What size generator does a tradie need on-site?

For running a few power tools, a portable petrol or inverter generator in the 2-7kVA range typically covers it. For running an air compressor, multiple tools at once, or all-day use, a larger conventional or diesel generator, often 7-15kVA, is a better fit. Exact sizing depends on the starting current of whatever you're running, particularly compressors and other motor-driven tools.

What size air compressor does a trade job site need?

It depends on the tools being run and how continuously air is needed. A small electric compressor around 13-17 CFM with a 50-100L tank suits nail guns and light pneumatic tools. Larger petrol or 3-phase electric compressors, from around 25 CFM up to 45+ CFM, suit sandblasting, spray painting or running multiple air tools at once.

Do I need a rotary laser level or a line laser for construction work?

A rotary laser level projects a level reference across a full 360-degree area and is suited to larger sites, foundations and outdoor work where a line laser's shorter range and lower brightness would struggle. A dot or pipe laser is a different tool again, used specifically for aligning drainage and pipe runs.

Should a tradie buy petrol or diesel equipment for a job site kit?

For occasional or short-duration power tool use, petrol equipment is usually lighter and cheaper. For all-day running or frequent use across multiple jobs, diesel generators typically cost less to run per hour and hold up better under sustained load. See Riequip's petrol vs diesel generator guide for the full comparison.

Power on the Job Site: A Tradie's Kit

Riequip Guides · Use case · Reviewed by the Riequip product team · Last reviewed 11/09/2026

Short answer

Most trade job sites need three things covered: power (a generator sized to your tools), compressed air (for nail guns and pneumatic tools), and set-out (a laser level for accurate levels and lines).

A portable petrol or inverter generator around 2-7kVA, a compressor in the 13-25 CFM range, and a rotary laser level cover the large majority of general trade work. Bigger sites running multiple trades or continuous tools need to size up on generator and compressor capacity.

Who this guide is for

Builders and carpenters

Need power tools, a compressor for nail guns, and accurate levels and lines for framing and foundations.

Sole trader tradies

Want a compact, portable kit that covers most jobs without carrying oversized equipment.

Contractors on larger sites

Running multiple tools or trades at once, needing higher-capacity generators and compressors for all-day use.

The core kit, by category

What each category covers and typical sizing
Category	Covers	Typical sizing
Generator	Power tools, lighting, charging batteries on-site	2-7kVA portable for light use; 7-15kVA+ for compressors or all-day running
Air compressor	Nail guns, staplers, spray guns, impact tools	13-17 CFM / 50-100L for light pneumatic tools; 25-45+ CFM for heavier or continuous air use
Laser level	Levelling and alignment for framing, foundations, decking	Rotary laser for full-site 360-degree reference; dot/pipe laser for drainage alignment

Recommended options by job size

Light trade work

Solo tradie, small jobs

A 2-4kW petrol inverter generator such as the Titan Envirogen 4800i, paired with a compact electric compressor (13 CFM, 50L) for occasional nail gun use, plus a single-grade rotary laser level.

General building & carpentry

Framing, decking, renovations

A 4-7kW petrol or inverter generator, a 17 CFM/100L compressor for regular pneumatic tool use, and a dual-grade rotary laser level for faster, more precise set-out.

Larger sites & multiple trades

Continuous or all-day power

A 7-15kVA conventional or diesel generator to handle a compressor's starting load alongside other tools, a 25-45 CFM compressor, and a digital dual-grade laser for demanding accuracy requirements.

As one concrete kit: a Titan Envirogen 7800iE (6.5kW petrol inverter generator) can run a Fima 17cfm Jumbo compressor and hand tools together on most residential jobs, paired with a GeoTuff GT522 dual-grade rotary laser level for set-out. For a compressor's starting current specifically, check its rated CFM against your generator's surge capacity rather than its continuous rating alone, since compressor motors draw considerably more current on startup than while running.

Size your generator with the calculator Browse generators, compressors & laser levels

Why this recommendation fits

These three categories cover the power, air and accuracy needs that come up across most general trade work, which is why they're a sensible starting point for a job-site kit rather than a fixed list. The sizing bands scale with how much is being run at once and for how long: a generator that's fine for a drill and a light becomes marginal the moment a compressor's motor tries to start on it, since compressors draw a large surge current for a second or two before settling to their running load.

When a bigger kit is worth it

Worth knowing

Undersizing a generator for a compressor is one of the most common job-site power problems: the generator may run other tools fine but fail to start the compressor, or trip under its surge load. If a compressor is part of your kit, check its starting current against the generator's surge capacity, not just its running wattage, before assuming a smaller generator will do.

Limitations and alternatives

Sizing bands here are general starting points. Exact requirements depend on the specific tools, compressor and laser model you use; confirm with the generator calculator or a Riequip branch.
Diesel generators may suit sites running power all day rather than intermittently — see Petrol vs Diesel Generator: Which Fits Your Site? for that comparison.
Three-phase power may be worth considering for larger compressors or sites running heavier equipment; confirm what your tools require before choosing single or three-phase models.

Supporting evidence

Generator, compressor and laser level models, specifications and pricing referenced in this guide are drawn from Riequip's current ranges at riequip.co.nz/collections/generators, riequip.co.nz/collections/air-compressors and riequip.co.nz/collections/laser-levels-measuring.
Confirm exact requirements for your situation with the generator calculator or a Riequip specialist before purchasing, as prices, specifications and stock availability are subject to change.

Frequently asked questions

What size generator does a tradie need on-site?: For running a few power tools, a portable petrol or inverter generator in the 2-7kVA range typically covers it. For running an air compressor, multiple tools at once, or all-day use, a larger conventional or diesel generator, often 7-15kVA, is a better fit. Exact sizing depends on the starting current of whatever you're running, particularly compressors and other motor-driven tools.
What size air compressor does a trade job site need?: It depends on the tools being run and how continuously air is needed. A small electric compressor around 13-17 CFM with a 50-100L tank suits nail guns and light pneumatic tools. Larger petrol or 3-phase electric compressors, from around 25 CFM up to 45+ CFM, suit sandblasting, spray painting or running multiple air tools at once.
Do I need a rotary laser level or a line laser for construction work?: A rotary laser level projects a level reference across a full 360-degree area and is suited to larger sites, foundations and outdoor work where a line laser's shorter range and lower brightness would struggle. A dot or pipe laser is a different tool again, used specifically for aligning drainage and pipe runs.
Should a tradie buy petrol or diesel equipment for a job site kit?: For occasional or short-duration power tool use, petrol equipment is usually lighter and cheaper. For all-day running or frequent use across multiple jobs, diesel generators typically cost less to run per hour and hold up better under sustained load. See Riequip's petrol vs diesel generator guide for the full comparison.