Q: What is the decibel rating? by Pam from California on January 24, 2012
A: Unfortunately, not all generator manufacturers publish the decibel ratings for their generators. 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.
At this time there are no db(A) ratings available on this model.
Q: Is there any video or better instructions on how to drain oil and/or gas? by Denise from Massachusetts on January 08, 2012
A: All maintenance procedures are listed in the owner's manual or if you are not comfortable doing the maintenance a local Generac service center will be happy to assist you.
Q: I just received the generator I purchased from you (Generac GP5500 - 5500 Watt Portable Generator) and it comes with a bottle of oil. It does not say on the bottle what type it is. 30 weight or 10w30? Do you know so that it is the proper oil to use for the current temperature. Thanks, Larry by Larry from Ohio on March 26, 2011
A: Generac uses 10W30 in their kits that get sent with the portable generators. by Jim, Product Expert
Overall Rating
4.8
(Based on 30 Reviews)
Sort By
April 10, 2012
Thomas
6500w Generac Generator Model# 5940
PED was great to work with and I had my order in 3 days. Love it fast and easy to assemble, one pull start.
January 30, 2012
Kevin
Power to the People!
Very easy process from the 1st phone call to the courteous R & L driver. Everything was as advertised and putting on the wheels and handle couldn't have been easier. I just added the oil and gas and I'm ready for the next power outage. All I have to do is plug in the generator cable to the house outlet, flip the switch on the transfer box and run whatever I want.(except the stove, washer, dryer) No more stressing out when I hear that a hurricane or ice storm is coming. A good product at a fair price!
January 17, 2012
Chad
Dead, Not Working, Still In The Shop Going On 6 Weeks
The generator arrived in great shape. No damage done. Removed it from the box and filled it up with oil and gas. Fired up on the first pull. Let it run for about 20 min and it ran great. Got out a small drill and plugged it into an outlet in the garage just to make sure it worked and it did. Then I plugged it into the generator and would not work. All the outlet where dead and they would not reset. Call Generac and they gave me a list of local service providers who where 28 miles away.
I dropped it off and called a few times to see what was wrong with the generator and how much longer it will be to fix it. I was told both times that "they are working on it and parts are ordered". When asked how much longer they stated "awhile" and hung up. 6 weeks now and still nothing.
I would recommend that you do not purchase anything with a gas motor online. I have learned my lesson. I would rather pay the little extra money and go to a store where they run the generator first to make sure it works before they give it to you. You can not ship it back once you put oil and gas in it, and then you are stuck at the mercy of a shop the has to do the warranty work on an item that you did not buy from them. They make it well known that you are not a priority to them.
I have nothing bad to say about electric generators direct. They shipped it when they stated they would and it arrived on time and in great shape.
The generator arrived in great shape. No damage done. Removed it from the box and filled it up with oil and gas. Fired up on the first pull. Let it run for about 20 min and it ran great. Got out a small drill and plugged it into an outlet in the garage just to make sure it worked and it did. Then I plugged it into the generator and would not work. All the outlet where dead and they would not reset. Call Generac and they gave me a list of local service providers who where 28 miles away.
I dropped it off and called a few times to see what was wrong with the generator and how much ... more
January 10, 2012
Molly
Nice Machine
I gave this to my husband as a Christmas gift. He reports it started up easily and generates the advertized power. No need to use it so far, but it seems it will do the trick as needed. Thank you.
December 28, 2011
Arturo Piscataway, NJ
Timely Power Saver
The generator helped restore the power to my home but the most important thing that happened to me is that the generator came on time and it was fully functional when I used it the first time. The equipment was very reliable and was very easy to use. A few days after the hurricane, the electricity was shut off again, but this time I had the generator at hand.
December 28, 2011
Kirk Drexel Hill, PA
Got Everything I Need At One Place
Plain and simple, lost power a few times. Basement flooded bad, (3 inches deep), started researching online. First thing was what to do for back up power. Next was best way to do it. So I needed s system that would supply power for house as well as power for sump pump. I looked into the whole back feeding thing and even asked a bunch of people. All answers came back bad . After research online i found the best prices and help from this company. I had a pro come to house and hook this system up. He was very impressed with the ease of putting this system in and adding it to my electrical panel as well. As he said only thing better would be to have a auto switch rather then my manual one. If your not certain on what to do or what you will need, call them they will walk you threw anything and everything, and hey what a concept, you get to talk with a live English speaking person who knows this stuff inside out and backwards .
