Q: Hi Jim: considering the B&S 7000 electric start portable generator but want to know what the operating DB level is. I didn't see it in the specs. by Dale from New Hampshire on January 23, 2011
A: Thank you for your inquiry. Unfortunately, Briggs & Stratton, like many other generator manufacturers, do not publish the decibel ratings for their generators. This unit does come equipped with a Low Tone Muffler for Quiet Operation but, I don’t have a decibel number to give you. Currently, there are no industry standards or requirements for generator manufacturers to follow when testing their generators for noise. Due to this, manufacturers can test the noise level under any conditions they choose and, therefore, the results are not very reliable as each company will test under conditions that are favorable to their products. by Jim, Product Expert
Overall Rating
4.4
(Based on 25 Reviews)
Sort By
Jim Baugher, Product Expert Electric Generators Direct
Jim's Recommendation
This generator has enough power to back up your refrigerator and sump pump and possibly a few lights.
If you are looking for a generator to be there in an emergency when you need, this Briggs & Stratton model can give you peace of mind that your most important appliances are covered.
You may even have enough power to watch the big game!
March 07, 2013
Sam
Good Job
Started on the 2nd pull. Ran smoothly. Very happy so far.
February 20, 2013
Kristian Sierra Madre, CA
Happy Customer
My Briggs & Stratton arrived in good condition. The driver even helped me get the unit up my inclining driveway. Put it together with no problem. Easy to understand instructions. Started on the first pull. Just hope I never have to use for the purpose I bought it .. THE BIG QUAKE! I am a builder so it might come to good use in between.
February 09, 2013
Mike
3 Hours Into Break-in, It Broke, In For Warranty Repair
I bought this B&S 30466 right before Christmas 2012 and have gradually run it under small loads to do initial break-in per owner's manual (5 hours run time then change oil). Ran smoothly and quietly first few runs until yesterday when I heard a pop/crack sound which then became a cacophony of distressed engine/bearing sounds...An authorized dealer said if its running and producing correct voltage to just keep using it until "there is a problem". In fact the problem was evident in small chunk of pot metal identical to the armature body was noticed on the ground under the alternator section plus what appeared to be black soot around the alternator end cap.
Upon removal of the end cap, I discovered that the 4 section yoke surrounding the armature shaft was cracked and missing the piece of metal I found on the ground, plus the horizontal bolts tying front to rear alternator sections was torqued, I.e., not straight any more..IMHO, this is obviously a sign of armature end bearing failure which resulted in the really loud noise, the torqued/broken yoke and the black soot-like stuff around the armature end cap.
Bottom line is that this was a few short seconds from catastrophic failure, am glad I discovered the problem before total meltdown and really hope the warranty service does not replace the alternator with same defective bearing version. Otherwise it is a great generator and hope to get it back soon as I have gotten 5 estimates this week and will be installing new main service panel with Reliance manual transfer switch asap before spring thaw and power outages. Plus I hope the engine itself was not damaged due to the destroyed bearing load.
Hey, I am willing to give Briggs and Stratton the opportunity to make it right..overall, reviews were very positive for this product w only one other report of self-destruction of the generator. P.s. I have had lots of small engine products and just knew that those sounds were not right.....listen to your machines. Final rating depends on how b& s addresses this defect.
I bought this B&S 30466 right before Christmas 2012 and have gradually run it under small loads to do initial break-in per owner's manual (5 hours run time then change oil). Ran smoothly and quietly first few runs until yesterday when I heard a pop/crack sound which then became a cacophony of distressed engine/bearing sounds...An authorized dealer said if its running and producing correct voltage to just keep using it until "there is a problem". In fact the problem was evident in small chunk of pot metal identical to the armature body was noticed on the ground under the alternato... more
February 02, 2013
John M. Highland Lakes, NJ
Big Enough
I needed a 240 volt generator to run my jet well pump in the basement. B&S was recommended by the local small engine shop, they make a decent generator and the parts are not a problem.
I paired it with a Reliant 8 circuit transfer switch and it worked great. It ran my furnace/hot water (oil, base board, 2000 sq ft) well pump, bath exhaust fan and 400 watts of lighting- no problem.
