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Description
Zoom on the Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart
In a nutshell, the Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart is a compact portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart's design includes a gasoline-fueled 224 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120V output, it gives a running wattage of 3700W and also a peak wattage of 4500W.
With a noise rating of 60 dBA (just as noisy as a normal conversation), the inverter generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, but also a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included).
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 3.5 gallons, the P4500 PowerSmart can operate for up to 16 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.22 GPH).
Delicate electronics can be plugged in an AC outlets safely, as the P4500 PowerSmart generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <3% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD).
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 5 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it has 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports with which you may charge electronics, for example mobile phones or tablets, conveniently.
With its TT-30R receptacle (TT as in 'Travel Trailer'), this Briggs & Stratton generator is RV Ready.
Portability
The Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart's characteristic encased inverter generator design (L24.5 x W17.6 x H20.36 in), provides an esthetical advantage over any ordinary, open frame product. The generator has a contemporary design, convenient for recreationally generating power.
As the generator's weight is 115 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit and its telecospic handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.
Features
The P4500 PowerSmart's control panel
To help you monitor the P4500 PowerSmart's status and activity, its control panel is equipped with a digital data center, giving you information on the fuel level, lifetime run hours and power output.
In addition to this info, when the generator is overloaded, the generator is ready and its oil levels are insufficient, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.
The unit benefits from Briggs & Stratton’s Quiet Power Technology (QPT™), a feature designed to greatly improve its noise levels, emissions and fuel consumption. When the switch, located on the control panel, is turned ON, the engine speed increases as electrical loads are connected, and decreases as electrical loads are removed.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, giving you a peace of mind during use.
The P4500 PowerSmart also benefits from Briggs & Stratton’s CO Guard™ (opens in a new tab) carbon monoxide shutdown. This new patent-pending technology uses advanced algorithms to shut down the generator when harmful levels of carbon monoxide accumulate in the generator's operating area. It’s a welcomed additional security feature, but don’t forget to always take your generator outside (opens in a new tab).
Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart's package also includes these accessories: oil and funnel.
Emissions
The Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart is neither EPA approved nor CARB-compliant..
However, it features a spark arrestor and thus, may be used in forested areas.
Product Video
The Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart compare to generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- At a weight of 115 pounds, the Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart places in the expected weight range of the generators in the 3500-4500 rated wattage range. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the WEN GN400i, weighing just 66.1 pounds.
- As its lowest possible noise is rated at 60 dBA, this inverter generator qualifies as one of the more quiet of the products of similar power. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Cummins Onan P4500i, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
- Given that the P4500 PowerSmart reaches an autonomy of up to 16 hours with a full tank and at 25% load, it is placed within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful generators. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Champion 200954, reaching up to 22 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. As this inverter generator uses an estimated 0.22 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load, it finds itself in the average gasoline consumption range of similar products. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Westinghouse iGen4200, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.14 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3500-4500W generators, the Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- CO Guard™ technology
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Electric start
- Inverter
- Quiet for its power (60 dBA)
- Decent weight (115 lbs)
- Decent run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No remote start
- No parallel ports
- No EPA or CARB compliance
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 224 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3700 W |
| Starting watts | 4500 W |
| Running amps | 30.8 amps |
| Peaks amps | 37.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 16 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port |
| Data center | Power output, fuel level and lifetime run hours |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 3.5 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Digital |
| Weight | 115 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 24.5 x 17.6 x 20.36 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 60 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Emissions | N/A |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, and battery |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Other model numbers | 30795 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
About Briggs & Stratton
Founded in 1908, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Briggs & Stratton is a well renowned American based gasoline engine manufacturer. While the company mainly focuses on engines – including outdoor, power tool, karting, cast iron and aluminum models, power generators are a crucial component of their portfolio as well – Briggs & Stratton provides both portable and standby solutions for casual users with full support, including installation. The company operates on a global scale, with 13 facilities spread across all the of the continents.
Warranty Information
The Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart is covered under a warranty for up to 3 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Briggs & Stratton generators, please consult Briggs & Stratton's warranty policies stated in the user manual (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support : 1-800-743-4115.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Washing machine | 900 | 1650 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 2947 W | 3947 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 2945 W | 3535 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2910 W | 4010 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
LED lights not working. Started manually.
Electric start didn’t work; Battery terminals connected
Assume battery dead??
Returned to Home Depot
Got rid of a 3500 watt B&S open frame RV generator that was LOUD. Previously had a DuroStar DS4000 that lasted three years (1200 hrs) and blew up even with regular maintenance. I have only used this generator twice but can tell it does well in fuel consumption and noise. It seems to be at least as good as the rest of the line and having bought it on sale, saved a TON over what current pricing is.
Purchased at a good price on sale. Shipped directly to home. It was not assembled correctly at factory. Damaged filter housing, air breather not attached, filters not oiled. Battery was at 10 Volts when it arrived. LED lights unreadable when running. Can’t see the power level or fuel level in daylight, in the shade. To get warranty / repair it has to go to a Briggs dealer. Load it up (110 lbs) and take it to them. I should have bought it from the Briggs dealer and had them demo it before I accepted it.
Other than that: I like it.
lessons learned.
I own this generator and have owned it for about 6 months. It was manufactured less than a year ago. This unit hasn’t ran right since it was new. I contacted Briggs and they just told me to take it to a service center there was nothing they could do for me. I take it to the service center they referred me to. That service told me that Briggs & Stratton is the worst company to deal with and they do not support or stand behind their products. They told me there was no chance of Briggs covering the repairs of this unit even though it was well under a year old. Before I took it to the service center I tried ordering a new carb myself because I knew that is what the issue was and I needed it working for a weekend trip. The carb was on back order (obviously this is a common issue) After the first trip to the service center and spending $200 for them to “clean the carb” I took it home that night and had the same issue. I take it back they tell me it needs the carb replaced and the carb alone is $140. So now I will have over $400 into a generator that cost $1000 to start with an hasn’t ran right since it was new. I reached out to Briggs again after my experience with the service center. They won’t acknowledge my e-mails or the fact there is a know issue with the carburetor on these generators. I will never own another Briggs & Stratton product and will make it my mission to warn others to stay away. There are better options out there. I have owned a 2000 watt Champion invertor for several years and never had an issue with it!!!!!!