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Description
Zoom on the Powerhorse 27000
In a nutshell, the Powerhorse 27000 is a powerful portable generator mostly geared towards:
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
- Small homeowners in search of a full power backup solution
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.
Power & Run Time
The Powerhorse 27000
The Powerhorse 27000's core is the 999 cc OHV V-Twin engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120/240V, it provides a running wattage of 18,000W and a peak wattage of 27,000W.
This generator features a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included).
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 17.2 gallons, the 27000 can operate for around 8 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 2.15 GPH).
Delicate electronics can be plugged in an AC outlets safely, as the 27000 generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel features the following 8 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy.
This Powerhorse generator features an L5-30R receptacle, enabling an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. However, it is still not quite RV ready. Besides, as the 27000 holds a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: you'll easily be able to connect it to your breaker box to power your home during a power outage.
Portability
The design of the Powerhorse 27000 is a typical, open frame, with the dimensions of L37.8 x W25.5 x H32.6 in, offering support and stability and enabling the possibility of raising it above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
While the generator is considered to be technically 'portable' (in the sense that you can move it), manually lifting and transporting it may be challenging, due to its high weight of 510 lbs. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit (⌀13") and its folding handle, once it is placed 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
The 27000's control panel
The 27000 and its control panel include a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours. This feature comes handy when monitoring its status and activity.
Thanks to a built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently and easily check the gas level at a glance.
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.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Powerhorse 27000 also is packed along with the following accessories: funnel and battery charging cables.
Emissions
The Powerhorse 27000 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.
Product Video
The Powerhorse 27000 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Powerhorse 27000 compare to generators of similar power (between 14000 and 20000 W).
- At a dry weight of 510 pounds, the Powerhorse 27000 is one of the heavier devices which can produce between 14000 and 20000 running watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Generac GP15000E, standing at just 363 lbs.
- As far as autonomy is concerned, providing around 8 hours of runtime with a full tank at a 50% load, the 27000 falls into the low end in comparison with other devices of a comparable power output. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Westinghouse WGen20000, which is able to run for around 11 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. This generator is rather wasteful, compared to other devices within the aforementioned output range, when it comes to gasoline consumption, as it reaches roughly 2.15 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Generac GP15500EFI, with a fuel consumption of 1.29 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 14000-20000W generators, the Powerhorse 27000 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
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Clean sine wave
- No recoil back-up
- No remote start
- Not CARB-compliant
- On the heavy side (510 lbs)
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 999 cc OHV V-Twin |
| Starting system | Electric |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 18,000 W |
| Starting watts | 27,000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 150/75 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 225/112.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 8 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A receptacle |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 17.2 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 510 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 37.8 x 25.5 x 32.6 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | < 5% |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Accessories included | Funnel, battery charging cables, battery, and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | China |
| Other model numbers | 99932 |
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 Powerhorse
Powerhorse is a trademarked brand name of gas-powered outdoor products owned and distributed by the Northern Tool & Equipment Company Inc. through their store locations and online. Powerhorse outdoor products include gas- and electric-powered tools including pressure washers, wood chippers/shredders, log splitters, electric generators and inverters. The product line also offers engines and water pumps. The brand's motto is "Power You Can Depend On". Powerhorse generators are engineered, developed and tested in Minnesota, but manufactured in China or Vietnam.
Warranty Information
The Powerhorse 27000 is covered under a warranty for up to 2 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Powerhorse generators, please contact the Powerhorse Customer Support: 1-866-443-2576.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Clothes dryer | 5400 | 6750 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 14392 W | 15892 W | |
| For work | Electric welder | 9000 | 9000 |
| Table saw | 1800 | 4500 | |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 14380 W | 18880 W |
I just purchased this Powerhorse 18000w generator. I'm wanting to power up my home. Will I need an inverter? (Asked January 30, 2021)
The unit has a THD below 5%, which is considered safe for powering appliances that contain sensitive electronic components. You shouldn't need an inverter.
Are there any fuel conversion kits to allow for this unit to run tri-fuel? (Asked March 04, 2021)
There are no official conversion kits.
Can it be shipped in British Columbia Canada? (Asked May 21, 2021)
Absolutely. Northern Tool ships to most countries all over the world, including Canada.
I purchased the 27000/18000 watt Powerhorse what size cord do I needed for backup power to my home, all I see are cords rated for 12500 watts (Asked July 10, 2022)
It's quite normal to find cords only rated for 12500 watts, since you won't get more than 12kW from a single outlet (240V*50A=12000).
How much oil does the machine need (Asked April 17, 2023)
Engine oil capacity is 2.6 qt.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
