When it comes to emergency electricity or powering your work site, it's always generator season. We're taking a closer look at the Generac 6515 also known as the GP6500 COsense portable generator. As hurricane season approaches, and construction needs continue unabated this is a generator for you.
The portable generator also called the Generac GP6500E is primarily intended for:
Its power characteristics, outlets, mobility, and other features, as well as any relevant information on emission compliance, will be discussed in the sections that follow.
With a list price of $799, the Generac GP6500E COsense is a great value. Here is a comparison of similar generators:
CARB-compliant models, including the $849 GP6500 7683, are available. A California-specific version of the same generator is on the market.
Features of the Generac 6515 Generator
The GP6500's control panel has a digital data center that shows the number of hours the machine has been running over its lifespan, making it easy to keep track of how well it's working and how much maintenance it needs.
The generator's built-in fuel indicator makes checking the gas level quick, simple, and convenient.
Further safety is provided by the generator's automated low oil shutoff and overload protection circuit breaker.
The GP6500 also includes COsense® carbon monoxide monitoring. As a precautionary measure, this device monitors CO emissions and shuts down the unit if necessary. As a precautionary measure, you should always use your generator outside.
An oil funnel and the standard owner's manual are included in the Generac GP6500's standard package.
The control panel has the following outlets:
The EPA has cleared the Generac GP6500E, but the CARB has not. It is therefore illegal to buy or sell it in the state of California.
However, because of the spark arrestor, it can be utilized in densely forested areas.
The Generac 6500-watt generator's COsense feature is its most notable feature. When the level of carbon monoxide in the air reaches a dangerous level, the engine is immediately shut down.
This is a common misconception among those who use generators: that operating them as long as there is an open door or window is adequate. However, this is not true. Even construction sites can be used as a collection location for CO. It's a shame, because this is a possibly fatal error.
As a result of COsense's faster detection than ordinary CO detectors, engines can be shut down sooner.
Even if you have the generator set up to run safely, this can still go against you from time to time. Keep an eye on the wind direction and make sure the exhaust is flowing away from, rather than into, the sensor to avoid sensor shutdowns.
389cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine that operates on gasoline and powers the Generac GP6500. Power consumption is 6500W on a 120/240V supply, and peak wattage is 8125W at 120V.
This generator has a typical pull-start mechanism.
Since it has a 6.9-gallon tank, the GP6500 can run at 50% load for about 10.5 hours with a full tank and a fuel usage around 0.66 GPH.
Not recommended for delicate electronic equipment because of its 20% THD.
When it comes to power, what does it mean to you?
Of course, every situation is different.
Most single-unit central AC systems (between 3000 and 5000 watts) can be powered by a direct connection, which can be set up by an electrician in your home.
Basically anything that can be put into a 120V socket can be used. What matters is how many of those objects you can simultaneously use. Even goods rated at 240 volts with a maximum operating current of 27 amps will be found to be safe.
Although using it as a whole-house generator with a possible output of 6500 continuous operating watts is impressive, it falls well short of what most people require for a standby unit.
With dimensions of L27.2 x W27 x H26.5 inches, the open-frame design of the Generac GP6500 ensures stability and the ability to lift it above ground level. Built to withstand adverse weather conditions, the generator can be used outside.
Due to the generator's 172-pound weight, moving or carrying it manually may be challenging, even if it is permissible to call it portable. Its 9.5-inch wheel kit and folding handle may easily overcome the problem of poor mobility once the device is on the ground.
172 pounds, the Generac GP6500 is one of the lightest generators in the 6k to 7k watt range. In terms of weight, Sportsman's GEN85KIDF is one of the best in this power range; it weighs just over 133 pounds.
A full tank at 50% load gets the GP6500E up and running in about 10.5 hours, which is about average for this class of vehicle. The Generac XC6500, which has a run time of about 14 hours, is one of the devices with the longest run time of similar power output.
Despite the fact that run times are substantial, fuel capacity is a major factor. Consider the generator's fuel consumption for a more complete picture.
If you compare this generator to similarly powerful devices, you'll find that it consumes 0.66 GPH of fuel every hour at 50% load. There are a few models in this power range that are more fuel efficient than the A-iPower SUA7000L, which uses 0.36 GPH of fuel.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
The price is in line with the target range. | There is no electric ignition. |
COsense® is a stand out feature. | Not approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). |
There are a lot of extras. | Even though there is no danger, the CO sensor can trip if it is positioned wrongly. |
GFCI-protected electrical outlets. | Not recommended for delicate electronic devices. |
It's quite light for its class (172 lbs). | |
Good fuel efficiency. |
A great value for money portable generator, the Generac GP6500 COsense is almost a must buy.
