Pulsar PG7500 - 6000/7500W Portable Generator With Electric Start
The Pulsar PG7500 is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 6,000 W and a starting wattage of 7,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
With one of the largest engines in its class, the 15 HP Pulsar PG7500 provides up to 7500 peak watts that is enough to operate up to four major appliances at one time and still operate for up to 13 hours on a single 6.6 gallon tank of gasoline. With seven outlets, digital meter, easy-to-read fuel gauge, mobility kit and a maintenance-free battery for electric start from its keyless ignition, the PG7500 will be a welcome addition to any homeowner’s convenience arsenal when the power goes out.
Zoom on the Pulsar PG7500
To sum up, the Pulsar PG7500 is a portable generator tailored for:
- 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
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.
Power & Run Time
With a 420 cc (15 hp) Ducar OHV 4-stroke engine, the Pulsar PG7500 operates on gasoline, providing 120/240V, with a running wattage of 6,000W and a starting wattage of 7,500W.
At a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher), this generator can be started via a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism, or a user-friendly and efficient electric starter (battery included).
The PG7500's fuel tank holds 6.6 gallons, ensuring uninterrupted operation for around 13 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption approximately 0.51 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel features 6 AC outlets as follows:
In addition, it provides 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A output enabling simple battery charging for added ease.
This Pulsar 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, thanks to its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the PG7500 is transfer switch ready, facilitating easy hookup to your breaker box to provide backup power for your home during blackouts.
Portability
At L27 x W22.4 x H21.6 in, the Pulsar PG7500 boasts a traditional open frame structure, ensuring stability and allowing for convenient maintenance access to components, promoting air circulation. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
Despite its weight of 185 lbs, the generator is still considered 'portable,' meaning it is movable, although its heftiness may restrict portability in certain environments or require additional considerations for transportation and setup. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.
Features
To facilitate status and activity monitoring, a convenient meter, showing voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours metrics are embedded in the control panel of the PG7500.
In addition to this info, when the oil level is too low, you will be informed by the featured light indicator.
The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
Along with the aforementioned features, from an accessory standpoint, the Pulsar PG7500's box includes the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which will help you start your generator promptly.
The Pulsar PG7500 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Pulsar PG7500 compare to generators of similar power (between 5500 and 6500 W).
- With a dry weight of 185 lbs, the Pulsar PG7500 falls within the expected weight range for generators in the 5500 to 6500 rated wattage. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Champion 201239 with only 111.6 pounds.
- The generator can be considered average in its noise for its power category, as it is rated at 74 dBA. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may want to take a look at the Honda EU7000iS. It's one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, rated at 52 dBA.
- At 50% load, the PG7500 achieves one of the longer run times compared to devices of similar power, sustaining operations for around 13 hours. 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 Predator 6500, with around 14.5 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary to get the full picture. Among devices of similar power, this generator has one of the better fuel efficiency, with consumption rates of around 0.51 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the DuroMax XP7000iH is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.38 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 5500-6500W generators, the Pulsar PG7500 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
- Electric start
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- Decent weight (185 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (74 dBA)
- No 50-amp output
- No remote start
Features and Specifications
Inverter | No |
---|---|
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | No |
Fuel | Gasoline |
Engine | 420 cc Ducar OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
Warranty | 2 years |
Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
---|---|
Running watts | 6,000 W |
Starting watts | 7,500 W |
Running amps (@120/240V) | 50/25 amps |
Peak amps (@120/240V) | 62.5/31.3 amps |
Run time @50% load | 13 h |
Run time @25% load | Unknown |
GFCI outlets | No |
---|---|
Covered outlets | No |
Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
AC outlets |
|
DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A output |
Data center | VFT |
Indicators | Low oil |
Fuel tank | 6.6 gal |
Fuel gauge | Yes |
Weight | 185 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 27 x 22.4 x 21.6 in |
Noise (lower limit) | 74 dBA |
THD | Unknown |
Compliance | EPA |
Security | Low oil and overload protection |
Spark arrestor | Yes |
Neutral | Bonded to frame |
Accessories included | Battery and wheel kit |
UPC | 819699010395 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
About Pulsar
Pulsar is a brand registered under the Pulsar Products inc., based in California, USA. The company offers a decent choice of air compressors, pressure washers and of course, generators – which range from 1,2 kW to 10 kW and include dual fuel and RV-Ready designs. Pulsar has several facilities scattered throughout the US, including two distribution centers – one in California and second in Illinois. However, the production of their products seems to be outsourced overseas, to the continent of Asia.
