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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 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 Powerhorse 27000's engine, 999 cc OHV V-Twin, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120/240V. It provides a running wattage of 18000W and reaches a peak wattage of 27000W.
The generator features a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included).
The 27000 can operate for around 8 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 2.15 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 17.2 gallons.
The 27000 generates a clean sine wave: providing <5% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD), delicate electronics can be plugged in its AC outlets safely.
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 8 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries.
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 it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 27000 is transfer switch ready: in case of a power outage, you will be easily able to connect it to a breaker box and power your household.
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 design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 510 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. 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.
The generator comes with an additional safety feature, a lift hook on the top of its frame, which is helpful during its transport, loading and unloading.
Features
The 27000's control panel
The 27000's control center features a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours to aid you with the monitoring of its status and activity.
The generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
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).
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Powerhorse 27000, the following accessories are also included: 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 and thus, may be used in forested areas.
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 18000 W).
- Considering its dry weight of 510 pounds, the Powerhorse 27000 is one of the heavier generators producing between 14000 and 18000 running watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Generac GP15000E, standing at just 363 lbs.
- Autonomy-wise, with around 8 hours on a full tank at a 50% load, the 27000 is on the low end when compared to other generators of a similar power output. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Generac GP15000E, boasting with around 10 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. This generator is somewhat less fuel efficient than devices of comparable output: its estimated fuel consumption reaches 2.15 GPH at a 50% load. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Generac GP17500E, which has a fuel consumption of only 1.6 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 14000-18000W generators, the Powerhorse 27000 is on the expensive side of the price range.
While certainly not the cheapest of its kind, purchasing it would most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.
The bottom line
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Clean sine wave
- On the expensive side
- 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 |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 999 cc OHV V-Twin |
| Starting system | Electric |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 18000 W |
| Starting watts | 27000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 150/75 amps |
| Peaks 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% |
| Emissions | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Accessories included | Funnel, battery charging cables, battery, and wheel kit |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| 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".
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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Clothes dryer | 5400 | 6750 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Clothes iron | 1270 | 1270 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 14392 W | 15867 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Rice cooker | 650 | 650 | |
| Coffee maker | 600 | 600 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| DVD player | 350 | 350 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Satelite receiver | 250 | 250 | |
| Mixer | 200 | 200 | |
| LED TV | 150 | 150 | |
| Game console | 150 | 150 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Inflator pump | 50 | 200 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Fan | 40 | 120 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 13150 W | 13740 W | |
| For work | Electric welder | 9000 | 9000 |
| Table saw | 1800 | 4500 | |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Drain cleaner | 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.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