Plain and simple, lost power a few times. Basement flooded bad, (3 inches deep), started researching online. First thing was what to do for back up power. Next was best way to do it. So I needed s system that would supply power for house as well as power for sump pump. I looked into the whole back feeding thing and even asked a bunch of people. All answers came back bad . After research online i found the best prices and help from this company. I had a pro come to house and hook this system up. He was very impressed with the ease of putting this system in and adding it to my electrical panel a... more
December 27, 2011
John Kinnelon, NJ
Only One Around With Power
Lost power for 4 days during the snow storm in October 2011. This generator performed flawlessly, consuming less fuel than stated. It ran all my electronics with out a problem. Very happy with purchase.
December 27, 2011
CUJO Ridgefield, CT
Beat The Storm
We bought our generator after the summer storms of 2011 in CT. We ran everything on a COLEMAN 3600 back then. Then we got our own & used our new Generac for 7 days straight in November 2011 when CL&P crapped out and shut down our town for the week. We already had the transfer box in our home. I just updated it & put a longer cable to put it further away. Get 4 or 5 2.5 gal cans for gas. 5 gal is too heavy 1 gal is not enough. DO not run while sleeping or away from home. read directions & service schedule. Learn how to drain & fill oil or you will be broke down.
December 21, 2011
Irv Tewksbury, MA
Lookin Good
R&L Trucking did a terrific job delivering the generator, one day early too. Assembly required some effort ( Wheels, handle and rubber leg). Started right up and is ready to go when needed.
December 09, 2011
Bruce Fiskdale, MA
Post October Snow Storm Package
I spent 6 days without power at my home in Central MA after that freak October snow storm. Once I had power back and internet I began searching for the right equipment and the best source to purchase from. The selection and product info on EGD was great. I settled on the Generac 5940 based on the loads I wanted to service.
I got the generator a few days earlier than expected but unfortunately me and half of the New England states are waiting for transfer switches, 30 amp outlets and power cords that are back-ordered. I guess many of us have to learn the hard way! Anyway, I had the generator assembled in about 20 minutes, pulled it outside of the garage, put some gas in the tank and gave it a crank, it started on first pull! Till the rest of the parts show up I have plenty of extension cords I can use in a pinch.
I spent 6 days without power at my home in Central MA after that freak October snow storm. Once I had power back and internet I began searching for the right equipment and the best source to purchase from. The selection and product info on EGD was great. I settled on the Generac 5940 based on the loads I wanted to service.
I got the generator a few days earlier than expected but unfortunately me and half of the New England states are waiting for transfer switches, 30 amp outlets and power cords that are back-ordered. I guess many of us have to learn the hard way! Anyway, I had... more
December 07, 2011
Barry West Brookfield, MA
New Generator
My generator was delivered today. It took about half an hour to unpack and assemble wheels and handle. Put in gas and oil, started on second pull. The whole deal went very smoothly !! Generator Direct was great to deal with.
November 26, 2011
Donald Auburn, PA
Never Again
The late October snow storm took our power out for 28 hours. This was the 3rd lengthy outage this year. Friends at work were out for 5 and 7 days. I am still seeing tree limbs laying on power line all over our area of Pennsylvania, which means first ice storm out again.
Not for me, my Generac GP6500 arrived 11-23-11 and up and running the next day. Very simple assembly and start up process. We would like to thank the delivery service R & L, My wife was alone when the generator arrived and could not handle a 200 lb box. The Drive unloaded and wheeled it to our garage.
I did alot of online and offline research on this subject and found Generac was the very best generator for the price and electricgeneratorsdirect.com had the best price for this model.
The late October snow storm took our power out for 28 hours. This was the 3rd lengthy outage this year. Friends at work were out for 5 and 7 days. I am still seeing tree limbs laying on power line all over our area of Pennsylvania, which means first ice storm out again.
Not for me, my Generac GP6500 arrived 11-23-11 and up and running the next day. Very simple assembly and start up process. We would like to thank the delivery service R & L, My wife was alone when the generator arrived and could not handle a 200 lb box. The Drive unloaded and wheeled it to our garage. ... more
November 01, 2011
Sean Hampton Twp., NJ
Awesome Generator
What a awesome generator. This machine run perfectly during that crazy Oct. 30 East coast snow storm. Hooked it into a switch system and powered the whole house up. Made mac and cheese in my oven on generator power, had heat and also was able to run my hot water heater so I can take hot showers. Awesome, Thanks to Generac and Electric Generators Direct . Could not be happier, bring on the next power outage.