I don't know if I would run my toaster oven or microwave and the well pump at the same time, but it's worth it not to have a giant 7-10,00 watt generator.
January 31, 2013
Don
Best Insurance Protection Ever
Received my new generator, and with the help of a neighbor, unpacked it and set it up! You guys thought of everything, great
instructions, all the parts together, even the oil for the crankcase.
We gassed it up, started on the very first pull on the lanyard
and ran so quiet! My neighbor is a volunteer fireman, and he said that he had never heard one running as quiet as mine!
All in all, I could not be happier that I made this purchase, one of the best buys that I ever made!!
Sincerely, Don LAWSON
Received my new generator, and with the help of a neighbor, unpacked it and set it up! You guys thought of everything, great
instructions, all the parts together, even the oil for the crankcase.
We gassed it up, started on the very first pull on the lanyard
and ran so quiet! My neighbor is a volunteer fireman, and he said that he had never heard one running as quiet as mine!
All in all, I could not be happier that I made this purchase, one of the best buys that I ever made!!
I like it very much,I think it was a great buy.
I haven't had a chance to use it much.
No power outage yet.
December 18, 2012
Anthony South Setauket, NY
Excellent Service From Edg
Two friends of mine recommended this model.
I ordered 2 of these the day Sandy hit.
One for me and one for my mother.
My mother lost power for a few days and got it back on the day the generators arrived.
It only took 2 days to receive them.
I put the wheels on,oil in the crank case, and filled a gallon of fuel.
Both generators started on the first pull.
I Ran my power drill to drill thru cement walls and had radio going at same time with no problems
I haven't loaded them down fully yet, but I don't foresee any problems.
They look well built and ran fairly quiet at light load.
I might consider getting some hose mufflers to direct the exhaust further away from the house and quiet it even more.
I showed my sister how to start it and she had no problem once she got used to it.
I would highly recommend this for an emergency backup.
Two friends of mine recommended this model.
I ordered 2 of these the day Sandy hit.
One for me and one for my mother.
My mother lost power for a few days and got it back on the day the generators arrived.
It only took 2 days to receive them.
I put the wheels on,oil in the crank case, and filled a gallon of fuel.
Both generators started on the first pull.
I Ran my power drill to drill thru cement walls and had radio going at same time with no problems
I haven't loaded them down fully yet, but I don't foresee any problems.
They look well built and ran fairly quiet at light load.
This is the first generator I have used. I installed a transfer switch that made it very easy.
It ran my fridge, furnace, and half the lights in house without even getting close to max watts.
November 24, 2012
Anthony L. Staten Island, NY
Nice Product
It shipped fast, had no problems.
I pulled it out of the box and it took 5 minutes to setup.
It started on the first pull, & seems well built.
November 17, 2012
Jim Ramsey, NJ
Hurricane Sandy Power
I had ordered the generator and it was supposed to arrive on the day Sandy hit NJ. Unfortunately, it could not be delivered that day, but I was able to pick it up a day later.
I took it out of the box, put on the wheels and handle, filled it with the oil (supplied with generator) and gas. To my surprise, with one pull it started right up!
It's an excellent product and I would recommend it to anyone thinking about a back-up generator.
October 16, 2012
JANICE T. Metairie, LA
Our Briggs And Stratton
We Were Very Pleased With Our New Generator. We Used It For Hurricane Isaac and It Worked Great.
My Brother Liked It So Much That He Ordered a Generator From Electric Generators Direct.
the Delivery of Our Generator Was Very Fast- Thank You Direct For Such Great Service.
September 10, 2012
Mark Arlington, VA
Purrs Along
So far so good. I unpacked it, filled it with oil and some fuel, and the little guy started immediately on the first pull. It purrs along at a reasonable noise level - no more than an average gas lawn mower.
I'm very pleased with the purchase. I like that it doesn't weigh 200 pounds and yet will supply enough power to run essentials in an emergency outage.
Of course, the generator hasn't been put to a true test at this point - no storms knocking out electricity - but I'm confident it will do the job.
