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Description
Zoom on the Cummins Onan P9500df
In summary, the Cummins Onan P9500df is a portable generator especially useful 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 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
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 dual-fuel technology of the Cummins Onan P9500df allows for an output of 120/240V and provides superb power and versatility. If gasoline-powered, the device provides a running wattage of 7500W and a starting wattage of 9500W. If propane-powered, it gives 6750 rated watts and 8550 starting watts.
At a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher), this generator can be started via a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, or a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included). To add further convenience, the Onan P9500df can be remotely started (key fob included).
Regarding its running time, the Onan P9500df, with a 6.6 gallons fuel capacity can operate for up to 16 hours with a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.41 GPH). When using propane, it can run for 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 features the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
As it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the Onan P9500df 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.
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
With its dimensions of L27.3 x W26.3 x H26.3 in, the conventional, open frame design of the Cummins Onan P9500df offers stability and allows the generator to be raised above ground level. 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 194 lbs. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.
Features
The control panel of the Onan P9500df includes a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours, helpful for the monitoring of its status and activity.
The fuel level of the generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.
As for its security measures, the device features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), letting you use it with a peace of mind.
Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Cummins Onan P9500df's package also includes these accessories: propane hose, funnel, tool kit, battery charger, oil and key fob.
Emissions
The Cummins Onan P9500df 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 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 generators of similar power (between 7000 and 8000 W).
- Having a dry weight of 194 lbs, the Cummins Onan P9500df belongs in the expected weight range for generators which produce 7000 to 8000 rated watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Sportsman GEN85KIDF, standing at just 133 lbs.
- This generator has a somewhat average expected noise for its power range, rated at 74 dBA. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the A-iPower SUA8000iSF, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 65 dBA.
- Thanks to an impressive running time of up to 16 hours at 25% load, the Onan P9500df benefits from one of the highest run times among generators of a similar output
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank’s capacity and thus, doesn’t say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. With an estimated gasoline consumption of 0.41 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, this generator is among the more fuel efficient of the products in the above-mentioned wattage range. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Champion 100520, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.4 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 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
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Decent weight (194 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (74 dBA)
The Cummins Onan P9500df doesn't have any notably low specs.
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 | 7500 W | 6750 W |
Starting watts | 9500 W | 8550 W |
Running amps (@120/240V) | 62.5/31.3 amps | 56.3/28.1 amps |
Peaks 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 |
|
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% |
Emissions | 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 |
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