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Since: March 4, 2021 |
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Description
Zoom on the Generac GP6500
In a nutshell, the Generac GP6500 is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- Food truck owners who do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
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 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.
This generator is started via 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 quite high THD (<20%) of the GP6500 makes it unsuitable for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel includes 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 design of the Generac GP6500 is a typical, open frame, with the dimensions of L27.2 x W27 x H26.5 in, offering support and stability and enabling the possibility of raising it above ground level. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
As the generator's weight is 172 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.
Features
The GP6500's control panel
One of the many GP6500's features is the 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.
The generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, allowing you to 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).
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Generac GP6500, the following accessories are also included: 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, which makes it suitable for use in forested areas.
Product Videos
The Generac GP6500 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Generac GP6500 compare to generators of similar power (between 6000 and 7000 W).
- Weight-wise, the Generac GP6500 has only 172 lbs, which renders it one of the lighter generators which produce 6000 to 7000 rated watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Sportsman GEN85KIDF, with a dry weight of only 133 lbs.
- Given that the GP6500 reaches an autonomy of around 10.5 hours with a full tank and at 50% load, it is placed within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful generators. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Generac XC6500, boasting with around 14 hours.
- Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. Standing at an estimated 0.66 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, this generator is somewhat average in this area compared to other devices, within the aforementioned wattage range. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.38 GPH, the Lifan ESI 7000iER-EFI is a device you should look out for.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 6000-7000W generators, the Generac GP6500 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
- Lightweight for its kind (172 lbs)
- Decent run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No electric start
- Not CARB-compliant
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 389 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 6500 W |
| Starting watts | 8125 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 54.2/27.1 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 67.7/33.9 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10.5 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, 6.9 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 172 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 27.2 x 27 x 26.5 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | < 20% |
| Emissions | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, and wheel kit |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Series | GP |
| Other model numbers | 7680 |
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 GP6500 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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 5192 W | 6692 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 5195 W | 5785 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 3480 W | 7980 W |
What is the noise rating of the GP6500?
Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Generac does not provide their units' noise levels.
What model of carburetor for the generac generator 5500? (Asked July 04, 2020)
The carburetor part number is 0J2451. You can easily buy it online here on Amazon (opens in a new tab).
How many decibels does this put out (Asked August 09, 2020)
Unfortunately, Generac do not provide information regarding their units' noise rating.
Can it be converted to natural gas , if so where can I get the converter (Asked September 05, 2020)
There are no official conversion kits.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
