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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 wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor 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 houses a 224 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 3700W along with 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).
The fuel capacity of 3.5 gallons allows the P4500 PowerSmart to operate for up to 16 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.22 GPH).
The P4500 PowerSmart produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <3% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 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.
Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this Briggs & Stratton generator is RV Ready.
Portability
Thanks to its closed inverter generator design (L24.5 x W17.6 x H20.36 in), the Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart, is more esthetical than a typical, open frame generator. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 115 pounds. However, this lack of maneuverability is compensated by its wheel kit and its telecospic handle, with which you can conveniently shift it, once it's on 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, power output and lifetime run hours.
In addition to this info, some light indicators allow you to instantly see if its oil levels are insufficient, the generator is overloaded and the generator is ready.
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 standpoint, the product offers an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
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: funnel and oil.
Emissions
The Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart is neither EPA approved nor CARB-compliant..
However, it features a spark arrestor, making it usable 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 matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the WEN GN400i with only 66.1 pounds.
- Since this inverter generator is rated for a lowest possible noise of 60 dBA, it can be considered as one of the more quiet of the products generating similar power. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Cummins Onan P4500i. With just 52 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- The P4500 PowerSmart, offering a run time of up to 16 hours with a full tank at a 25% load, falls within the average autonomy range when compared to its peers. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Champion 100892, with up to 22 hours.
- Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. This inverter generator reaches an estimated fuel consumption of 0.22 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load, making it average, for the previously mentioned wattage range. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Westinghouse iGen4200, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.14 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
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 | N/A |
| 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 |
| 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.