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Description
Zoom on the Cummins Onan P9500df
In a nutshell, the Cummins Onan P9500df 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 who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.
Power & Run Time
The Cummins Onan P9500df
With its dual-fuel technology, the powerful and versatile Cummins Onan P9500df provides an output of 120/240V. While gasoline-powered, it gives a running wattage of 7,500W along with a peak wattage of 9,500W. While propane-powered, it provides 6,750 rated watts and 8,550 starting watts.
Enjoying a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a shower), this generator can be started thanks to a conventional pull-start mechanism, but also to a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). Moreover, to offer you even more convenience, the Onan P9500df can also be remotely started (key fob included).
The running time of the Onan P9500df, with its 6.6 gallons fuel capacity, can reach up to 16 hours on a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.6 GPH). With propane, it can reach up to 8 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.59 GPH).
The quite high THD (<23%) of the Onan P9500df makes it unsuitable for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 5 AC outlets:
As the Onan P9500df 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.
Cummins' Smart Switch Outlet
The Onan P9500df has an identical outlet, but with a different name
The Onan P9500df features a special outlet that allows an automatic power transfer in case of a power outage.
To benefit from this feature, you'll need Cummins' Automatic Transfer Switch, which is not included with the generator.
As mentioned further up, since this unit is simply a Westinghouse generator in disguise, you can absolutely use the Westinghouse ST Switch (opens in a new tab) instead. It serves the exact same purpose.
Simply put, the ST Switch is a cost-effective and versatile portable automatic transfer switch, which can be installed quickly and easily, without the assistance of an electrician.
Plug the ST Switch into one of your household 120V outlets, plug your appliances to the ST Switch, and connect the Onan P9500df to the ST Switch via the special outlet and a 120V cord. The generator will automatically turn on when the power goes out, and automatically turn off when the power returns.
Portability
The Cummins Onan P9500df has a conventional, open frame design, of the following dimensions: L27.3 x W26.3 x H26.3 in, which offers support and allows it to be raised above ground level. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
As the generator's weight is 194 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). However, its challenging mobility is solved by its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle, which will ease its displacement, once it is on the floor.
Features
The Onan P9500df's control panel
To help you monitor the Onan P9500df's status and activity, its control panel is equipped with a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours.
The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker).
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Cummins Onan P9500df, the following accessories are also included: propane hose, funnel, oil, tool kit, key fob and battery charger.
Emissions
The Cummins Onan P9500df is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. It can therefore be sold and purchased in all 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and therefore, can be used in forested areas.
Product Video
The Cummins Onan P9500df versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Cummins Onan P9500df compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 7000 and 8000 W).
- With a dry weight of 194 pounds, the Cummins Onan P9500df finds itself in the expected weight range for dual fuel generators able to produce between 7000 and 8000 rated watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Sportsman GEN85KIDF with only 133 pounds.
- This generator, with its lowest possible noise rated at 74 dBA falls into the more noisy category, compared to other devices of a similar running wattage. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Genmax GM9000iED, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 62 dBA.
- Offering around 11 hours of running time on a full tank at 50% load, the Onan P9500df is within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful dual fuel generators. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Firman H07552, as it provides around 12 hours.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. This generator is one of the more fuel efficient models of the aforementioned output range, as its estimated fuel consumption reaches just 0.6 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Pulsar PG10000B16, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.55 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 7000-8000W dual fuel generators, the Cummins Onan P9500df 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
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Remote start
- Dual Fuel
- Compatible with Westinghouse ST Switch
- Fuel efficient
- Decent weight (194 lbs)
- Decent run time
- No 50-amp output
- On the noisy side (74 dBA)
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 420 cc Ducar OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 7,500 W | 6,750 W |
| Starting watts | 9,500 W | 8,550 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 62.5/31.3 amps | 56.3/28.1 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 79.2/39.6 amps | 71.3/35.6 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 11 h | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 16 h | 8 h |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets | 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) |
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 6.6 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 194 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 27.3 x 26.3 x 26.3 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 74 dBA |
| THD | < 23% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, key fob, battery charger, propane hose, battery, and wheel kit |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Other model numbers | A058U967 |
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 Cummins
Cummins is a NYSE publicly traded, Fortune 500 corporation dealing in the power sector and heavy industry. Founded in 1919 in Columbus, IN, by William Glanton Irwin and Clessie Cummings, Cummins focused on the development of diesel engines. However, the company truly came to bloom only after the WWII, with the nationwide road expansion and went finally global in the 1960s, with its heavy-duty trucks. Cummins has, over the years, offered a wide variety of power solutions, from actual power plants to RV generators. Yet, the company has only recently dipped its foot into the portable generator market. The company currently offers a small selection of both conventional and inverter generators under the Onan product line, formerly the Cummins Onan brand.
