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Description
Zoom on the Generac GP6500
In summary, the Generac GP6500 is a portable generator especially useful for:
- Food truck owners who do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
- 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'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 6,500W and a peak wattage of 8,125W.
This generator gets running thanks to a simple traditional 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:
Because the GP6500 is equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it can power your home during a power outage, as it can be easily connected to your breaker box to power your household.
Portability
The Generac GP6500 has the following dimensions: L27.2 x W27 x H26.5 in. In combination with its conventional, open frame design, they provide support and allow the generator to be raised above ground level. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
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 172 lbs. Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.
Features
The control panel of the GP6500 includes a digital data center, which assists you in monitoring its status and activity, as it provides information on the lifetime run hours.
Thanks to a built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently and easily check the gas level at a glance.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), 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, making it usable 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).
- Having a dry weight of 172 lbs, the Generac GP6500 belongs in the expected weight range for generators which produce 6000 to 7000 rated watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Sportsman GEN85KIDF, weighing just 133 pounds.
- As the GP6500 offers around 10.5 hours run time on a full tank at a 50% load, it falls within the average autonomy range among the generators of a similar power. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Westinghouse WGen6000, which is able to run for around 13 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank’s capacity and thus, doesn’t say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. This generator is somewhat less fuel efficient than devices of comparable output: its estimated fuel consumption reaches 0.66 GPH at a 50% load. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the A-iPower SUA7000L, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.36 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
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
- Decent weight (172 lbs)
- Decent run time
- No 50-amp output
- No electric start
- Not CARB-compliant
- Low fuel efficiency
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 | 6,500 W |
Starting watts | 8,125 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 | 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) |
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% |
Compliance | 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 |
UPC | 696471075120 |
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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
Washing machine | 900 | 1650 | |
Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
Total | 5172 W | 6647 W | |
For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
Satelite receiver | 250 | 250 | |
Total | 5180 W | 5600 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.