Generac GP6500 - 6500/8125W Portable Generator

In a nutshell, the Generac GP6500 is a portable generator mostly geared towards:

• Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
• Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
• Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working

In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.

Power & Run Time

The Generac GP6500

The Generac GP6500'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 6500W and a peak wattage of 8125W.

The generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism.

The fuel capacity of 6.9 gallons allows the GP6500 to operate for around 10.5 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.66 GPH).

The GP6500 is unsuitable for the powering of sensitive electronic devices due to its relatively high THD (<20%).

Outlets

The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:

Due to the featured twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the GP6500 is transfer switch ready: you may connect it to a breaker box to power your household during a power outage.

Portability

The dimensions of the Generac GP6500, which are L27.2 x W27 x H26.5 in, and its typical, open frame design provides stability and enables the generator to be raised above ground level. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.

Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 172 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 GP6500's control panel

A digital data center, one of the features of the GP6500's control panel, gives you information on the lifetime run hours, and thus, is helpful for the monitoring of its activity and status.

Thanks to a built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently and easily check the gas level at a glance.

As for its security measures, the device features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, letting you use it with a peace of mind.

The GP6500 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 GP6500 also is packed along with the following accessories: funnel and oil.

Emissions

The Generac GP6500 is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.

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