Generac GP5500E - 5500/6875W Portable Generator With Electric Start And EFI Engine
The Generac GP5500E (8150) is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 5,500 W and a starting wattage of 6,875 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Generac GP5500E
In a nutshell, the Generac GP5500E is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- 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
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
Power & Run Time
The Generac GP5500E houses a 298 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120/240V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 5,500W along with a peak wattage of 6,875W.
This generator features a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism, but also a user-friendly and efficient electric starter (battery included).
The Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system enhances the engine's reliability, lowers fuel consumption, improves startup, reduces servicing, boosts stale fuel resistance, and offers better altitude adaptability.
Featuring a 5.4 gallons fuel tank, the GP5500E provides continuous power for around 10.5 hours at 50% load on a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.51 GPH).
The quite high THD (<20%) of the GP5500E makes it unsuitable for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 5 AC outlets:
With its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the GP5500E is designed to be transfer switch ready, allowing easy connection to your breaker box for powering your home during a blackout.
Portability
With dimensions of L27 x W27 x H25 in, the traditional open frame design of the Generac GP5500E ensures stability while allowing easy maintenance access to components and promoting effective air cooling. The generator is designed for outdoor use and demanding environments.
While technically classified as 'portable' due to its ability to be moved, the 163 lbs of this generator may make manual lifting and transportation somewhat difficult. However, the limited maneuverability is remedied with its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle, facilitating convenient shifting once the generator is positioned on the ground.
Features
The GP5500E's control panel
Enhancing monitoring capabilities, the GP5500E features a digital data center within its control panel, furnishing essential details on the lifetime run hours for tracking activity and status.
Benefiting from its built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows for easy and immediate gas level inspections.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off.
The GP5500E also benefits from Generac’s COsense® carbon monoxide monitoring. This technology senses and manages CO output and shuts down the unit when necessary, to protect you from CO poisoning.
Beyond the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, the Generac GP5500E ships with supplementary accessories: oil, tool kit and funnel.
The Generac GP5500E versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Generac GP5500E compare to generators of similar power (between 5000 and 6000 W).
- At 163 lbs in dry weight, the Generac GP5500E fits well within the typical weight bracket for generators producing 5000 to 6000 rated watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Pulsar PGX60BiSRCO, weighing just 93.5 pounds.
- The GP5500E, 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. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Pulsar PG7500, reaching around 13 hours.
- Though run time is a significant parameter, it's closely tied to the generator's fuel tank size. To get a comprehensive understanding, fuel efficiency must also be taken into account. This generator has an average fuel consumption among comparably powerful devices, as it reaches 0.51 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the DuroMax XP7000iHT, with a fuel consumption of 0.38 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 5000-6000W generators, the Generac GP5500E is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- COsense® technology
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Electronic Fuel Injection
- Decent weight (163 lbs)
- Decent run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No remote start
Do you own the Generac GP5500E and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 298 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 5,500 W |
| Starting watts | 6,875 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 45.8/22.9 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 57.3/28.6 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 | 5.4 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 163 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 27 x 27 x 25 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | < 20% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, battery, and wheel kit |
| Other model numbers | 8150 |
| UPC | 696471104639 |
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 GP5500E 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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 4397 W | 5897 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 4390 W | 4980 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 4010 W | 6710 W |
What is the noise rating of the GP5500E?
Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Generac does not provide their units' noise levels.
How much oil does the 389 cc motor hold (Asked June 08, 2021)
Engine oil capacity is 1.06 qts.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
