The Briggs & Stratton 30742 is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 8,000 W and a starting wattage of 10,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Briggs & Stratton 30742
In a few words, the Briggs & Stratton 30742 is a portable generator perfectly suited for:
- Food truck owners who want to ensure that their business is fully self-contained and does not rely on potentially unreliable external power
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- 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.
Power & Run Time
The Briggs & Stratton 30742's design includes a gasoline-fueled 420 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120/240V output, it gives a running wattage of 8,000W and also a peak wattage of 10,000W.
This generator can be started thanks to a conventional pull-start mechanism, but also to a hassle-free and practical electric starter (battery included).
Equipped with a 7.5 gallons fuel tank, the 30742 ensures continuous operation for around 9 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel usage approximately 0.83 gallons per hour).
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 5 AC outlets:
As the 30742 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
With its L28.4 x W30.5 x H29.1 in dimensions, the open frame structure of the Briggs & Stratton 30742 guarantees stability, simplified maintenance access to components, and better air cooling than enclosed units. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
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 246 lbs. Nonetheless, the limited maneuverability is compensated for by utilizing its wheel kit (⌀12") and its folding handle, which facilitates shifting once the generator is set on the ground.
Features
Thanks to its built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently, and easily check the gas level at a glance.
Considering security aspects, the generator boasts an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), offering peace of mind throughout operation.
The 30742 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.
In addition to the standard documentation and the user manual for prompt setup, Briggs & Stratton has also included accessory] in the packaging of the 30742.
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).
Besides its monitoring features, InfoHub can also keep you informed about your 30742 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.
The Briggs & Stratton 30742 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Briggs & Stratton 30742 compare to generators of similar power (between 7500 and 8500 W).
- Weighing 246 lbs, the Briggs & Stratton 30742 is one of the heavier generators within the 7500-8500 rated wattage bracket. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Westinghouse ecoGen10000, with a dry weight of just 147.7 pounds.
- As for its runtime, the 30742 runs for around 9 hours at a 50% load, placing it towards the low end among comparable products. 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 100416, with around 12.5 hours.
- Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. In terms of fuel efficiency within its wattage range, this generator falls short: it consumes approximately 0.83 GPH at a 50% load. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the Cummins Onan P9500df, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.6 GPH, could be an option to consider.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 7500-8500W generators, the Briggs & Stratton 30742 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
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- InfoHub™ monitoring
- No 50-amp output
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (246 lbs)
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 420 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 8,000 W |
| Starting watts | 10,000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 66.7/33.3 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 83.3/41.7 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 9 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | InfoHub |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 7.5 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 246 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 28.4 x 30.5 x 29.1 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, battery, and wheel kit |
| UPC | 011675307424 |
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 30742 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 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 6372 W | 7872 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Satelite receiver | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 6390 W | 6980 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Paint sprayer | 600 | 600 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 5480 W | 9980 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