November 01, 2011
Greg Manchester, NH
On For 3 Days Straight
OCTOBER 2011. I bought this generator 3 years ago because of the brand name. I live in NH in a split level home (about 1600 sq feet). I run everything except the dishwasher, stove, washer/dryer. I don't run the microwave/toaster/coffee maker at the same time. It is the first time I used it (other than occasional start ups to run the engine) and it has been running 3 days straight without stopping with no problems.
We try to conserve the power we used, but last night it averaged about 35 degrees and I used 2-1/2 gallons of gas over 7 hours (has a 7.2 gallon tank). My only complaint is I live in a close neighborhood and it is VERY VERY loud. I wish now I had spent and extra $100 and got something that was not as noisy. My bedroom is next to the side of the house where the generator is and I have to wear earplugs. It took me about 7 pulls to get it started.
OCTOBER 2011. I bought this generator 3 years ago because of the brand name. I live in NH in a split level home (about 1600 sq feet). I run everything except the dishwasher, stove, washer/dryer. I don't run the microwave/toaster/coffee maker at the same time. It is the first time I used it (other than occasional start ups to run the engine) and it has been running 3 days straight without stopping with no problems.
We try to conserve the power we used, but last night it averaged about 35 degrees and I used 2-1/2 gallons of gas over 7 hours (has a 7.2 gallon tank). My only compla... more
October 23, 2011
Russ Port Republic, MD
Excellent Generator, Excellent Company
Great generator, best prices anywhere. I checked, (go check for yourselves)
Trucking company (R&L), kept in constant communication. (I live on a mile and a half dirt road, and had to meet the truck out on the black-top) R&L called when leaving terminal and called again when almost at rendezvous point. I can't say enough nice things about how nice and accommodating the trucking company was. This coming from a trucker's son, with a father that worked for Campbell "66" Express, for almost 40 years, non stop.
Again, Thanks for the great generator. The Great price you gave me, And the Great timely delivery.
I'll tell all my friends...And..."I'll Be Back"
.
Great generator, best prices anywhere. I checked, (go check for yourselves)
Trucking company (R&L), kept in constant communication. (I live on a mile and a half dirt road, and had to meet the truck out on the black-top) R&L called when leaving terminal and called again when almost at rendezvous point. I can't say enough nice things about how nice and accommodating the trucking company was. This coming from a trucker's son, with a father that worked for Campbell "66" Express, for almost 40 years, non stop.
Bought generator on Friday was shipped same day and received on Wednesday following week.
Took 15 minutes to set up and with first pull generator started. Good company to deal with and super fats shipping. Thanks.
September 26, 2011
Mike Swannanoa, NC
Started On The First Pull
Filled it with synthetic oil for greater temp. flexibility,then some fuel and it was a first pull start. Assembly-tires etc. was easy-runs a lot louder than I expected. Any way to soften the sound? Something practical... Thanks, would appreciate a reply
EGD Reponds: Unfortunately there is no way to soften the sound of a portable generator. Due to their open design, not only are you hearing the exhaust sound, but you're also hearing the engine noise. If you're looking for a quieter generators, a standby generator would offer much quieter operation.
September 25, 2011
William Wilmington, DE
Working Well
Timely delivery and great service. Easy to assemble and started on the third pull. After that it started on the first pull. Tested it with a variety of tools and all was working well. My friends are envious that I have this unit for the price that I paid. My neighbors and I will not be in the dark anymore. Thanks
September 16, 2011
Curtis Ridgefield, CT
A Happy Customer
I just want to add my vote of confidence to the other reviews written here. You delivered the generator (a Generac 6500) to my house on time with no problems and, thanks to hurricane Irene it has been thoroughly tested and found up to every task. I recommend the generator and your delivery service.
September 14, 2011
Steve Warwick, NY
Generac 6500
On the second business day after purchasing the Generac 6500 the shipping company UPS called to schedule an appointment for delivery. That's fast delivery! Assembled the wheels and handle, added oil and gas and it started on the first pull. Runs perfectly. Put a light load on it with no problems, but haven't tested it under a full load yet, but don't expect a problem.
Would recommend this company and Generac any day....
