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)
This product has been discontinued. We've kept this page live for reference.
Page Content
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 short, the Generac RS8000E is a portable generator adequately designed for:
- Food truck owners who want to ensure that their business is fully self-contained and does not rely on potentially unreliable external power
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
In the forthcoming sections, you'll delve into its power characteristics, the various outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the additional features it boasts.
Power & Run Time
With a 420 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, the Generac RS8000E operates on gasoline, providing 120/240V, with a running wattage of 8,000W and a starting wattage of 10,000W.
This generator can be started via a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, or a convenient and efficient electric starter (battery included). It features Generac's PowerDial™, an easy-to-use dial with three operation settings.
Featuring a 7.5 gallons fuel tank, the RS8000E provides continuous power for around 10.5 hours at 50% load on a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.71 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel features 5 AC outlets as follows:
Since the RS8000E bears a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it is easily connectible to a breaker box and can power your home in case of a power outage.
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 device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
While technically classified as 'portable' due to its ability to be moved, the 213.8 lbs of this generator make manual lifting and transportation incredibly difficult. 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
The control panel of the RS8000E includes a digital data center, which assists you in monitoring its status and activity, as it provides information on the lifetime run hours.
Equipped with a built-in fuel gauge, the generator facilitates swift gas level checks.
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.
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: extension cord, battery charger and oil.
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).
- Weighing in at 213.8 lbs, the Generac RS8000E fits within the expected weight range for devices producing 7500 to 8500 rated watts. Weight-conscious users may find the Genmax GM10500XiT appealing, as it is one of the top contenders in this power range, weighing just 123.5 pounds.
- At a 50% load, the RS8000E offers around 10.5 hours of runtime on a full tank, placing it within the average autonomy range among generators of similar power level. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the Champion 100416, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting around 12.5 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel tank capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary for a complete understanding. This generator is one of the more fuel-efficient models of the aforementioned output range, as its estimated fuel consumption reaches just 0.71 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Powerhorse s10500id. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.59 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.
The bottom line
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Fuel efficient
- Decent weight (213.8 lbs)
- Decent run time
- No 50-amp output
- No remote start
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 420 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 8,000 W |
| Starting watts | 10,000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 66.7/33.3 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 83.3/41.7 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 | 7.5 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 213.8 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 30 x 27.1 x 25.7 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, battery charger, extension cord, battery, and wheel kit |
| UPC | 696471075823 |
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.
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?
| 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 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 6387 W | 7862 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 6395 W | 6985 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.



User Reviews
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
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.
(( 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..
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.