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Description
Zoom on the Genmax GM5500i
In a nutshell, the Genmax GM5500i is a compact portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
- 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 Genmax GM5500i's design includes a gasoline-fueled 312 cc Dinking OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120/240V output, it gives a running wattage of 5,000W and also a peak wattage of 5,500W.
The inverter generator is rated for a noise of 62 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation). Its starting mechanisms include a simple traditional pull-start mechanism and a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included).
The GM5500i can operate for up to 13 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.27 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 3.5 gallons.
The GM5500i produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
It also sports 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (USB-A) with which you may charge electronics, for example mobile phones or tablets, conveniently.
Due to the featured twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the GM5500i is transfer switch ready: you may connect it to a breaker box to power your household during a power outage.
Portability
Thanks to its closed inverter generator design (L21.1 x W18.5 x H24 in), the Genmax GM5500i, is more esthetical than a typical, open frame generator. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 116.6 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. However, this lack of maneuverability is compensated by its set of 2 wheels (⌀5.5") and its telecospic handle, with which you can conveniently shift it, once it's on the ground.
Features
To help you monitor the GM5500i's status and activity, its control panel is equipped with a digital data center, giving you information on the lifetime run hours, voltage, power output, fuel level and frequency.
In addition to this info, the device’s light indicators will display if the generator is on overload, the generator is ready and its oil levels are insufficient.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker).
It also benefits from Genmax's CO DETECT technology, which is designed to monitor the level of carbon monoxide present during the generator's operation. If the generator is positioned incorrectly and carbon monoxide levels rise to an unsafe level, the generator will automatically shut down.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Genmax GM5500i also is packed along with the following accessories: tool kit and funnel.
Emissions
The Genmax GM5500i is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.
However, it features a spark arrestor, so it is adequate for use in forested areas.
In addition, the unit meets the ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 safety and performance requirements.
Product Videos
The Genmax GM5500i versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Genmax GM5500i compare to generators of similar power (between 4500 and 5500 W).
- As far as its dry weight is concerned, the Genmax GM5500i weighs just 116.6 pounds and thus, it is one of the lighter 4500 to 5500 rated wattage generators. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the WEN GN5600, weighing just 103.6 pounds.
- As its lowest possible noise is rated at 62 dBA, this inverter generator qualifies as one of the more quiet of the products of similar power. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Honda EU7000iS, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
- Autonomy-wise, with up to 13 hours on a full tank at a 25% load, the GM5500i is on the low end when compared to other generators of a similar power output. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the DuroMax XP5500EH, as it provides up to 19 hours.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. Standing at an estimated 0.27 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load, this inverter generator is somewhat average in this area compared to other devices, within the aforementioned wattage range. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the DuroMax XP5500EH, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.21 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 4500-5500W inverter generators, the Genmax GM5500i is on the cheap side of the price range.
It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.
The bottom line
- Inexpensive
- CO DETECT technology
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Inverter
- Lightweight for its kind (116.6 lbs)
- Quiet for its power (62 dBA)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No remote start
- No parallel ports
- Not CARB-compliant
- 1-year warranty
- Relatively low run time
Features and Specifications
Inverter | Yes |
---|---|
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | No |
Fuel | Gasoline |
Engine | 312 cc Dinking OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
Warranty | 1 year |
Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
---|---|
Running watts | 5,000 W |
Starting watts | 5,500 W |
Running amps (@120/240V) | 41.7/20.8 amps |
Peak amps (@120/240V) | 45.8/22.9 amps |
Run time @50% load | 8.5 h |
Run time @25% load | 13 h |
GFCI outlets | Yes |
---|---|
Covered outlets | Yes |
Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
AC outlets |
|
DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port (USB-A) |
Data center | Power output, fuel level, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency |
Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
Fuel tank | Steel, 3.5 gal |
Fuel gauge | Digital |
Weight | 116.6 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 21.1 x 18.5 x 24 in |
Noise (lower limit) | 62 dBA |
THD | < 3% |
Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 |
Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
Spark arrestor | Yes |
Neutral | Bonded to frame |
Accessories included | Funnel, tool kit, and battery |
Country of origin | China |
UPC | 768494055455 |
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.
About Genmax
GENMAX is a new portable generator brand registered by the Chongqing Dinking Power Machinery Co. LTD., which itself was founded in 2010 and is currently located in Chongqing, China. Dinking specializes in the general motor industry and manufactures portable generators, power sources, water pumps, garden machinery and construction machinery for foreign markets. Among most notable achievements are Dinking’s exclusive contract with Hyundai and 5th place in the ranking of Chinese foreign trade exporters in general motor industry (2016). GENMAX brand portfolio includes a sizeable selection of gas-powered generators covering all common wattage categories.
Warranty Information
The Genmax GM5500i is covered under a warranty for up to 1 year. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Genmax generators, please contact the Genmax Customer Support: 1-866-960-2920.
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 | |
Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
Total | 3992 W | 5467 W | |
For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
Rice cooker | 650 | 650 | |
Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
Total | 3985 W | 4405 W | |
For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
Total | 2780 W | 5480 W |
Where can I pick up a replacement air filter? (Asked November 13, 2022)
Replacement parts can be ordered from GenMax: 1-866-960-2920.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.