Emergency preparedness and jobsite power is made easy with this unit's 6500-watt working capacity and built-in COsense technology.
There are perhaps better 6500W generators available overall, but they are not in its price range. This generator is excellent value for money.
Do you love regularly working on home improvement projects?
Work on large-scale construction projects as an experienced worker?
A high-quality generator is typically required equipment in any instance.
However, with such a vast range of models available for a variety of purposes, it's important to select the right one for your needs.
When purchasing a generator make sure you avoid making obvious mistakes
I understand that deciding which generator to buy can be a daunting undertaking. You can choose from 2 kW diesel generators to tiny petrol models, as well as larger ones for the home and for delicate equipment.
There are a variety of options available. I can help you choose a generator that can handle the demands of a construction site or one that can power your house. If you're looking to buy a generator, I have put together a short checklist of items to look for.
Consider the wattage before making a purchase. Consider how much power each of your intended uses will consume.
Domestic or professional
Some generators are designed for hobbyists, while others are better suited for industrial or commercial use.
Were you thinking about using your generator for gadgets such as PCs or TVs? A number of inverter generators are available for use with fragile electrical devices.
Gasoline or diesel engines
Consider the total cost of ownership when acquiring a new generator. The best diesel generators and petrol models on the market let you pick the most cost-effective fuel source for your power requirements.
If you're going camping, for example, you might want to run your generator outside instead of indoors. Determine whether a generator is waterproof and if it may be used in wet weather.
It is a very important question, "What generator size do I need?"
It all boils down to how you plan on using it. If you're planning on using a generator, you'll need to consider the amount of power you'll require. If you're going to be running a construction site or camping equipment, this is a vital step in the purchasing process. When it comes to generators, it's better to be safe than sorry.
It is possible to find out the watts of an item by looking at the equipment itself, reading the user manual, or by contacting the manufacturer.
What are you running at the same time
Using a slow cooker and a fan at the same time requires the complete wattage of both devices. You only need to be concerned about the device with the maximum wattage if you utilize each product separately.
As a result, each piece of equipment with an induction motor requires more starting power. Examples of motorized equipment include chop saws, air compressors, vacuum cleaners, pressure washers, and freezers. Simply multiply the item's wattage by three to get the item's starting wattage.
Relax and give yourself some space. In order to get the most out of your car, you don't drive it at 120 mph all the time. In the same way if you had a 4200W generator, you should not run 4200W of goods through it all the time. At the very least, give yourself 20% breathing room.
Generators that have a 6,500-watt output are capable of running a wide range of equipment. However, you must also consider the surge demand in addition to the rated power of your appliance. Then you'll need to compare it to the rated and surge power of your 6,500-watt generator. If the generator's rated power and surge power are more than those of your appliance, you can use the generator to power it.
Refrigerators can be powered by a generator with 6,500 watts of power. Appliances such as home refrigerators need just 1,000 to 2,000 watts. The refrigerator's size determines the amount of power it consumes.
A 6,500-watt generator can power most window air conditioners. 5,000 BTU window air conditioners consume as little as 450 watts of power.
With a 5,000 watt power consumption rating, most standard-size electric dryers have an additional surge power rating of little more than 6,000 watts. As long as your generator has an output rating of at least 6,500W, you should be able to use it in most situations.
The dryer may not be able to get the power it needs if other appliances are also in use at the same time.
Portable spin dryers, on the other hand, utilize just about 300 Watts of electricity. Fast drying and little space requirements make these dryers an excellent choice for drying several pairs of jeans.
When using a 6,500-watt generator to power a television, it's usually sufficient. LCD televisions use 40 to 400 watts of electricity. There are a few devices that defy the pattern of increasing power consumption with screen size.
A water heater that utilizes less than the 6000 watts is available. Slower water heating reduces the water heater's rated power. According to reference four, a 5000 Watt water heater can heat one gallon of water from 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in approximately one minute.
A 6000-watt generator is more than capable of powering a wide range of additional devices. It includes things like a hair dryer, a clothes washer, a microwave, and a washing machine. Depending on the size, an appliance's wattage can vary significantly.