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The Generac GP5500 (5939) is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 5,500 W and a starting wattage of 6,875 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Generac GP5500
In summary, the Generac GP5500 is a portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- Food truck owners who want to ensure that their business is fully self-contained and does not rely on potentially unreliable external power
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.
Power & Run Time
The Generac GP5500
The Generac GP5500's core is the 389 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120/240V, it provides a running wattage of 5,500W and a peak wattage of 6,875W.
This generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism.
Equipped with a 7.2 gallons fuel tank, the GP5500 ensures continuous operation for around 10 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel usage approximately 0.72 gallons per hour).
As the GP5500 exhibits a THD of less than 20%, which is high, it is best avoided for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
Since it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the GP5500 is tailored to be transfer switch ready, making it easy to connect it to your breaker box for home power support during outages.
Portability
At L27.5 x W27 x H25 in, the Generac GP5500 boasts a traditional open frame structure, ensuring stability and allowing for convenient maintenance access to components, promoting air circulation. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
With a weight of 170.9 lbs, the generator is still labeled as 'portable,' denoting its ability to be moved, although its heaviness might restrict easy portability. However, its challenging mobility is solved by its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle, which will ease its displacement, once it is on the floor.
Features
The GP5500's control panel
Embedded in the control panel of the GP5500, a digital data center serves as a vital feature, offering comprehensive information on the lifetime run hours to aid in monitoring 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 generator is furnished with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during operation.
Besides the usual set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, Generac also included some oil in the GP5500's packaging.
Product Video
The Generac GP5500 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Generac GP5500 compare to generators of similar power (between 5000 and 6000 W).
- Weighing in at 170.9 lbs, the Generac GP5500 fits within the expected weight range for devices producing 5000 to 6000 rated watts. If you are mindful of weight, the WEN DF680iX is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 94.8 pounds.
- Offering around 10 hours of running time on a full tank at 50% load, the GP5500 is within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful generators. If run time is one of your main concerns, the Predator 6500 could be worth looking at. It boasts one of the highest run times among units of comparable power, lasting around 14.5 hours.
- 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. This generator is not fuel-efficient compared to devices of similar output: its estimated fuel consumption stands at 0.72 GPH at a 50% load. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the DuroMax XP7000iH is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.38 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 5000-6000W generators, the Generac GP5500 is on the cheap side of the price range.
It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.
The bottom line
- Inexpensive
- Decent weight (170.9 lbs)
- Decent run time
- No electric start
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 389 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 5,500 W |
| Starting watts | 6,875 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 45.8/22.9 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 57.3/28.6 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | Lifetime run hours |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 7.2 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 170.9 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 27.5 x 27 x 25 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | < 20% |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil and wheel kit |
| Other model numbers | 5939 |
| UPC | 696471059397 |
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 engineered and built in the USA. However, their components can be a mix of domestic and foreign parts.
Warranty Information
The Generac GP5500 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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 4397 W | 5897 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 4390 W | 4980 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 4010 W | 6710 W |
What is the noise rating of the GP5500?
Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Generac does not provide their units' noise levels.
How much oil does the 389 cc motor hold (Asked June 08, 2021)
Engine oil capacity is 1.06 qts.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
We bought our Generac 5500 in approximately 2008 or 09. We use it at our home when the power goes out, which usually happens a couple of times a year, sometimes more. As I am typing this we have been out of power for several hours and the generator is working great. It has been a good investment overall with the exception of a problem I had with it because I was using regular gasoline instead of recreational gas. Since I switched it starts and runs flawlessly and serves our needs very well. Usually starts with a pull or two. I made a wooden framed lightweight vented cover for it, set it on a cement pad, and it stays outside year round here in Michigan. For our purposes it has been a really good buy.