September 08, 2011
Jeffrey Mount Laurel, NJ
JUST AS I WANTED
I was a bit aprehensive about such a large purchase on the internet, that all disappeared with all the confirmations after paying and my Generac 6500 arriving from Illinois to New Jersey in just 2 business days....WOW! The Generac is definitely a quality item (I returned a Briggs and Stratton 5500 to Sears after opening the box) and just looks awesome sitting idle. It's quieter than most I've heard and I'm sure it will do the job when I add the Transfer Switch next week. Now more "lights out". The party will be at my house next power outage!
August 29, 2011
Jonathan Raleigh, NC
Awesome Generator & Even Better Price!
Like the others said, I filled it with gas and oil and it started on the first pull! I ordered this on a Monday afternoon and the delivery driver was in my driveway on Thursday. They called to schedule a delivery time and it was quick and painless. The liftgate delivery was a huge bargain!
It took less than five minutes to go from the truck to my garage. Setup for this generator was a breeze and I put a pretty heavy load on it right after I fired it up. I have two commercial grade freezers that pull a LOT of power. It pushed both of them for a good 30 minutes with no problems.
I ran them both with the doors open to force the compressors to stay on the whole time and it never had any issues. You really can't go wrong with this unit and the staff at Electronic Generators Direct was a huge help. I saved several hundred dollars compared to the same unit at Home Depot!
Like the others said, I filled it with gas and oil and it started on the first pull! I ordered this on a Monday afternoon and the delivery driver was in my driveway on Thursday. They called to schedule a delivery time and it was quick and painless. The liftgate delivery was a huge bargain!
It took less than five minutes to go from the truck to my garage. Setup for this generator was a breeze and I put a pretty heavy load on it right after I fired it up. I have two commercial grade freezers that pull a LOT of power. It pushed both of them for a good 30 minutes with no problems. ... more
August 25, 2011
JULLIANNE Mundelein, IL
Generator Is Beautiful
After 5-12 days wo power, I vowed I would not go through it again, if I could possibly help it. I wanted a generator that I could afford and that could handle Frig, lights, fans, basic small appliances and maybe even TV & computer. Because I have a small house, a small air conditioner, etc., my new portable 6500 W Generac generator is able to handle almost everything, which is far and above what I had hoped. Even air, even, in the winter, furnace, and even sump pump.
I had a manual transfer switch set-up so I did not need to run cords all over the house and plug and unplug as needed. So much better - esp. since I am an older woman and need to make things as easy and available as possible. I also got an electric start - and that is also easier.
My electrician showed me how to do all the switching over, how to make it all happen. I know the generator has to go outside of the garage, and the way it is set up it will be fairly easy to accomplish. Would I prefer a whole house automatic switchover generator? Yes, who wouldn't? But I feel at ease and comfortable and "fixed" with what I have.
Should I ever win the lotto (first I have to play!!) then I will get a whole house generator with automatic switchover - the bomb as far as I am concerned. Did not know much about generators for my household backup use before, but got fairly well schooled by your website and tutorials, enough so I could speak intelligently to my electrician about what I wanted - which he was happy to do and also realized the information I had gleaned made his job explaining everything to me, much easier. He also wanted to know the website that I used to order my generator, etc., and so of course I told him. I am sure he will use it in the future.
Great service, great help, generator is beautiful - I named it - HUNK - and I am a happy lady!! Thanks!
After 5-12 days wo power, I vowed I would not go through it again, if I could possibly help it. I wanted a generator that I could afford and that could handle Frig, lights, fans, basic small appliances and maybe even TV & computer. Because I have a small house, a small air conditioner, etc., my new portable 6500 W Generac generator is able to handle almost everything, which is far and above what I had hoped. Even air, even, in the winter, furnace, and even sump pump.
I had a manual transfer switch set-up so I did not need to run cords all over the house and plug and unp... more
July 22, 2011
Jeff Reading, PA
Now I'm ready
Fast shipping. Up and running within 15 minutes of delivery.
Next time my overhead utilities get taken out by a tree limb, or a power pole is sheared off by a traffic accident, or there are rolling black-outs.....we're ready.
For the peace of mind knowing you're prepared, you can't beat the price. (Actually, you CAN'T beat the price.)
June 22, 2011
Doyle Houston, TX
The Best Deal for your Money
My family and my self live in Houston TX, so we are always on Hurricane Centrals List. I have cancer so I cant possibly go without AC if a hurricane were to hit Houston and surrounding counties.