Warranty Information
The Pulsar PG7500 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 Pulsar generators, please contact the Pulsar Customer Support: 1-866-591-8921.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
---|---|---|---|
At home | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
Radio | 100 | 100 | |
Total | 4792 W | 6292 W | |
For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
Radio | 100 | 100 | |
Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
Total | 4795 W | 5385 W | |
For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
Total | 4790 W | 7490 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
Pulsar PGDA70BiSCO Review after 15 run hours.
I bought my Pulsar generator a few weeks ago, but I wanted to put some time on it before my review. First, this is a GREAT generator. It’s a bit less expensive that others in its class, but it really doesn’t lack anything major. I would gladly buy it again. Now for some points:
1. My meter works 100%. It remembers the total time used, even after a complete shutdown. So while I see in Dave’s review he has a bad one, it’s not hard to replace. The meter is attached to the front control panel with 2 screws and just one connector in the back. So It can be replaced by the owner in 10 minutes, rather than shipping the whole unit in for repair. But again, mine works fine.
2. The generator itself is labeled “Neutral Bonded to Frame”, even though the owner’s manual is incorrect. But to use it as a whole house generator, it needs to be a floating neutral to comply with the National Electrical Code. After I questioned Pulsar, they responded with a solution. It was only a 10-minute fix. I removed the fuel supply knob, the flare fitting for the propane connection, and the screws attaching the control panel. Inside at the very bottom of the 120-volt GFI receptacle is the neutral to ground connection. There is NO grounding bus bar, just this ground screw on the receptacle. There are 2 white neutrals under one spade lug connection. Remove the spade lug with 2 white neutrals, put the ground screw back with the remaining ground wire, and tape up the neutrals well. Push it in and reconnect the panel. All neutrals are floating now, which is code required for a house connection using an interlocked generator breaker in your panel, and a house with it’s neutral to ground connection at the service panel.
3. I’m only using the 240/120 volt L14-30R receptacle for my house connection, so I didn’t care that the 120v receptacles are dead while on 240 volts.
4. The gas gauge works fine using gasoline. It’s impossible for the gauge to read an external propane tank level, as there is nothing that reads the tank’s level. But the gasoline level works fine.
5. Maintenance is very easy. I broke-in the generator for the first 5 hours as required, but I changed the oil 4 times in the 15 hours I’ve used it. Oil changes are very clean, because there is a hose you pull out that drips into an adjacent oil pan. Not a drop goes inside the frame. Same for filling it up. They give you a threaded funnel that connects to the dip stick hole, so oil is simply put in the funnel and doesn’t drip all over the frame. Also, the carburetor bowl has a clear hose attached to the bowl plug, so that too can drain the carburetor bowl gasoline outside of the frame. I wish my car was this easy.
6. All in all, a great generator at a very reasonable price.
Well Made but some Advertised Features are Missing
I purchased this PGDA70BiSCO dual fuel generator at Home Depot. This compact 7500 watt generator appears very well made and has clean, curved lines, not the typical clunky look you get with many generators.
The unit has 3 power outlet jacks: 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI, 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R), 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) as well as USB-C and USB-A jacks.
The remote electric start is nice and so are the USB-A and USB-C jacks. I confirm they will “Super Fast Charge” the current Samsung smart phones, for instance, so they provide at least 25 watts. The Carbon Monoxide sensor is a good feature too. This generator runs on gasoline or LPG (propane). There is no provision for natural gas. I tested with propane only.
The collapsible moving handle is well made of lightweight aluminum and functions well, making it easy to roll around this 118 Lb. generator. The Low Idle feature is great in that the generator runs slower and quieter until an increased load is detected. This will save fuel. There is a handy Digital Display Center. It does have minor issues to be mentioned later. It shows percentage of maximum load, Percentage of fuel remaining, Volts, Amps, Power in Kilowatts, and current run hours (NOT Total hours!). It also has LEDs for Overload, Power and Low Oil.
