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Description
Zoom on the Briggs & Stratton 30681
In a nutshell, the Briggs & Stratton 30681 is a portable 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
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
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 30681's design includes a gasoline-fueled 342 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120/240V output, it gives a running wattage of 5000W and also a peak wattage of 6250W.
This generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.
With a full tank, the 30681 can operate for around 12.5 hours at 50% load (fuel consumption around 0.56 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 7 gallons.
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
As the 30681 holds a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: you'll easily be able to connect it to your breaker box to power your home during a power outage.
Portability
The design of the Briggs & Stratton 30681 is a typical, open frame, with the dimensions of L29 x W25 x H27 in, offering support and stability and enabling the possibility of raising it above ground level. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Since the generator weighs 171 lbs, it will be incredibly difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). Still, once it is on the ground, its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.
Features
Thanks to a built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently and easily check the gas level at a glance.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during use.
As for its accessories, apart from the previously mentioned features, the Briggs & Stratton 30681 also comes with the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), allowing you to start it right away.
Emissions
The Briggs & Stratton 30681 is 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 Video
The Briggs & Stratton 30681 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Briggs & Stratton 30681 compare to generators of similar power (between 4500 and 5500 W).
- As its weight is 171 pounds, the Briggs & Stratton 30681 falls in the expected weight range of the devices in the 4500-5500 rated wattage category. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the WEN 56500 with only 119 pounds.
- Thanks to an impressive running time of around 12.5 hours at 50% load, the 30681 benefits from a higher run time than many generators of a similar output. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Cat RP5500, reaching around 15 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 generator uses an estimated 0.56 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, it finds itself in the average gasoline consumption range of similar products. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.35 GPH, the Westinghouse WGen5300v is a device you should look out for.
The bottom line
- GFCI Outlets
- High run time
- Decent weight (171 lbs)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No data center
- No electric start
Features and Specifications
Inverter | No |
---|---|
Portable | Yes |
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | No |
Fuel | Gasoline |
Engine | 342 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil |
Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
---|---|
Running watts | 5000 W |
Starting watts | 6250 W |
Running amps (@120/240V) | 41.7/20.8 amps |
Peaks amps (@120/240V) | 52.1/26 amps |
Run time @50% load | 12.5 h |
Run time @25% load | Unknown |
GFCI outlets | Yes |
---|---|
Covered outlets | Yes |
Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
AC outlets |
|
DC outlets | No |
Data center | No |
Indicators | No |
Fuel tank | Metal, 7 gal |
Fuel gauge | Yes |
Weight | 171 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 29 x 25 x 27 in |
Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
THD | Unknown |
Emissions | CARB |
Security | Overload protection |
Spark arrestor | Yes |
Neutral | Bonded to frame |
Accessories included | Wheel kit |
Warranty | 2 years |
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 30681 is covered under a warranty for up to 2 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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
Total | 3992 W | 5492 W | |
For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
Mixer | 200 | 200 | |
Total | 3990 W | 4580 W | |
For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
Total | 3530 W | 6230 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.