Warranty Information
The Cummins Onan P9500df 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 Cummins generators, please contact the Cummins Customer Support: 1-800-CUMMINS (800-286-6467).
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 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 5967 W | 7442 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 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 5995 W | 6585 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 4880 W | 9380 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
I do not understand any of these negative reviews. I have started mine manually, remotely and with the FOB. All good. Ran it for the 5 hr break in and changed the oil. Ran it again twice for 30 minutes. No problems.
If this changes to my disappointment I will post it but so far so good.
The noise is the 85 dB as listed when I measured it at 3′. I built an extended exhaust system for it the works really well.
I say don’t hesitate to consider this generator.
All the best.
Bought this Generator, did all the per checks, filled with oil, gas, the unit will not start up, I have drained the battery 3 times and still nothing ! I have called and sent emails out…. All they say is you need to take it to an authorized dealer for repairs ??? I don’t have time to run it all over for repairs, would like to return it with a full refund.
Piece of crap. Trying to use during hurricane Iannjust now. Will only power up a single refrigerator – nothing else. If anything else plugged in will blow circuit both breakers and then you have nothing which is what this thing is. It’s a new unit. My old regular Honda worked great – put in shop for service whe hurricane Ian came up. Thought we had everything covered with this new on an/ Cummins unit. Boy was I wrong. Run, don’t just walk away from these. Even the cheap Harbor Freight units are better than these.
Very bad product
At 25 hours Stepper motor failed. Unit wouldn’t start! At 381 hours took unit to Cummins in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Tech found a valve spring was broken and keeper nuts had severed and scarred piston and cylinder walls! Took Cummins a day and a half to get approval to replace this generator! I had to wait 2.5 more weeks for my replacement to arrive at Cummins in Green Bay! I made two round trips to Green Bay Cummins and then had to drive to Saukville, Wisconsin to deliver this generator back to Camping World for my refund. Neither company [Cummins or Camping World] even remotely offered to reimburse me for my diesel fuel ⛽️!! Heartless companies selling absolute junk generators!!!
I got one brand new and after26 hrs run time the engine lost compression I’m out 1100.bucks and I’m pissed off the place I bought it won’t refund the money and I’m powerless in se alaska in my mortorhome
I bought a Onan 9500 from a solar supply guy and it has leaked propane from Day ONE. I have called Cummins and they said they would have a tech contact me and it never happened. never ever heard back. This winter it was leaking liquid propane onto the floor of my gen Shed and it caught on fire. Luckily i was in the shed when it happened and put it out immediately before any real damage.
The Solar dealer has been trying to get warranty sorted out since early February with no luck.
He had sold several of these to customers and all with the same issue. He has a garage full of Onan 9500 that all leak propane thru the carb and customers are fed up. Save your money. I thought I was getting a quality unit when I bought a Cummins product but did I ever get fooled.
This generator is the biggest pile of crap. Has only started maybe 3 times with the push start. It wont start with the pull. When it tries to start with the push start, the battery dies and probably because it tries to start 4 times and fails. When it does start, we were able to power 2 rv AC units. it’s REALLY REALLY LOUD. Do not buy. Unreliable generator.
Seemed to work great and powered a 30 gallon 2 stage air compressor well. Next test will be running a Miller 130 wire feed welder.
I’m working with a customer who bought 2 of the generator from an rv co. Online. Neither one runs. On either fuel. He had trouble getting service from the place he bought them from. I’m an independent repair shop and The parts availability and service very poor. I’m dealing with some kind of factory defect in the timing of the ignition.