Can I Use a Single-Phase Generator to Power My Home Office?
With more people working from home than ever before, the need for dependable power has never been greater. Whether you’re running a small business, managing projects remotely, or simply need uninterrupted access to your systems, a backup generator can be the difference between staying online and losing valuable hours of work.
Single-phase generators can power your home office, but first you must understand your power requirements to choose the correct generator for your setup.
Understanding Single-Phase Power
Most UK homes are supplied with single-phase power, meaning electricity flows through a single alternating current (AC) waveform. This setup is ideal for residential and light commercial use, where the overall power demand is moderate and steady.
A single-phase generator produces the same type of power as your utility supply, making it perfectly suited for running typical household and office equipment such as:
- Computers, monitors, and networking equipment
- Printers, routers, and communication systems
- Lighting and small air conditioning units
- Essential appliances like fridges or kettles
If your home office relies on these types of loads, a single-phase generator will provide clean, stable power without the complexity or cost of a three-phase unit.
Why Generator Sizing Still Matters
Even with single-phase generators, it’s important to match your generator’s capacity to your actual power demand. Every piece of equipment in your home office draws a certain amount of power, measured in watts, both when it’s running normally and when it first starts up. The running load is the continuous power required to keep everything operating, while the starting load is the short burst of extra power needed when devices such as air conditioning units, pumps, or printers start.
For example, a typical home office setup that includes a computer, monitor, printer, router, lighting, and a small air conditioning unit might require around 2,000 watts of running power, with startup surges pushing that figure closer to 4,000 watts. In this case, a generator rated between 4kVA to 5kVA would comfortably power the space with capacity to spare.
When to Consider a Three-Phase Generator
For most home offices, a single-phase generator is sufficient. However, if your workspace is part of a larger property, such as a workshop, outbuilding, or farm office, and you also need to run larger motors or high-load equipment, a three-phase generator may be the better option.
Three-phase power distributes load more efficiently across three currents, making it ideal for high-demand environments or properties with mixed electrical systems.
If you’re unsure which your property uses, our team can help you identify your supply type and recommend the most suitable generator configuration.
Why Choose GFE Power Products
At GFE Power Products, our range of GFE Cummins Powered and GFE Baudouin Powered generators includes both single and three-phase options, giving you complete flexibility to choose a unit that fits your setup perfectly.
For home office or small business use, models such as the GFE20BSC-1, GFE22CSC-1, or GFE29BSC-1 are popular choices. Each deliver:
- Clean, stable power output - safe for sensitive electronics and IT systems
- Excellent fuel efficiency - keeping operational costs low during longer outages
- Compact, quiet canopied designs - ideal for residential environments
- Optional automatic transfer switches (ATS) - so your power switches seamlessly when the mains fail
Our smallest three-phase units include GFE22CSC, GFE33CSC, GFE25BSC - which may be more suitable for small business or offices with a larger power output.
Utilising diesel generator power means reliable power during grid outages, minimal noise, and effortless backup capability, ensuring work continues uninterrupted, even in the most rural settings.
Powering Productivity, Wherever You Work
The right single-phase generator can absolutely power your home office effectively. The key is selecting the correct capacity, ensuring efficient operation, and choosing a generator built for reliability and quiet performance.
Whether you’re keeping your business online, protecting valuable equipment, or maintaining productivity during outages, GFE Power Products has a solution tailored to your needs. Explore our range of single phase diesel generators.
Talk to Our Experts
Not sure whether you need a single or three-phase generator? Take a look at our 6-66kVA diesel generators or contact our technical team can help assess your power needs and recommend the best fit for your home or office.
Phone: +44 (0)1386 335007
Email: sales@gfepowerproducts.com
