Generac GP6500 - Spec Review

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 sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
• 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 GP6500

The Generac GP6500's design includes a gasoline-fueled 389 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120/240V output, it gives a running wattage of 6500W and also a peak wattage of 8125W.

This generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism.

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

The powering of sensitive electronic devices with the GP6500 is not recommended due to its relatively high THD (<20%).

Outlets

The control panel includes the following 5 AC outlets:

As it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the GP6500 is transfer switch ready: in case of a power outage, you will be easily able to connect it to a breaker box and power your household.

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 generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.

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). Still, once it is on the ground, its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.

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.

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 point of view, the generator is equipped with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during use.

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).

Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Generac GP6500 also comes with some accessories: funnel and oil are included.

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 thus, may be used in forested areas.