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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
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart
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 3,700W along with a peak wattage of 4,500W.
The inverter generator is rated for a noise of 60 dBA (just as noisy as background music). Its starting mechanisms include a simple traditional pull-start mechanism and a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). To add further convenience, the P4500 PowerSmart can be remotely started (key fob included).
The P4500 PowerSmart can operate for up to 16 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.22 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 3.5 gallons.
The P4500 PowerSmart produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
In addition, it provides 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (USB-A) with which charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets is made convenient.
This Briggs & Stratton generator is RV Ready, thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').
Portability
The Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart is an inverter generator and has an encased design of the following dimensions: L24.5 x W17.6 x H20.36 in. Thus, it is more aesthetical than conventional, open frame products. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
While the generator is considered to be technically 'portable' (in the sense that you can move it), manually lifting and transporting it may be challenging, due to its high weight of 104 lbs. Nevertheless, thanks to its set of 2 wheels 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
One of the many P4500 PowerSmart's features is the data center, included in its control panel, which conveniently provides information on the fuel level, power output and lifetime run hours and thus, helps you monitor its activity and status.
In addition to this info, some light indicators allow you to instantly see if the generator is ready, the oil level is too low and the generator is overloaded.
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.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off.
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.
With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart also comes with several accessories, including: oil, funnel and key fob.
InfoHub™ Portable Power
The InfoHub™ app gives you real time information
Briggs & Stratton’s InfoHub™ Portable Power technology allows you to monitor your unit’s vital information such as power usage, run time and fuel level in real time, and directly from your computer or smartphone (via the InfoHub app for iOS or Android).
Besides its monitoring features, InfoHub can also keep you informed about your P4500 PowerSmart status and maintenance needs by sending you scheduled service reminders. It also lets you customize the way your generator communicates with you and can send notifications to your local certified dealer.
Emissions
The Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Thus, selling and purchasing this generator is allowed in each of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, making it usable in forested areas.
Product Videos
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 inverter generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- Having a dry weight of 104 lbs, the Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart belongs in the expected weight range for inverter generators which produce 3500 to 4500 rated watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the WEN GN400i, with a dry weight of only 66.1 lbs.
- At a lowest noise rating of 60 dBA, this inverter generator is one of the quieter devices of similar type and power. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Westinghouse iGen4500DF with only 52 dBA.
- The P4500 PowerSmart, falls within the average autonomy range compared to inverter generators of a roughly same power, with a run time of up to 16 hours at a 25% load and a full tank. 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 Firman W03661OF, with up to 25 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. In fact, this inverter generator is not among the most fuel efficient, within the aforementioned wattage range : its estimated gasoline consumption at 25% load is around 0.22 GPH. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Champion 200988, with a fuel consumption of 0.16 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3500-4500W inverter 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
- Remote start
- Inverter
- InfoHub™ monitoring
- Quiet for its power (60 dBA)
- Decent weight (104 lbs)
- Decent run time
- No parallel ports
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 224 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,700 W |
| Starting watts | 4,500 W |
| Running amps | 30.8 amps |
| Peak 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 (USB-A) |
| Data center | InfoHub |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 3.5 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Digital |
| Weight | 104 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 24.5 x 17.6 x 20.36 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 60 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, key fob, and battery |
| Other model numbers | 30814 |
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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 2947 W | 3947 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2940 W | 3530 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2910 W | 4010 W |
What is the difference between the 30795 and the 30814? (Asked August 08, 2021)
The 030814 is the newer version. The unit is now CARB-compliant, and offers a remote start as well as Bluetooth connectivity via the InfoHub mobile App.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
I just bought my 3700 watt continuous generator a week ago. So far, I love it, except for the gas fill. Can’t see inside the tank when filling it up. So it is easy to overflow it.. The electric fuel gauge only works when it is running. Really??? Why not keep that gauge simple like a Honda? A non electronic gauge is much better with less to go wrong. Other than that, I love it, but things may change as time goes on. Hopefully not. I previously owned 2 Honda EU3000I which I absolutely loved, and used mist of the week for many years. But Hondas are getting ridiculously expensive as well, so I figured that I’d buy a generator that offers so much more for half the price.
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!!!!!!
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.
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.
LED lights not working. Started manually.
Electric start didn’t work; Battery terminals connected
Assume battery dead??
Returned to Home Depot