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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 wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- 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
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The Genmax GM5500i's engine, 312 cc Dinking OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120/240V. It provides a running wattage of 5,000W and reaches a peak wattage of 5,500W.
With a noise rating of 62 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office), the inverter generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, but also 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 <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:
It also sports 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (USB-A) allowing you to conveniently charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets.
Because the GM5500i is equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it can power your home during a power outage, as it can be easily connected to your breaker box to power your household.
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 modern design aims to provide an ideal power solution to recreational users.
Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 116.6 pounds. 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
The control panel of the GM5500i includes a digital data center, which assists you in monitoring its status and activity, as it provides information on the frequency, fuel level, power output, voltage and lifetime run hours.
In addition to this info, the device’s light indicators will display if the generator is overloaded, the generator is ready and its oil levels are insufficient.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, giving you a peace of mind during use.
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. It’s a welcomed additional security feature, but don’t forget to always take your generator outside (opens in a new tab).
Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Genmax GM5500i's package also includes these accessories: funnel and tool kit.
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 and therefore, can be used 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 you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Genmax GM6000XiE, with a dry weight of just 106.9 pounds.
- With a lowest noise rating of 62 dBA, the inverter generator is one of the more quiet of the generators of similar power. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Honda EU7000iS, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 52 dBA.
- As for its autonomy, the GM5500i, with an autonomy of up to 13 hours at a 25% load, is placed on the low end among the generators of its kind. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Honda EU7000iS, with up to 16 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. At an estimated fuel consumption of 0.27 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, this inverter generator is one of the most fuel efficient units within its wattage category.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 4500-5500W generators, the Genmax GM5500i 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
- CO DETECT technology
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Inverter
- Lightweight for its kind (116.6 lbs)
- Quiet for its power (62 dBA)
- Fuel efficient
- No remote start
- No parallel ports
- Not CARB-compliant
- 1-year warranty
- Relatively low run time
Features and Specifications
Inverter | Yes |
---|---|
Portable | Yes |
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | No |
Fuel | Gasoline |
Engine | 312 cc Dinking OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
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 | 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) |
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 | < 5% |
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 |
Warranty | 1 year |
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.