Generac XC6500 - 6500/8125W Portable Generator

The Generac XC6500 (8043) is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 6,500 W and a starting wattage of 8,125 W. (Read full specs)

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Generac XC6500Generac XC6500Generac XC6500

Description

Zoom on the Generac XC6500

In summary, the Generac XC6500 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 in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment

Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.

Power & Run Time

The Generac XC6500's core is the 426 cc Generac G-Force 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 utilizes a manual recoil starter system for startup.

The XC6500 boasts a fuel tank capable of holding 8.5 gallons, allowing it to run continuously for around 14 hours at 50% load (with fuel usage averaging around 0.61 gallons per hour).

The XC6500 generates a clean sine wave: providing <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), delicate electronics can be plugged in its AC outlets safely.

Outlets

The full GFCI control panel features 6 AC outlets as follows:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R)
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle

Even if this Generac generator isn't quite RV Ready, it still allows for an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor, thanks to its L5-30R receptacle. Besides, since it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the XC6500 is tailored to be transfer switch ready, making it easy to connect it to your breaker box for home power support during outages.

Portability

At L34.3 x W28.6 x H32.5 in, the standard open frame design of the Generac XC6500 delivers stability alongside easy maintenance access to components and good air cooling. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.

Despite its 243 lbs, the generator falls under the category of 'portable,' signifying its movability, although its weight may hinder easy portability. However, the limited maneuverability is remedied with its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle, facilitating convenient shifting once the generator is positioned on the ground.

Further safety during transport, loading and unloading of the device is provided by a lift hook, which is placed on the top of the generator's frame.

Features

Panel of the Generac XC6500

The XC6500's control panel

Monitoring of the XC6500's status and activity is made possible by a digital data center, which provides information on the lifetime run hours and is one of the features of its control panel.

The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.

As far as security is concerned, the generator comes with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, providing peace of mind during use.

The XC6500 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 to assist with setup, the Generac XC6500 ships with supplementary accessories: tool kit and oil.

The Generac XC6500 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Generac XC6500 compare to generators of similar power (between 6000 and 7000 W).

  • Weighing 243 lbs, the Generac XC6500 is one of the heavier generators within the 6000-7000 rated wattage bracket. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO, with a dry weight of just 118 pounds.
  • As the XC6500 features an autonomy of around 14 hours at 50% load, it has one of the highest run times in comparison to the other generators of its power range.
  • Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. The generator burns fuel at a rate of around 0.61 GPH when running at a 50% load, which is consistent with the average fuel usage of models of comparable power output. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.42 GPH, may be the right generator for you.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • COsense® technology
  • Several accessories included
  • Full GFCI panel
  • G-Force engine
  • Clean sine wave
  • High run time
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • No 50-amp output
  • No electric start
  • On the heavy side (243 lbs)

Do you own the Generac XC6500 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
Engine426 cc Generac G-Force OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz
Running watts6,500 W
Starting watts8,125 W
Running amps (@120/240V)54.2/27.1 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)67.7/33.9 amps
Run time @50% load14 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsFull panel
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerLifetime run hours
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tank8.5 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight243 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)34.3 x 28.6 x 32.5 in
Noise (lower limit)Unknown
THD< 5%
ComplianceEPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil, tool kit, and wheel kit
SeriesXC
Other model numbersG0080430
UPC696471102901

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 XC6500 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.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeSump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Furnace fan (1/2 hp)8752350
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Electric range21002100
Washing machine9001650
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Cell phone charger2020
Total5192 W6667 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
Hair dryer18001900
Electric grill16501650
Satelite receiver250250
Total5180 W5600 W
For workTable saw18004500
Air compressor (1 hp)16006100
Bug zapper8080
Total3480 W7980 W
What is the noise rating of the XC6500?

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

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