Generac XT8500EFI - 8500/10000W Portable Generator With Electric Start And EFI Engine
The Generac XT8500EFI (7247) is a powerful open frame generator with a rated wattage of 8,500 W and a starting wattage of 10,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Generac’s XT8500EFI portable generator boasts electric start capabilities, consistently smooth power and enhanced protection from the elements to ensure reliable power is available when and where it’s needed most. Also equipped with COsense® Technology that STOPS, ALERTS, SAVES.
Zoom on the Generac XT8500EFI
In a few words, the Generac XT8500EFI is a powerful portable generator perfectly suited for:
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.
Power & Run Time
The Generac XT8500EFI
With a 459 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine, the Generac XT8500EFI operates on gasoline, providing 120/240V, with a running wattage of 8,500W and a starting wattage of 10,000W.
This generator can be started using either a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism or a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included).
The Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system enhances the engine's reliability, lowers fuel consumption, improves startup, reduces servicing, boosts stale fuel resistance, and offers better altitude adaptability.
Featuring a 8 gallons fuel tank, the XT8500EFI provides continuous power for around 9 hours at 50% load on a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.89 GPH).
Sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets, as the XT8500EFI produces a clean sine wave, with a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:
As the XT8500EFI 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.
Portability
At L31.4 x W20.5 x H26.5 in, the Generac XT8500EFI boasts a traditional open frame structure, ensuring stability and allowing for convenient maintenance access to components, promoting air circulation. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
Even at 214 lbs, the generator is categorized as 'portable,' suggesting its movability, although its weight may impede its portability. Nevertheless, the restricted maneuverability is counteracted by its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle, enabling easy shifting once the generator is set in place.
Features
The XT8500EFI's control panel
Featuring a digital data center on its control panel, the XT8500EFI offers you convenient access to essential information about the lifetime run hours, facilitating effective monitoring of its activity and status.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.
In terms of security, the generator features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during its use.
The XT8500EFI also benefits from Generac’s COsense® carbon monoxide monitoring. This technology senses and manages CO output and shuts down the unit when necessary, to protect you from CO poisoning.
Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Generac XT8500EFI also comes with some accessories: battery charger, oil and funnel are included.
The Generac XT8500EFI versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Generac XT8500EFI compare to generators of similar power (between 8000 and 9000 W).
- With a dry weight of 214 pounds, the Generac XT8500EFI finds itself in the expected weight range for generators able to produce between 8000 and 9000 rated watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Pulsar PGL9000BCO, weighing just 149 pounds.
- In terms of its autonomy, the XT8500EFI can operate for around 9 hours at a 50% load, placing it within the lower bracket among generators of similar power range. If you wish to prioritize autonomy, the Champion 100416 shines as one of the top contenders, offering one of the highest run times among generators with similar power output, totaling around 12.5 hours.
- While run time is vital, it hinges on the fuel capacity. To grasp the full picture, we must also factor in fuel efficiency. When it comes to fuel efficiency among generators with similar wattage, this generator lags behind, with a consumption rate of 0.89 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to get a unit of similar power, but with one of the best fuel efficiency, you could consider the Powerhorse s10500id, which has an impressively low fuel consumption of 0.59 GPH.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 8000-9000W generators, the Generac XT8500EFI 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
- COsense® technology
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Clean sine wave
- Electronic Fuel Injection
- Decent weight (214 lbs)
- No 50-amp output
- No remote start
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the Generac XT8500EFI and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 459 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 8,500 W |
| Starting watts | 10,000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 70.8/35.4 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 83.3/41.7 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 9 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | Lifetime run hours |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 8 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 214 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 31.4 x 20.5 x 26.5 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | < 5% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, battery charger, battery, and wheel kit |
| UPC | 696471078336 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
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 XT8500EFI 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 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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Coffee maker | 600 | 600 | |
| Total | 6792 W | 8292 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Rice cooker | 650 | 650 | |
| Total | 6790 W | 7380 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Drill | 600 | 900 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 5480 W | 9980 W |
What is the noise rating of the XT8500EFI?
Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Generac does not provide their units' noise levels.
Hi. Does the battery need a charge in order to run the fuel injection system? Will it run without the battery??? (Asked July 15, 2020)
The battery does need a charge for the fuel pump and electronics to run. If the charge is not sufficient, the EFI fault indicator light will flash and the generator will not start.
Can the xt8500efi be connected to a transfer box to power a gas home furnace/AC? (Asked August 05, 2020)
It absolutely can. Best way would be through Generac's HomeLink transfer switch (opens in a new tab), but a licensed electrician should be able to do the connection to your existing transfer box.