September 02, 2012
Larry G. Lebanon, CT
Just Super!
It was easy to put together. It had great instructions- I like the extra copy of the directions as well, in case I lose them.
It started on the first pull and had enough power for my small cottage. I've already had to use it and everything ran well. It could be a bit quieter, though!
It's a nice product for the price and I would suggest it to my friends.
August 28, 2012
Luis
Ok But Not Great
During the last storm, we lost power for almost 3 days. The last day we were without power we borrowed a small Honda generator. It was easy to start.
When I tried to start the 30466, it took some doing with the choke and switches. The first time I tried to start it, I think I may have flooded the carburetor.
After it started running, it ran well, but did not feel it like a smooth/steady sound. I trust it will start well when I need it!
EGD RESPONDS: Please follow the Owner's Manual instructions about engine break-in for best performance. Using fresh gasoline will also make for easier starting.
During the last storm, we lost power for almost 3 days. The last day we were without power we borrowed a small Honda generator. It was easy to start.
When I tried to start the 30466, it took some doing with the choke and switches. The first time I tried to start it, I think I may have flooded the carburetor.
After it started running, it ran well, but did not feel it like a smooth/steady sound. I trust it will start well when I need it!
EGD RESPONDS: Please follow the Owner's Manual instructions about engine break-in for best performance. Using fresh gasoline will also make for ... more
August 01, 2012
Dave
Just In Time
Received the generator on Monday, via R&L (great people by the way). Set the generator up on Wednesday. Power went out Friday afternoon....one pull and we have power back!
The outage lasted 5 hours.....perfect for the break in period. On Saturday I changed the oil, fueled her up and I'm just waiting for the next outage.
I could not be happier with this generator- great price, great people and a darn good carrier that delivers those goods!
November 03, 2011
Adam Green Twp., NJ
5 Days Of Heat & Tv Thanks To Generators Direct!
This generator got us through the east coast Halloween snow storm without a hitch! Everything was easy about this generator. From ordering to free shipping to set-up and then running for 5 days. Could not be happier!
October 03, 2011
Joe Battle Creek, MI
Hopefully A Lemon...
Bought brand new from Sears in June '11, never worked, long saga with repair dealer and direct with company led to scrapping the first one and finally getting a replacement 3 months later. It works fine but time will tell. The first one and the effort it took to finally get something for all the money and effort was an ordeal, and the repair shop had another brand new one in with the same story. Buyer beware it seems like at this point, but hopefully the next one will function when needed.
September 14, 2011
Russ Lincoln Park, NJ
Owner
Needed a generator Quick ! I mean ASAP ! Had Hurricane Irene beating on the back door. Ordered on Wednesday. Had it in NJ By Friday morning with the advance shipping. Big Booyah out to R & L trucking for getting it to me on Friday also. 2 great companies worth using. Generator was awesome. Just like the guy said. Put oil in it, slap the wheels on, pull the cord and your good to go. Unit is very quite. Luckily I didn't have to use it but my buddy lost power for 5 days. On the second day he borrowed my new generator. The 3500 ran his fridge, lights and he did wash with it. Said he got 10-1/2hrs on a tank of gas. Thanks again EGD!
Needed a generator Quick ! I mean ASAP ! Had Hurricane Irene beating on the back door. Ordered on Wednesday. Had it in NJ By Friday morning with the advance shipping. Big Booyah out to R & L trucking for getting it to me on Friday also. 2 great companies worth using. Generator was awesome. Just like the guy said. Put oil in it, slap the wheels on, pull the cord and your good to go. Unit is very quite. Luckily I didn't have to use it but my buddy lost power for 5 days. On the second day he borrowed my new generator. The 3500 ran his fridge, lights and he did wash with it. Said he got 10-1/2... more
September 07, 2011
Jay Chattanooga, TN
Good Generator
I picked up this unit after we had some tornadoes come through our area of TN. I was without power for 5 days, but lucky I borrowed a Honda unit. I did some research and this Briggs & Stratton unit fit my needs. I've had good quality out of my other Briggs & Stratton powered yard equipment and hoped the engine quality would be just as good.