Two years ago when a hurricane hit in our area my house was without power for 3 weeks. I researched ALL different brands of portable generators, I finally decided to by this particular generator with a control panel to compliment it in case of another natural disaster. The control panel was ideal for the job, it is a indoor panel which takes very little room to pick a place to mount it. The indoor panel lets you check your wattage out put at all times you do not have to go outside for any reason to check any gage readings of wattage.
We own a 2 story home, 1,880sg feet with central AC. Much to my surprise, the electricians tested it after instalation was complete and told us we can run our AC at ALL times, the refrigerator and either my down stairs OR upstairs utilities. In life after a hurricane, that is a luxury in life!!!!!
The nice thing about a portable generator, we live in a stage one mandatory evacuation area do to our location is within 1 mile of the water. If needing to evacuate, I can take the generator with us so it is not lost in a high water surge, and when the OK to return home is given, I can unload the generator and start getting my AC and Refrigerator cooling down.
Even though I collect SS, I showed patient and bought 1 item at a time to buy, and keeping are house holdbudget the same.
My family and my self live in Houston TX, so we are always on Hurricane Centrals List. I have cancer so I cant possibly go without AC if a hurricane were to hit Houston and surrounding counties.
Two years ago when a hurricane hit in our area my house was without power for 3 weeks. I researched ALL different brands of portable generators, I finally decided to by this particular generator with a control panel to compliment it in case of another natural disaster. The control panel was ideal for the job, it is a indoor panel which takes very little room to pick a place to mount it.... more
June 22, 2011
Patrick Sequim, WA
Just What I Was Looking For In A Portable Generator.
Great generator right out of the box. It took only a few minutes to install the wheels and put oil into the machine add a little gas and one pull later the generator started-up immediately. I shopped the generator and found the pricing excellent and delivery prompt. We loose power several times a year and the next time there is an outage I will be ready. I would recommend Electric Generator Direct to anyone and everyone, they are great.
June 11, 2011
Freddie Charleston, WV
Great Generator At A Great Price!
I needed a generator for back-up power, we have a lot of outages! I did a bunch of shopping and Electric Generators Direct had the best price and no charge for shipping or tax. Received the generator four days after I ordered it. I had to meet the trucking company out because he couldn't make it to my house which was not a problem.
The assembly of the handle and tires was easy and just added oil and gas and it started on the first pull! Naturally the power hasn't went out since I purchased it but I will be ready when it does! Thanks EGD!
April 12, 2011
Ralph Kittery, ME
Piece of Mind
It's unfair for me to write a review prior to losing power, but for this......
The fact is, out of the box, assembled, oiled, and gassed this unit started on the first pull.
Piece of mind is what I have now. I hope all I ever do is maintain it, but I know it's there when I need the power.
As for the delivery, R&L Carriers, with lift-gate, went out of their way to make it painless and we thank you for that.
March 25, 2011
Eric Junction City, OR
Great Experience
Bought the GP6500 On Sunday evening. The generator shipped on Monday from Illinois. The freight company called on Thursday to make an appointment for delivery on Friday. They delivered on Friday at the time that they promised.
It arrived in good condition. I opened the box and put the wheels on, etc. filled it with oil and gasoline and it started on the 2nd pull. Load tested it and measured the voltage. All is in great shape.
Excellent service! It cost much less than Home Depot, Lowe's or other retailers. Price was unbeatable, and I never had to lift it off the ground, heft it into my truck or deal with clueless sales clerks! Thanks!
Bought the GP6500 On Sunday evening. The generator shipped on Monday from Illinois. The freight company called on Thursday to make an appointment for delivery on Friday. They delivered on Friday at the time that they promised.
It arrived in good condition. I opened the box and put the wheels on, etc. filled it with oil and gasoline and it started on the 2nd pull. Load tested it and measured the voltage. All is in great shape.
Excellent service! It cost much less than Home Depot, Lowe's or other retailers. Price was unbeatable, and I never had to lift it off the... more
March 24, 2011
Anthony Baltimore, MD
Very Happy!
I am very satisfied with the generator I got from you. I ran 6000 watts for 8 hours and not one problem at all.
To be honest, I was a little nervous ordering online from a company out of state but everything went through without any problems. It was at my house in less than a week in perfect condition.
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