Compressors Versus Generators: Which One Should You Hire?
When you need temporary power or compressed air for a construction project, maintenance job, event or industrial application, choosing the right equipment is essential.
But should you hire a compressor or a generator?
Although compressors and generators are both commonly used across construction, engineering and industry, they perform very different functions. A compressor supplies compressed air, while a generator supplies electrical power.
Choosing the right machine can help your project run efficiently, reduce unnecessary costs and prevent delays caused by equipment that isn’t suitable for the job.
In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between compressors and generators, what they’re used for and how to choose the right equipment to hire.
Compressor or Generator: What’s the Difference?
The simplest way to decide between the two is to look at what you need to power.
A compressor produces compressed air.
A generator produces electricity.
If you’re operating pneumatic tools such as breakers, drills or air tools, you’ll generally need a compressor. If you’re powering electrical tools, lighting, pumps or other electrical equipment, you’ll need a generator.
For some projects, you may need both.
Compressor Hire: When Do You Need One?
A compressor is designed to supply compressed air to pneumatic equipment. Compressors are widely used across construction sites, roadworks, workshops, manufacturing and industrial applications.
Common applications for compressor hire include:
- Pneumatic breakers
- Air drills
- Air hammers
- Chipping and demolition tools
- Sandblasting
- Spray painting
- Surface preparation
- Tyre inflation
- Cleaning and drying
- Other pneumatic equipment
If your equipment is powered by compressed air, compressor hire is likely to be the solution you need.
Choosing the right compressor
It’s important to select a compressor based on the requirements of the equipment you’re operating.
Key specifications include:
- Air pressure: usually measured in bar or PSI
- Air flow: measured in CFM or litres per second (L/s)
- Number of tools: consider how many will operate at the same time
- Tool consumption: check the manufacturer’s air requirements
- Hose requirements: length and diameter can affect performance
Hiring a compressor that doesn’t provide enough air can cause pneumatic tools to perform poorly or stop working effectively.
Our equipment hire team can help you identify the appropriate compressor for your application, so you don’t end up paying for equipment that isn’t suitable or is unnecessarily large.
Generator Hire: When Do You Need One?
Generators provide electrical power where mains electricity isn’t available, isn’t reliable or doesn’t provide enough capacity for the equipment required.
Generator hire is commonly used for construction sites, temporary installations, events, maintenance projects and emergency or standby applications.
Common applications for generator hire include:
- Construction tools
- Temporary site power
- Site lighting
- Pumps
- Electrical machinery
- Outdoor events
- Temporary buildings
- Backup power
- Maintenance and shutdown projects
If your equipment needs an electrical supply, a generator is usually the right choice.
Choosing the right generator
Selecting a generator isn’t simply a case of choosing the biggest machine available.
You need to consider the total electrical load of the equipment you’ll be running, including any additional power required when motors and other equipment start up.
Before hiring, consider:
- Total kW or kVA requirement
- Starting and surge loads
- Single-phase or three-phase supply
- Required voltage
- Number of items being powered
- Operating hours
- Fuel requirements
If you’re unsure what size generator you need, give our hire team the details of the equipment you’re planning to run. We can help you identify a suitable specification.
Compressor vs Generator: Which Is Right for Your Job?
Still not sure which machine you need?
| If you need to… | Hire… |
|---|---|
| Run pneumatic breakers | Compressor |
| Operate air tools | Compressor |
| Supply compressed air | Compressor |
| Sandblast or spray | Compressor |
| Power electrical tools | Generator |
| Run temporary lighting | Generator |
| Power electrical machinery | Generator |
| Provide temporary site power | Generator |
| Provide backup electricity | Generator |
The key is to identify whether your equipment requires compressed air or electricity.
Do You Need Both a Compressor and a Generator?
For larger or more complex projects, the answer may be yes.
A construction site, for example, could use a generator to provide temporary electrical power for lighting, tools and site facilities, while a compressor supplies compressed air to breakers and other pneumatic equipment.
Hiring both from the same equipment hire specialist can make project planning easier and gives you a single point of contact for your equipment requirements.
Why Hire Your Compressor or Generator?
Buying specialist equipment isn’t always practical, particularly when you only need it for a specific project.
Equipment hire gives you access to the machinery you need without the upfront cost of purchasing, storing and maintaining it long term.
The benefits of hiring include:
Cost-effective for short-term projects
Only pay for the equipment when you need it.
Access to specialist equipment
Choose equipment specifically suited to your application rather than compromising with machinery you already own.
Reduced maintenance responsibilities
A reputable hire company maintains its equipment and ensures it is ready for use.
Expert advice
If you’re unsure about the required specification, an experienced hire team can help you select the right machine.
Flexible hire periods
Hire equipment for the duration of your project, whether that’s a day, a week or longer.
Get the Right Equipment for Your Project
Choosing between compressor hire and generator hire doesn’t have to be complicated.
If you need compressed air, a compressor is the right choice. If you need electrical power, a generator is the solution. And if your project requires both, hiring both machines can provide a complete temporary power and compressed-air solution.
The most important thing is to make sure the equipment is correctly specified for your application.
Need Help Choosing a Compressor or Generator?
Not sure what equipment you need?
Talk to our experienced hire team before you book. Tell us what equipment you’re running, how much power or compressed air you require, where the equipment will be used and how long you need it for.
We’ll help you identify a suitable compressor or generator for your project and make sure you hire equipment that is fit for purpose.
Contact us today on 01392 274654/hiredesk@toolcarehire.co.uk to discuss your requirements or browse our range of compressors and generators available for hire.
Check our our full list here: Compressors & Generators – Tool Care Hire
