maximum.
What warranty do JCB inverter generators come with?
Every inverter generator in this range carries a 3-year warranty for domestic use. Where the machine is used commercially, including on food vans, at events or for hire, the warranty period is 1 year. Register your warranty after purchase and keep your service records, as routine servicing is a condition of cover.
What is the difference between maximum and continuous output?
Maximum output is the short surge the generator can deliver for a few seconds, which covers motors starting up. Continuous output, also called rated output, is the load it will hold indefinitely. Size your generator against the continuous figure. On the JCB-IG4200E, for example, maximum output is 4200W and continuous output is 3800W.
Can an inverter generator power a house?
A portable inverter generator can run selected essentials during a power cut, such as a fridge freezer, a boiler, lighting and a few sockets, if you size it correctly and plug appliances into it directly with suitable extension leads. It is not a permanently installed standby system. Connecting any generator to your house wiring requires a qualified electrician and a proper changeover switch, so that power cannot feed back into the grid. Never plug a generator into a wall socket.
How long will an inverter generator run on a tank of fuel?
It depends on the load. The JCB-IG2000 gives up to 7.5 hours at 50% load from 5.5 litres and the JCB-IG4200E up to 7.5 hours at 50% load from 9 litres. The JCB-IG3500E gives 4.5 hours at 50% load. The JCB-IG8500DVE gives 4 hours at full rated output from 16 litres. Halving the load roughly doubles the runtime.
Which inverter generator is best for camping, caravans and motorhomes?
The 2kW JCB-IG2000 is the usual choice for camping and festivals because it weighs 18kg, can be carried one-handed and runs at 58 dB(A) at 25% load from 7 metres. For a caravan, motorhome or campervan where you want electric start and a 16A hook-up socket, the 3.4kW JCB-IG3500E is the better fit at 22kg.
Can I use an inverter generator as emergency backup in a power cut?
Yes, for short-term backup. A 3.4kW or 4.2kW unit will typically carry a fridge freezer, a boiler, lighting and a few sockets when appliances are plugged in directly. Run it outdoors, keep it away from doors, windows and air vents, and store enough fresh fuel for the outage you are planning for. Petrol degrades in storage, so rotate it.
Why does pure sine wave output matter?
Pure sine wave output matches the shape of mains electricity. Anything with a circuit board in it, including laptops, phones, TVs, modern fridges, camera batteries and medical equipment, needs that clean waveform to run safely. Every generator in this collection is a pure sine wave inverter, and the JCB-IG8500DVE and JCB-IG12000DVE-3 quote total harmonic distortion of 3% or less.
Do any of these generators run 110V or 115V equipment?
The JCB-IG8500DVE is dual voltage. It delivers 7,600W maximum at 230V and 3,800W maximum at 115V through a 115V 32A yellow industrial socket, for compatible 110V/115V equipment. The other four models in this collection are 230V only, apart from the JCB-IG12000DVE-3, which is 400V three-phase and 230V single-phase. Check the voltage and plug type of your equipment before you order.
What is the difference between recoil start and electric start?
Recoil start is a pull cord. It keeps the machine lighter and cheaper, which is why the JCB-IG2000 uses it. Electric start uses a lithium-ion starter battery and a push button, with a recoil cord retained as backup so you can still start the generator if the battery is flat. The JCB-IG8500DVE and JCB-IG12000DVE-3 add a factory-paired remote key fob for start and stop from a distance.
Can I run a generator indoors or in a garage?
No. Petrol generators produce carbon monoxide, which is colourless, odourless and lethal. Run any generator outdoors only, in the open air, well away from doors, windows and air vents, and never in a garage, shed, tent, awning, van or partly enclosed space, even with the door open. Let the engine cool before refuelling.
