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Generac GP3600 - 3600/4500W Portable Generator

The Generac GP3600 (7678) is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 3,600 W and a starting wattage of 4,500 W.

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Generac GP3600Generac GP3600Generac GP3600

Description

The GP3600 portable generator is an excellent choice for emergency power when backing up multiple appliances. Featuring PowerRush™ ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, it delivers 40% more starting capacity allowing you to do more with less. (source: Generac (opens in a new tab))

Zoom on the Generac GP3600

In a nutshell, the Generac GP3600 is a portable generator mostly geared towards:

  • RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
  • People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
  • Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout

In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.

Power & Run Time

The Generac GP3600's design includes a gasoline-fueled 212 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120V output, it gives a running wattage of 3,600W and also a peak wattage of 4,500W.

This generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.

Thanks to a fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons, the GP3600 can operate for around 9.3 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.4 GPH).

The quite high THD (<25%) of the GP3600 makes it unsuitable for powering sensitive electronic devices.

Outlets

The control panel provides the upcoming 5 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R)
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle

Even if this Generac generator isn't quite RV Ready, it still allows for an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor, thanks to its L5-30R receptacle.

Portability

The Generac GP3600 has a conventional, open frame design, of the following dimensions: L24 x W22.5 x H21.3 in, which offers support and allows it 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 105 lbs. However, this lack of maneuverability is compensated by its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, with which you can conveniently shift it, once it's on the ground.

Features

Panel of the Generac GP3600

The GP3600's control panel

A digital data center, one of the features of the GP3600'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.

Security-wise, this product benefits from an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.

Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Generac GP3600's package also includes these accessories: tool kit, oil and funnel.

Emissions

The Generac GP3600 is CARB-compliant. Thus, selling and purchasing this generator is allowed in each of the 50 states, including California.

Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and therefore, can be used in forested areas.

The Generac GP3600 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Generac GP3600 compare to generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).

  • At a weight of 105 pounds, the Generac GP3600 places in the expected weight range of the generators in the 3500-4500 rated wattage range. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the WEN GN400i, weighing just 66.1 pounds.
  • Autonomy-wise, with around 9.3 hours on a full tank at a 50% load, the GP3600 is on the low end when compared to other generators of a similar power output. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Predator 4375, boasting with around 16 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. As this generator uses an estimated 0.4 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 Westinghouse iGen4500DF, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.23 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
According to our stats, the following comparison is pretty popular: Generac GP3600 vs Generac iQ3500.

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3500-4500W generators, the Generac GP3600 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

STRENGTHS:
  • Inexpensive
  • Several accessories included
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (105 lbs)
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start
  • Relatively low run time

Do you own the Generac GP3600 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine212 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz
Running watts3,600 W
Starting watts4,500 W
Running amps30 amps
Peak amps37.5 amps
Run time @50% load9.3 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerLifetime run hours
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tankSteel, 3.7 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight105 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)24 x 22.5 x 21.3 in
Noise (lower limit)Unknown
THD< 25%
ComplianceCARB
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedOil, funnel, tool kit, and wheel kit
SeriesGP
Other model numbers7678
UPC696471074581

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.

Spec Improvement×

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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 GP3600 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?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our wattage calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeRefrigerator (energy star)1921192
Hair dryer18001900
Freezer8101750
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Total2857 W3857 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
RV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
Slow cooker270270
Radio100100
Total2860 W3450 W
For workGrinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Bug zapper8080
Total2740 W3840 W
What is the noise rating of the GP3600?

Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Generac does not provide their units' noise levels.

What make is the engine? (Asked April 19, 2020)

The engine is Generac-branded, but neither engineered nor manufactured in the U.S.

Will this gp3600 run an electric pressure washer ? (Asked August 08, 2020)

A basic electric pressure washer usually has a 12 to 13-amp motor, which operates on 120V. 13x120=1560W.

What type of oil and when does it need to be changed (Asked August 14, 2020)

Recommended oil is SAE 10W-30. Here's the oil change schedule recommended by Generac for the GP3600:
Generac GP3600 Maintenance Schedule

What's the purpose of cleaning the spark arrestor every 50 hours ,unfortunately I bought my unit used so I don't have the manual is supposed to go it also where is the serial number located on the generac 3600 Watt unit and last question how many runtime hours before oil changes please let me know thank you so much (Asked September 05, 2021)

You may find the owner's manual here (opens in a new tab). It should give you the answers to all your questions.

Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.

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Generac GP3600
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    So far I got to say I really do like my used generac 3600 watt generator is quieter than a typical lawn mower overall seems like it would be great for camping purposes do you believe I’ll enjoy having it

    + PROS:
    • It was just what I was looking for
    - CONS:
    • No problems with it so far
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