The unit was shipped and delivered fast. It was packaged good, and came with everything I need to get it running, except gas. I put it together and added the oil in about 10 minutes. It fired up with one pull and I let it run for about 30 minutes. Well here I am 4 months later with no power because we had some severe rains and tree have fallen on the lines. I've had it running for 8 hours a day for 2 days and its been great.
The only con I have is the unit seems a little loud, other than that the fit, finish and overall quality is good. Time will tell if it hold up after hours of use, but I'm optimistic that it will.
I picked up this unit after we had some tornadoes come through our area of TN. I was without power for 5 days, but lucky I borrowed a Honda unit. I did some research and this Briggs & Stratton unit fit my needs. I've had good quality out of my other Briggs & Stratton powered yard equipment and hoped the engine quality would be just as good.
The unit was shipped and delivered fast. It was packaged good, and came with everything I need to get it running, except gas. I put it together and added the oil in about 10 minutes. It fired up with one pull and I let it run for about 30... more
July 09, 2011
GARY North Andover, MA
My Story
My new Briggs & Stratton generator is currently at the repair shop, the motors runs great but doesn't produce any current. I have tried it all and nothing works. After 3 week of trying and testing, still nothing. The generator is now at a Briggs dealer from repairs, after moving and lifting it myself, and transporting to the repair shop, what an experience.
I guess it's easier for the customer to do this than to test them first. I don't care if all your generators work great, but the one I got has been a nightmare. No more direct sales for me, no bargains here.
July 03, 2011
Gary B. North Andover, MA
I Kinda Figured
My Briggs runs great! No electric output, what a dilly! Shipped with in a week Starts great but it don't work. Now I got to take my new gen to get fixed at a service center. Thanks. never again. One pissed off customer.
May 03, 2011
Gary Milford, TX
Very Satisfied Customer
Wow, it was here in two days! Runs and works great. Congratulations on superb customer service.
March 06, 2011
Roland Dracut, MA
Helping Hand
I bought my generator to have for just in case. Last year we had a lot of water in the cellar and if we had lost electricity I would have been in trouble.
I received it Thursday and it just so happened my neighbor next door had his electrical service pulled of his house Fri. I set it up and let him use it until his service was restored Sun. It worked very well and was pretty quiet.
January 15, 2011
Dennis Clinton, MA
Ready For New England Winter Ice Storms
Connected the Briggs 3500 Watt Generator to the outside power inlet box and ran all the house, garage, and cellar lights the fridge, furnace (with on-demand hot water running), and the microwave. The load was under 2500.
In all likelihood I should be able to comfortably run the sewer pump on demand and the range top with other circuits turned off. I did not connect the washer and dryer to the Reliance Manual Switch.
The generator’s motor starts on the first pull (if I remember to open the fuel shut-off valve – duh). You’ll probably like the fuel shut-off valve as much as I do. Just turn the valve to the off position while the motor is running to run down the fuel in the carburetor before storage. Use STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer in the fuel.
Keep the generator in a reliable ready-state by running it about every 3 weeks for 20 minutes, with a load. I paid more for the manual switch and electrician’s labor ($600) than I did for the generator ($459). It was worth every penny.
We are ready for the next ice storm – one’s foretasted to arrive in 3 days. Last year’s event knocked us off power for 3 days and we were one of the lucky ones.
The customer service techs at Electric Generators Direct are very knowledgeable, polite, and super-responsive. I’m very pleased with the purchase - a bargain!
Connected the Briggs 3500 Watt Generator to the outside power inlet box and ran all the house, garage, and cellar lights the fridge, furnace (with on-demand hot water running), and the microwave. The load was under 2500.
In all likelihood I should be able to comfortably run the sewer pump on demand and the range top with other circuits turned off. I did not connect the washer and dryer to the Reliance Manual Switch.
The generator’s motor starts on the first pull (if I remember to open the fuel shut-off valve – duh). You’ll probably like the fuel shut-off valve as much as I do. Ju... more
Air Compressors Direct
Shop by Brand [+]
Owners Manual
