Size the set to what you actually need to keep alive, not the whole switchboard. Essentials (fridge, lights, modem, a few points) usually sit around 6–8kVA. Whole-home or farm shed loads with pumps and more circuits climb toward 10–18kVA+. Petrol and inverter units cover shorter outages; diesel is the usual pick when the blackout can stretch. For a deeper backup walkthrough, see our guide to diesel generators for home backup.
Generators for sale for home backup in Australia
Portable long-range diesels are a solid starting point for Aussie homes that want something you can roll out when the storm hits. The DHY6000SE (6.5kVA) covers essentials without going oversized. Step up to the DHY8700SE-LRS (8kVA) or DHY10000SE-LRS (10kVA) when you want more headroom and a tank that lasts through a longer outage. Quiet canopy diesels suit a set that lives beside the house; open petrol frames suit shorter jobs where fuel is easy.
When you need a 3 phase generator for home backup or the farm shed
Single-phase vs 3 phase generator on a rural property
Most suburban houses run single-phase. A farm shed, workshop motors or a three-phase board needs a 3 phase generator matched to that plant. The DHY11KSE-3 (11kVA) suits lighter three-phase shed loads; the DHY22KSE-3 (22kVA) steps up when the motor list gets serious. Do not buy three-phase for a normal single-phase house just because the number looks bigger.
How to Size a Home Backup Generator
Essentials versus whole-home
List every load that must stay on together, then allow surge for fridges, pumps and compressors. Essentials often land around 6–8kVA. Whole-home with more circuits, heating or a bore pump usually wants 10–18kVA or a canopy set sized to the board. Undersizing is the usual disappointment.
Petrol, diesel or inverter
Diesel favours long blackouts and fuel economy under a steady load. Petrol is fine for shorter outages when you want easy servo fuel. A portable inverter can cover a fridge and lights quietly, but it is not a fixed whole-home standby. Match fuel to how long your outages actually run.
Electric start, canopy and transfer switch
Electric start (and remote start on some diesels) matters when you fire the set in the dark. A quiet canopy is kinder on neighbours and on hearing. A changeover or transfer switch, fitted by a licensed electrician, is the safe way to feed selected circuits. Make sure you never backfeed a wall socket!
Why Buy Generators for Home Backup from Outback SafeTrack
- Free Shipping: Orders over $299* ship free across Australia.
- Price Match Guarantee: Found generators for home backup cheaper? Call us.
- Fast Delivery: Most orders arrive in 2-10 business days, or we’ll send a $100 gift voucher.
- 30-Day Returns: No restocking fees on eligible returns.
- Expert Support: kVA, phase, diesel vs petrol, or transfer switch questions. Call 1300 902 361.
- Aussie-based service: Sized for the blackout you actually get, not a guess from the sticker.
Find the Right Home Backup Generator
Shop generators for home backup, then match output and fuel to the loads that must stay on. Unsure between a portable diesel and a canopy set? We’ll help you pick. Browse diesel generators or portable inverter generators if the job sits outside fixed backup.
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