ShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 10
Amazon 
Acme Tools 
Zoro 
Global Industrial 
eBay Page Content
Description
Zoom on the Generac GP17500E
In a nutshell, the Generac GP17500E is a powerful portable generator mostly geared towards:
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
- Small homeowners in search of a full power backup solution
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 Generac GP17500E
The Generac GP17500E's design includes a gasoline-fueled 992 cc Generac OHVI 4-stroke engine. With a 120/240V output, it gives a running wattage of 17500W and also a peak wattage of 26250W.
Its starting mechanism is based on a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included).
The fuel capacity of 16 gallons allows the GP17500E to operate for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 1.6 GPH).
The powering of sensitive electronic devices with the GP17500E is not recommended due to its relatively high THD (<20%).
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 8 AC outlets:
In addition, it provides 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 10A receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries.
This Generac generator features an L5-30R receptacle, enabling an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. However, it is still not quite RV ready. Besides, because the GP17500E is equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it can power your home during a power outage, as it can be easily connected to your breaker box to power your household.
Portability
The Generac GP17500E has the following dimensions: L48.5 x W31 x H39.5 in. In combination with its conventional, open frame design, they provide support and allow the generator to be raised above ground level. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy 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 390 lbs. However, this lack of maneuverability is compensated by its wheel kit (⌀12.3") and its handle, with which you can conveniently shift it, once it's on the ground.
The generator comes with an additional safety feature, a lift hook on the top of its frame, which is helpful during its transport, loading and unloading.
Features
The GP17500E's control panel
One of the many GP17500E's features is the data center, included in its control panel, which conveniently provides information on the lifetime run hours and thus, helps you monitor its activity and status.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
Besides the usual set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, Generac also included a tool kit in the GP17500E's packaging.
Emissions
The Generac GP17500E is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.
However, it features a spark arrestor and thus, may be used in forested areas.
Product Videos
The Generac GP17500E versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Generac GP17500E compare to generators of similar power (between 14000 and 20000 W).
- Regarding its weight, the Generac GP17500E only weighs in at 390 pounds, which means it's one of the lighter generators in the 14000-20000 rated wattage range. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Lifan LF15000-EPL, standing at just 358 lbs.
- The GP17500E, offering a run time of around 10 hours with a full tank at a 50% load, falls within the average autonomy range when compared to its peers. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Lifan LF15000-EPL, boasting with around 12 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. As this generator uses an estimated 1.6 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, it finds itself in the average gasoline consumption range of similar products. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Lifan LF15000-EPL, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 1.17 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 14000-20000W generators, the Generac GP17500E is on the expensive side of the price range.
While certainly not the cheapest of its kind, purchasing it would most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.
The bottom line
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Lightweight for its kind (390 lbs)
- Decent run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- On the expensive side
- No recoil back-up
- No remote start
- Not CARB-compliant
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 992 cc Generac OHVI 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Electric |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 17500 W |
| Starting watts | 26250 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 145.8/72.9 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 218.8/109.4 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 10A receptacle |
| Data center | Lifetime run hours |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 16 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 390 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 48.5 x 31 x 39.5 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | < 20% |
| Emissions | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Tool kit, battery, and wheel kit |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Other model numbers | 5735 |
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 Generac
Generac Power Systems is an American based generator and power equipment manufacturer, founded in 1959. As its name suggests, the main focus of Generac are power generators, and other related electric equipment, such as switches, paralleling systems and small engines. The company has several manufacturing facilities based in the US, thus, their products are made in the USA. However, the company provides no information about the origin of their components.
Warranty Information
The Generac GP17500E is covered under a warranty for up to 2 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Generac generators, please consult Generac's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-888-GENERAC (888-436-3722).
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 | |
| Clothes dryer | 5400 | 6750 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Washing machine | 900 | 1650 | |
| Total | 13967 W | 15442 W | |
| For work | Electric welder | 9000 | 9000 |
| Table saw | 1800 | 4500 | |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 13880 W | 18380 W |
What is the noise rating of the GP17500E?
Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Generac does not provide their units' noise levels.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
GP17500E purchased 2016 is a Great Product in all respects.
EXCEPT TIRES.
Tires are rated for maximum load of 320 Lbs.
The generator weighs 390 Lbs.
Gas is 6 Lbs a gallon. It holds 16 Gal of gas. 6×16=96Lbs.
390+96 Lbs= 496 total weight
What is up with that?
That may be why my tires keep going flat. My generator is stationary and not moved, sitting on concrete pad.
Generac replaced two wheels and they sent the exact same wheels with tires.
No help they go flat also.
Found out yesterday from GENERAC parts, they are now going to use solid wheels which will fit my generator.
However, I am concerned about excessive vibration with solid wheels not handling the vibration as like the tubeless tires I have.