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Description
Zoom on the Briggs & Stratton 30742
In a nutshell, the Briggs & Stratton 30742 is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
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 30742 is powered by a 420 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120/240V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 8,000W as well as a peak wattage of 10,000W.
This generator can be started thanks to a conventional pull-start mechanism, but also to a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included).
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 7.5 gallons, the 30742 can operate for around 9 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.83 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
As it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 30742 is transfer switch ready: in case of a power outage, you will be easily able to connect it to a breaker box and power your household.
Portability
With its dimensions of L28.4 x W30.5 x H29.1 in, the conventional, open frame design of the Briggs & Stratton 30742 offers stability and allows the generator to be raised above ground level. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
Since the generator weighs 246 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). However, its challenging mobility is solved by its wheel kit (⌀12") and its folding handle, which will ease its displacement, once it is on the floor.
Features
The generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
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 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. It’s a welcomed additional security feature, but don’t forget to always take your generator outside (opens in a new tab).
Besides the usual set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, Briggs & Stratton also included some oil in the 30742's packaging.
InfoHub™ Portable Power
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 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.
Emissions
The Briggs & Stratton 30742 is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.
However, it features a spark arrestor and therefore, can be used in forested areas.
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).
- At a dry weight of 246 pounds, the Briggs & Stratton 30742 is one of the heavier devices which can produce between 7500 and 8500 running watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Dewalt DXGNR8000, weighing just 183 pounds.
- Regarding its autonomy, the autonomy of the 30742, reaching around 9 hours at a 50% load, can be considered as low end, compared to other products of a roughly equal output. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Champion 100416, as it provides around 12.5 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. This generator is somewhat less fuel efficient than devices of comparable output: its estimated fuel consumption reaches 0.83 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Pulsar PG10000B16, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.55 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, 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
- Not CARB-compliant
- On the heavy side (246 lbs)
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
Inverter | No |
---|---|
Portable | Yes |
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | No |
Fuel | Gasoline |
Engine | 420 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
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 | 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) |
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 |
Warranty | 3 years |
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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
Radio | 100 | 100 | |
Total | 6387 W | 7862 W | |
For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
Blender | 400 | 850 | |
Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
Total | 6395 W | 6985 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.