The generator has an automatic, timed electric start cycle. After holding the start button (or remote control button) for one second, there is a pause of a few seconds before the first electric start attempt is made. If it fails to start after 10 seconds, it pauses again and retries. On propane, the generator always took 3 tries of the starter before jumping to life. I did not try with gasoline. I also tried starting the generator using the pull cord. It took 5 or 6 pulls.
Both Neutral and Ground are bonded to the frame, despite some Pulsar misinformation saying “Neutral Floating”. The provided owner’s manual shows some different panel labels to the actual generator. The manual picture shows “Neutral Floating” on all power jacks but the actual generator says “Neutral Bonded to Frame”.
The engine does not have an oil filter or magnetic drain plug to catch metal particles which is a negative. The acoustic foam and foam tape seals on the plastic panels are not high quality neoprene types, but cheaper polyurethane, and will most likely turn to dust with time.
The Owner’s manual is pretty much useless and is basically an initial setup and starting procedures manual. The functions of various switches, sockets and digital meter is mentioned very briefly or not at all, and few or no details on how they work. Even the extendable, collapsible handle isn’t mentioned.
There is a VOLTAGE selection switch on the front panel that says 120V ONLY or 120/240 V. Despite what Pulsar says in their advertising, videos and even in the owner’s manual, I confirm that the PGDA70BiSCO DOES NOT supply both 120 & 240 Volts when the switch is set to 120/240 Volts! Only 240 Volts appears on the central L14-30R 4-pin 30 amp jack. All 120 Volt plugs are dead until you select 120V ONLY. Of course you then lose 240 Volts. I confirmed this with tech support who stated that the published specs and videos are incorrect. It’s either 120 Volts OR 240 Volts but not both, they said. Very disappointing for my needs and misleading to say the least. This was one of the reasons I bought this generator over others.
Also, despite what Pulsar states, the digital hour meter DOES NOT show total time. It shows current run time, which is a pretty much useless. The meter resets to zero when you turn the generator off. How dumb is that? So much for timing oil changes or just knowing how much time the unit has run since new. Tech Support said that some of their other models have a switch to toggle between current run time or total time. Not this one. Speaking of the LCD meter, it continuously toggles through Voltage, Current in Amps, Power in Kilowatts and Run Time in tenths of an hour. If the mode switch is set to 120 Volts, the meter will show that voltage reading only. If set to 120/240V the meter briefly shows the 240 volt reading first, followed by the 120 volt reading for a longer duration. The meter does not show frequency as stated in the owner’s manual or advertising. It would be nice if there was a HOLD button to stop toggling so one can monitor one parameter, say Amps or Watts for instance.
There is a vertical fuel meter on the digital display but it always showed ZERO fuel remaining. I only used propane, so perhaps that is why. Again, no mention of how to read the meter or if it only responds to gasoline. There is a vertical percentage percent of maximum power which did work.
When calling Tech Support to try to figure out why there was no 120 volt current in the 120/240V mode, I was on automatic hold for exactly 10 minutes before being asked to leave a phone number. I did this 3 times over a four hour period hoping I could talk to a live person, and then gave up and put the generator aside. I then wrote an email. Only the next day did someone respond to my phone messages, but this tech person was not well versed in the generator’s operation and did not have a solution for either the 120/240V issue or the problem with the total hours meter resetting. Later that day a knowledgable person responded to my email and confirmed that my problems were due to incorrect published information on the “soft launch” of this new model.
I should also mention that one side cover arrived with a crack, obviously sustained at the factory when someone tried to force the side cover in place, no doubt with a mallet. The packaging was perfect. No big deal. Pulsar said they could send me a new cover to install.
The 3 year warranty is nice. The generator was very well packed and came with remote control, 1 liter of engine oil, a screwdriver, spark plug wrench, oil funnel, and a propane hose and regulator. Also included were one each NEMA L14-30P 120/240V 30 amp plug, NEMA TT-30 RV 120V 30amp plug, NEMA 5-20P 120V-20 amp plug, and owner’s manual.
Overall, this seems a good value if you are willing to live with the aforementioned shortcomings.