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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 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 in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Cummins Onan P9500df
Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the Cummins Onan P9500df delivers 120/240V and offers power and versatility. When gasoline-powered, it benefits from a running wattage of 7,500W and a peak wattage of 9,500W. When propane-powered, it has 6,750 rated watts and 8,550 peak watts.
At a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a shower), 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).
As for its running time, the Onan P9500df, along with its 6.6 gallons fuel capacity, can run for up to 16 hours with a full tank filled with gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.6 GPH). If propane is used, it can operate for up to 8 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.59 GPH).
The Onan P9500df is unsuitable for the powering of sensitive electronic devices due to its high THD (<23%).
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
Due to the featured twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the Onan P9500df is transfer switch ready: you may connect it to a breaker box to power your household 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 dimensions of the Cummins Onan P9500df, which are L27.3 x W26.3 x H26.3 in, and its typical, open frame design provides stability and enables the generator 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). Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.
Features
The Onan P9500df's control panel
The Onan P9500df and its control panel include a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours. This feature comes handy when monitoring its status and activity.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.
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.
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: battery charger, funnel, key fob, propane hose, tool kit and oil.
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 dual fuel generators of similar power (between 7000 and 8000 W).
- As its weight is 194 pounds, the Cummins Onan P9500df falls in the expected weight range of the dual fuel devices in the 7000-8000 rated wattage category. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Sportsman GEN85KIDF with only 133 pounds.
- Among the generators of a comparable running wattage, this generator with a lowest noise of 74 dBA can be judged as noisy. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Champion 201175, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 61 dBA.
- The Onan P9500df's autonomy is somewhat low end compared to devices of its type and power range, as it reaches only up to 16 hours at 25% load on a full tank. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the DuroMax XP8500EH, boasting with up to 25 hours.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. This generator is somewhat less fuel efficient than devices of comparable output: its estimated fuel consumption reaches 0.41 GPH at a 25% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the DuroMax XP8500EH, with a fuel consumption of 0.32 GPH could be in your good books.
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
- Decent weight (194 lbs)
- No 50-amp output
- On the noisy side (74 dBA)
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 420 cc Ducar OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
| 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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Satelite receiver | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 5992 W | 7492 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 | |
| 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 |
What oil do I use in my 9500 Gas/propane generator? (Asked February 27, 2023)
For general, all-temperature use, you can use SAE 10W-30.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
There is a break in period for sure. Also you must be sure to charge the battery for the starter and to not let fuel foul the system. Its strong but it takes maintenance.
It ran my AC just fine and a person I know with the same model runs half of his house with it hooked to his panel box..
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.