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Generac RS8000E (Discontinued)

The Generac RS8000E (7951) is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 8,000 W and a starting wattage of 10,000 W. (Read full specs)

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Generac RS8000E
⚠️

This product has been discontinued. We've kept this page live for reference.

Description

Generac’s Rapid Start portable generators with PowerDial, provides back up power with the turn of a dial. The PowerDial streamlines the start-up process by putting all the controls on one convenient dial, so no more separate switches for turning on the engine, opening the fuel valve, or to adjust the choke.

Zoom on the Generac RS8000E

In a nutshell, the Generac RS8000E 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 in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
  • Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working

In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.

Power & Run Time

Running on gasoline, the Generac RS8000E operates with a 420 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120/240V, with a running wattage of 8,000W and a peak wattage of 10,000W.

Equipped with a simple traditional pull-start mechanism and an intuitive and practical electric starter (battery included), this generator provides versatile starting capabilities. It features Generac's PowerDial™, an easy-to-use dial with three operation settings.

The RS8000E boasts a fuel tank capable of holding 7.5 gallons, allowing it to run continuously for around 10.5 hours at 50% load (with fuel usage averaging around 0.71 gallons per hour).

Outlets

The control panel includes the following 5 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle

As it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the RS8000E 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

Measuring L30 x W27.1 x H25.7 in, the classic open frame construction of the Generac RS8000E provides stability while enabling convenient maintenance access to components and adequate air cooling. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.

Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 213.8 lbs make may make it challenging to manually lift and transport. However, the lack of maneuverability can be offset with its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle, which allows for convenient shifting once the generator is placed on the ground.

Features

Panel of the Generac RS8000E

The RS8000E's control panel

Enhancing monitoring capabilities, the RS8000E features a digital data center within its control panel, furnishing essential details on the lifetime run hours for tracking activity and status.

The fuel level of the generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.

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

While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Generac RS8000E, the following accessories are also included: oil, extension cord and battery charger.

Product Videos

The Generac RS8000E versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Generac RS8000E compare to generators of similar power (between 7500 and 8500 W).

  • With a dry weight of 213.8 pounds, the Generac RS8000E finds itself in the expected weight range for generators able to produce between 7500 and 8500 rated watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Genmax GM10500XiT, with a dry weight of just 123.5 pounds.
  • Offering around 10.5 hours of running time on a full tank at 50% load, the RS8000E is within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful generators. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Champion 100416, reaching around 12.5 hours.
  • The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. This generator can be considered as fuel-efficient, due to its low estimated fuel consumption of only 0.71 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, within the aforementioned wattage range. If you wish to get a unit of similar power, but with one of the best fuel efficiency, you could consider the Powerhorse s10500id, which has an impressively low fuel consumption of 0.59 GPH.
According to our stats, the following comparison is pretty popular: Generac RS8000E vs Generac GP8000E.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • GFCI Outlets
  • Electric start
  • Fuel efficient
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (213.8 lbs)
  • Decent run time
WEAKNESSES:
  • No 50-amp output
  • No remote start

Do you own the Generac RS8000E 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
Engine420 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil, Electric
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz
Running watts8,000 W
Starting watts10,000 W
Running amps (@120/240V)66.7/33.3 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)83.3/41.7 amps
Run time @50% load10.5 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerLifetime run hours
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tank7.5 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight213.8 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)30 x 27.1 x 25.7 in
Noise (lower limit)Unknown
THDUnknown
ComplianceEPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil, battery charger, extension cord, battery, and wheel kit
UPC696471075823

We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.

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 RS8000E 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 generator sizer.
Item Running Watts Starting Watts
At home Microwave (1000 watts) 1500 1500
Electric fry pan 1500 1500
Dish washer 1500 3000
AC (10,000 BTU) 1500 2200
Refrigerator (energy star) 192 1192
Security system 180 180
Total 6372 W 7872 W
For camping RV AC (11,000 BTU) 1010 1600
RV refrigerator 180 600
Hair dryer 1800 1900
Electric grill 1650 1650
Electric fry pan 1500 1500
Satelite receiver 250 250
Total 6390 W 6980 W
For work Table saw 1800 4500
Air compressor (1 hp) 1600 6100
Grinder 1400 2500
Paint sprayer 600 600
Bug zapper 80 80
Total 5480 W 9980 W
What is the noise rating of the RS8000E?

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

Can I power a flat screen TV from an rs 8000e (Asked August 12, 2020)

This unit is not suitable for powering sensitive electronics.

Generac RS8000E
6 Total Score
4 reviews
Add your review
Price
5.8
Value
6.5
Quality
5.8
Performance
5.8

User Reviews

Most Recent Most Helpful Highest Rating Lowest Rating Add your review
  1. 0.5
    Price
    10
    Value
    10
    Quality
    10
    Performance
    10

    70 year old female, bought this generator yesterday.
    Powers out, 19°.
    My hubby and I wrestled it out of the car, put it together, got all the extension cords arranged.
    Fired that baby up, plug in the cord…NO POWER.
    I checked everything according to a few you tube videos, tried the drill flashing..nothing.
    We will never be able to lift it back in the car, I called support, they wanted a $5 deposit.
    I really don’t know what to do.
    VERY VERY DISAPPOINTED

    + PROS:
    • None so far
    - CONS:
    • Didn't work out of the box.
    • I'll change my rating pending resolution.
    Helpful(1) Unhelpful(8)You have already voted this
  2. 5
    Price
    100
    Value
    100
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    100

    I bought the rs8000e after a 30 hour outage in 20 degree temperatures. I took initially could not start. The problem was that I didn’t wire the fully charged battery. After that senior moment was discovered, it started up right away. I
    wanted too avoid the gasoline/carburetor problem so I bought a propane conversion kit made for the rs8000e. Installs easily and no maintenance emptying the gasoline for storage.

    + PROS:
    • Very well built, reliable and easy to set up.
    - CONS:
    • None
    Helpful(4) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  3. 5
    Price
    100
    Value
    100
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    100

    (( Generac RS8000E )) Bought 08/22/2020 Great price considering it includes a 25′ Three Way Extension Cord & Oil for the crankcase. I start the Generator every month for 30 min. The Rapid Starter has worked great every time & is simply to operate. The charger that comes with the generator has an Out-Put of 14 volt so it’s more of a battery maintainer. If you are using it as a charger, it will take a couple days to recharge your battery. I use my regular Battery Charger & it only takes an hour to charge it. The included charger is nice for those that don’t have a standard battery charger. I haven’t used my generator since the Mid-West Derecho but it’s ready to go at all times..

    + PROS:
    • The Generac RS8000E is compact and the right size to run your house essentials in an emergency. It Starts & runs great. If you have any question about your Generac Generator. Their Help number is printed on the generator.
    - CONS:
    • Some Generac Generators come with a Fuel Shut-Off. This model does not so I had to add my own. That way I can shut the gas off from the tank and drain the Carburetor for storage so I don't have to start it every month. Also I wish it would have came with a dust cover.
    Helpful(4) Unhelpful(4)You have already voted this
  4. Avatar
    Craig Huebner July 26, 2021 at 6:07 pm
    1.4
    Price
    20
    Value
    50
    Quality
    20
    Performance
    20

    Just bought the RS8000E , Put it all together , oil in it , gas in it. Went to rapid start…… NOTHING. I used the battery charger for 6 hours…..NOTHING !!!! Not impressed.

    + PROS:
    • Looks nice
    - CONS:
    • Rapid start doesn't work
    Helpful(0) Unhelpful(7)You have already voted this

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