10 kVA
Portable generators cover temporary site power, events and mobile crews where a fixed plinth is impractical. True portables in the market are usually petrol or compact diesel under 10 kVA. For anything beyond short shifts, AGP steers buyers to wheeled or skid silent diesels from R48,500 upward rather than undersized consumer units that top out near R45,000 excl. VAT but lack commercial duty cycles.
Sizes this category covers: 10 kVA generators and 20 kVA generators.
13 generators
13 generators
22 kVA
2.2 kVA
3.5 kVA
5.5 kVA
7 kVA
8 kVA
9 kVA
9 kVA Single Phase Portable Petrol Generator
Single PhasePetrolHyundai
Lead time 2 weeks
R 29 900
Excl. VAT
12 kVA
14 kVA
16 kVA
18 kVA
20 kVA
Portable power without the false economy
Portability solves logistics, not physics. A set you can two-person lift will not quietly run a guesthouse through nightly load shedding for five years. Define the job: weekend market stall, six-week construction phase, film unit, or recurring backup. Only the first two usually justify a true portable. Recurring backup wants a fixed silent diesel on a plinth with AMF, even if the frame has forklift pockets for occasional relocation.
Electrical safety travels with the machine. Portable distribution should include RCD protection, correctly rated cables, dry connections and earthing appropriate to the temporary setup. Construction regulations and event insurance often demand documented inspection — a bargain generator without paperwork becomes an expensive liability after an incident.
Fuel choice follows runtime. Petrol portables are light; diesel compact sets sip less and store fuel more stably for site compounds. Never refuel hot, never operate in enclosed tents, and stage extinguishers within reach. Theft is a real South African site risk: chain points, lockable canopies and overnight secure storage matter as much as kVA.
When enquirers ask AGP for “portable,” we often supply a 10–22 kVA silent diesel that can be crane- or forklift-moved between yards yet behaves like a proper standby asset once cabled. That hybrid approach keeps capital working across projects without trapping you in consumer-grade hardware.
Related guidance: 10 kVA generators, 22 kVA generators, 30 kVA generators, petrol generators, single phase generators and generator vs inverter vs solar guide.
Compact diesels used where portables fall short
Side-by-side snapshot of the units buyers compare most often in this category.
| Model | Engine | Prime | Phase | Fuel @75% | Noise | Price excl. VAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 kVA Single Phase Silent Diesel Generator | Hyundai DHY8500SE | 10 kVA | Single Phase | 1.7 L/h | 65 dB | R48 500 |
| 22 kVA Single Phase Silent Diesel Generator | Hyundai DHY22KSEm | 22 kVA | Single Phase | 3.8 L/h | 68 dB | R74 900 |
| 30 kVA Three Phase Silent Diesel Generator | FAW 4DX22-53D | 30 kVA | Three Phase | 5.1 L/h | 68 dB | R98 500 |
Portable Generators in South Africa FAQs
Add running watts of simultaneous tools, then add the largest motor start. Many site kits fit 3–6 kVA; welders and large compressors need specialist sets.
Compact diesel frames exist; AGP emphasises silent canopied diesels with lift points that relocate safely while meeting commercial duty.
For occasional short outages, yes with safe outdoor operation and a proper inlet. For regular load shedding, a fixed AMF diesel is safer and quieter.
Earthing requirements depend on the set, RCD scheme and application. Event and construction rules often mandate defined earthing — follow the installation guide.
Lockable caps, limited on-board fuel overnight, bunded storage and compound security. Canopied commercial sets deter casual tampering better than open frames.
We deliver and can assist with temporary distribution design. For multi-week hires versus purchase, say so upfront so commercial options stay open.