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)
ShortlistShortlistedRemoved from shortlist 193
Amazon 
The Home Depot 
Acme Tools 
The Tool Nut | Price history for the Generac XT8500EFI |
|---|
| Highest Price $1,424.05 Lowest Price $899.00 Current Price $899.00 |
Page Content
Description
Zoom on the Generac XT8500EFI
In summary, the Generac XT8500EFI is a powerful portable generator especially useful for:
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
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.
Featuring a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism and a hassle-free and practical electric starter (battery included), this generator offers flexibility in starting.
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.
With a fuel capacity of 8 gallons, the XT8500EFI may run for around 9 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.89 GPH).
The <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of the XT8500EFI ensures a clean sine wave output, providing a secure power source for your sensitive electronics through its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 5 AC outlets:
Equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the XT8500EFI is engineered to be transfer switch ready, enabling simple hookup to your breaker box to provide backup power for your home during blackouts.
Portability
With dimensions of L31.4 x W20.5 x H26.5 in, the traditional open frame design of the Generac XT8500EFI ensures stability while allowing easy maintenance access to components and promoting effective air cooling. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Though weighing 214 lbs, the generator remains classified as 'portable,' indicating its capability to be moved, though its weight could pose transport challenges. However, the lack of maneuverability can be offset with its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle, which allows for convenient shifting once the generator is placed on the ground.
Features
The XT8500EFI's control panel
One of the many XT8500EFI's features is the digital 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.
Equipped with a built-in fuel gauge, the generator facilitates swift gas level checks.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, giving you a peace of mind during 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.
With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the Generac XT8500EFI also comes with several accessories, including: battery charger, oil and funnel.
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).
- At 214 lbs in dry weight, the Generac XT8500EFI fits well within the typical weight bracket for generators producing 8000 to 9000 rated watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Pulsar PGL9000BCO, standing at just 149 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 autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Champion 100416, reaching around 12.5 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. 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 further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Westinghouse iGen11000DFc, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.66 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
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
- Several accessories included
- 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
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 |
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 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 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 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 | |
| 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
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