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Description
Zoom on the Generac XT8500EFI
In summary, the Generac XT8500EFI is a powerful portable generator especially useful for professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure.
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 XT8500EFI's core is the 459 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120/240V, it provides a running wattage of 8500W and a peak wattage of 10000W.
This generator can be started thanks to a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, but also to a convenient and easy-to-use 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.
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 8 gallons, the XT8500EFI can operate for around 9 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.89 GPH).
The XT8500EFI produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <5% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:
Because the XT8500EFI 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 XT8500EFI has a conventional, open frame design, of the following dimensions: L31.4 x W20.5 x H26.5 in, which offers support and allows it to be raised above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 214 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. However, this lack of maneuverability is compensated by its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle, with which you can conveniently shift it, once it's on the ground.
Features
The XT8500EFI's control panel
A digital data center, one of the features of the XT8500EFI’s control panel, gives you information on the lifetime run hours, and thus, is helpful for the 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.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
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 minitgate CO poisoning. It’s a welcomed additional security feature, but don’t forget to always take your generator outside (opens in a new tab).
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Generac XT8500EFI also is packed along with the following accessories: funnel, battery charger and oil.
Emissions
The Generac XT8500EFI is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and therefore, can be used in forested areas.
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).
- Having a dry weight of 214 lbs, the Generac XT8500EFI belongs in the expected weight range for generators which produce 8000 to 9000 rated watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Lifan LF8750iEPL, with a dry weight of only 185 lbs.
- The XT8500EFI’s autonomy is somewhat low end compared to devices of its power range, as it reaches only around 9 hours at 50% 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 Firman H08053, boasting with around 12 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. This generator is rather wasteful, compared to other devices within the aforementioned output range, when it comes to gasoline consumption, as it reaches roughly 0.89 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Pulsar PG10000B16, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.55 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 8000-9000W generators, the Generac XT8500EFI 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
- COsense® technology
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Clean sine wave
- Electronic Fuel Injection
- Decent weight (214 lbs)
- No remote start
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 459 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 8500 W |
| Starting watts | 10000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 70.8/35.4 amps |
| Peaks 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% |
| Emissions | 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 |
| Warranty | 3 years |
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 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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Waffle iron | 750 | 750 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 6787 W | 8262 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| DVD player | 350 | 350 | |
| Total | 6780 W | 7200 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Paint sprayer | 600 | 600 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 5480 W | 9980 W |
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.
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
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
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.