Generac RS8000E - 8000/10000W Portable Generator

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.

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Generac RS8000EGenerac RS8000EGenerac RS8000E

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. (source: Generac (opens in a new tab))

Zoom on the Generac RS8000E

In summary, the Generac RS8000E 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 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

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 RS8000E's engine, 420 cc OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120/240V. It provides a running wattage of 8,000W and reaches a peak wattage of 10,000W.

This generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, but also a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included). It features Generac's PowerDial™, an easy-to-use dial with three operation settings.

The fuel capacity of 7.5 gallons allows the RS8000E to operate for around 10.5 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.71 GPH).

Outlets

The control panel provides the upcoming 5 AC outlets:

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

Due to the featured twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the RS8000E is transfer switch ready: you may connect it to a breaker box to power your household during a power outage.

Portability

The Generac RS8000E has a conventional, open frame design, of the following dimensions: L30 x W27.1 x H25.7 in, which offers support and allows it to be raised above ground level. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.

Since the generator weighs 213.8 lbs, it will be incredibly difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). However, its challenging mobility is solved by its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle, which will ease its displacement, once it is on the floor.

Features

Panel of the Generac RS8000E

The RS8000E's control panel

A digital data center, one of the features of the RS8000E's control panel, gives you information on the lifetime run hours, and thus, is helpful for the monitoring of its 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.

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.

Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Generac RS8000E's package also includes these accessories: oil, battery charger and extension cord.

Emissions

The Generac RS8000E 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 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).

  • Having a dry weight of 213.8 lbs, the Generac RS8000E belongs in the expected weight range for generators which produce 7500 to 8500 rated watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Westinghouse ecoGen10000, with a dry weight of just 147.7 pounds.
  • The RS8000E, falls within the average autonomy range compared to generators of a roughly same power, with a run time of around 10.5 hours at a 50% load and a full tank. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Champion 100416, as it provides around 12.5 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 reaches an estimated fuel consumption of 0.71 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, making it average, for the previously mentioned wattage range. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.55 GPH, the Pulsar PG10000B16 is a device you could look out for.
According to our stats, the following comparison is pretty popular: Generac RS8000E vs Generac GP8000E.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • Several accessories included
  • GFCI Outlets
  • Electric start
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (213.8 lbs)
  • Decent run time
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • No 50-amp output
  • No remote start
  • Not CARB-compliant

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

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.

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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 sizing calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeAC (10,000 BTU)15002200
Dish washer15003000
Microwave (1000 watts)15001500
Electric fry pan15001500
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Security system180180
Total6372 W7872 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Hair dryer18001900
Electric grill16501650
Microwave (1000 watts)15001500
Satelite receiver250250
Total6390 W6980 W
For workTable saw18004500
Air compressor (1 hp)16006100
Grinder14002500
Drill600900
Bug zapper8080
Total5480 W9980 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.

Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.

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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(0) Unhelpful(1)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(1) 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(2) Unhelpful(2)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(4)You have already voted this

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