The instructions and everywhere else I read say to change the oil filter. Where is the oil filter? (Asked September 30, 2020)
It is located near the dipstick. Look page 5 of the owner's manual. Make sure to check the PDF version (opens in a new tab), as it will allow you to zoom in.
Which Genertor cord should be used with XT8500EFI ? What should be the Amperage and gauge of the cord? (Asked October 18, 2020)
As a guideline, you can refer to the table below:
Does the Generac XT8500EFI automatically charge the starting battery used for it's electric starting system? If so, do I still have to employ a trickle charger when the generator is not in use?? (Asked October 24, 2020)
Running the generator automatically charges the battery. However, the engine will not start if there's not at least 10V at the battery connections, which can happen if the unit is left unused for too long. In that case, you'll need the trickle charger.
Given the aforementioned issues with the battery, can you simply use the pull cord to start it and then allow it to self charge or will it not start at all if the battery isn’t charged? (Asked November 01, 2020)
The unit cannot run if the battery isn't charged. The EFI engine contains electronics that need power from the battery in order to operate.
What is the life span of the generator? (Asked November 15, 2020)
Life expectancy of any generator is dependent on maintenance, conditions of operation, and overall care it receives.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
Make sure you have a back up battery or fully charged jumper box. Because you will definitely need them to get this thing to start
Have been using on a more or less daily basis for 1-3 hours, for 5 months. Load not excessive but substantial. Regular maintenance has been maintained. Have triggered fault light a few times for co, a low oil level shut-off when it was needed in a pinch and was a bit out of level in bed of truck, was unexpected as was just newly in use and still not used much to think it would be so low. Lesson reinforced, should have known to automatically check, period. Otherwise. Not good on gas use. Here in California different blends of gas during the year, as well as, variant quality depending of what stations in area source the gas, mean it’s been difficult to determine which one source is best to make of regular use. It all contains ethanol. Higher octane=more ethanol. Some sources though run noticeably worse then others. Using more gas for time of run, and occasional popping are what I’ve noticed. Not sure yet if this can be helped in the meantime. Gas as said is always changing it seems, and so many variables.
Also have experienced something new. Although it isn’t after reading into it. The battery failing to start the generator as well as no start pulling the pull starter what is the point of including both if one fails likely won’t be able to make do without a battery that’s slightly dechargered, by trying to pull start it. And why it doesn’t keep the battery charged adequately when ran daily? So what happened to what appears to be standard equipment included for everybody else but missing for me, who knows. I see why it would be standard though. I was wondering what the panel socket was about as it isn’t spelt out much at all in the manual. So would I get another to replace this one? Yes but not generac. Maybe the Kohler, or vanguard by b.s. I’ve had in past deserve another try. Is Honda really not making these things anymore?
I’m not very patient when it comes to buying things as far as researching specs. such as run time and fuel consumption. I went solely on the good name of Generac and that I got it from Costco. They typically have some of the best quality items. In hindsight,I wish I had chose a generator with a longer run time.
If you need a gen this is the one to buy. Runs whole house minus range,dryer,hwh. Runs 2 ton mini split and 2 ton carrier heat pump along with entire house 120volt at same time.
I have one and the battery goes dead within 2 weeks. was sent new battery, same problem. It is a great generator but pull to start does not work if battery is dead. Can jump it to start.
Love this generator. For the $1k price, I couldn’t find another name-brand 240v generator with this much power that had <5% THD (clean power for sensitive electronics) and a relatively low noise level, both of which were my must-haves for home backup. It's much quieter than my neighbor's Troy-Bilt XP7000 but roughly the same as my Honda EG2800i inverter. (I registered 77db @ 23 feet on my phone's decibel meter app with no load). The battery does drain after a few weeks when the unit is off and the manual pull start doesn't work if the battery is less than 10 volts, so I keep the battery hooked up to a battery tender at all times when not in use. Works great. It's always ready to go and hasn't let me down yet.
As far as I can tell, the battery issue is because it is not being trickle-charged when not in use. In order to maintain the freshness of the battery, and to have it ready to be used at 100% when it’s needed, please keep the charger on it at all times when it’s not in use.
Had to use it for the first time a few days ago because of a power outage. Worked great. It ran just about everything in my house including the pump for the well and refrigerator and freezer. My only problem was the battery was dead after less than a month so I had to boost it from my truck to get it started
It Works flawlessly. For this price a reliable engine with EFI and <5% THD nobody has anything like it on the market except Honda @ $4000+. Only issue is the noise level seems a bit high. Call to Generac corporate to confirm the dBA rating was unsuccessful. Rep had me on hold and cane back and said Generac does not publish dBA ratings on any of their portable generators. If you can find one buy it