Do you need emergency backup power for your home, but do not want to install an automatic home standby generator? The Generac GP17500E is a 17500 rated watts portable generator with an electric starter that is an alternative to a stationary standby generator.
Is the Generac GP17500E a great generator or not?
If you mean fine or outstanding, then the Generac GP17500E is a great 17500-watt gas powered portable generator. It is a solid machine with plenty of power for home backup or construction needs.
If you mean great as in large or big, then the Generac GP17500E is still a great generator. For example, its item weight is 390 lbs! It has a 992cc engine with a 16-gallon/60.5 L gasoline tank! This thing is a big and powerful beast.
Its greatest disadvantage might actually be its size. The GP17500E is a heavy generator that is somewhat difficult to move around in spite of its two wheels, sturdy steel frame and convenient handles.
Is the Generac GP17500E easy to assemble?
This 17500-watt portable generator needs a little more time and effort to assemble due to its large size. You should definitely read and study the owner’s manual before putting it together.
The box contains bits and pieces for assembling the generator. You should check that all the pieces are there before starting to assemble it all. The owner’s manual has a list of the contents in the carton.
You will need a few tools to assemble the generator such as needle nose pliers, sockets and wrenches. Basically, you need to install the wheels, foot and handle. Next, connect the battery cable. Then, add the engine oil and fill up the fuel tank with gasoline.
Overall, owners say that the Generac GP17500E was easy to assemble. However, you might need some kind of hoist or jack to lift this heavy generator to install the wheel kit. The steel frame has an integrated lifting eye for securely lifting the generator.
Is the Generac GP17500E difficult to start?
It seems like this 17500-watt portable generator does not have a recoil pull starter. Trying to start a 992cc engine by pulling on a recoil handle might be too much effort. Hence, the need for an electric starter.
The generator should be shipped with a fully charged battery. Please read the owner’s manual carefully before connecting or disconnecting the battery. You might want to invest in a battery tender to keep the battery charged for emergency situations because the generator cannot recharge its own battery.
It should start right up if you prepare it properly. The generator should be placed outdoors in a well ventilated area on level ground with space around it. Check the oil level and fuel levels. Unplug all electrical loads. Fuel shutoff valve is open, idle control is switched off, full choke. Press and hold the start/run/stop switch. Release switch to the run position once the generator roars into life. Adjust choke knob to run position once engine is warmed up.
Do you need to install a transfer switch?
If you want to use the Generac GP17500E for home backup power during power failures, then you should hire a qualified electrician to install a manual transfer switch. The portable generator can then be safely connected to the electrical system of the house.
Please note that the idle control switch should always be off when the generator is used to supply power to a household through a power inlet box and manual transfer switch.
Can the Generac GP17500E power an entire whole house?
If you use it with a manual transfer switch, then it will supply power for the whole house, but not everything running all at once. It might power a combination of essential household appliances such as the lights, refrigerator, air conditioner, electric water heater, dishwasher, washing machine and well pump.
Remember that the generator will need refueling once or twice per day, depending on how much power it has to supply. It might consume roughly 1.6 gallons per hour. The average run time at 50% load is estimated to be 10 hours. You need to make sure that you have enough gasoline (and gas money) to keep it running during power outages that last for a few days.
Is the Generac GP17500E able to run on natural gas?
You might be able to find and buy a conversion kit so that the generator runs on natural gas or propane. However, doing a conversion will probably void the warranty. The generator is supported by a two-year limited warranty. Thus, you might run it for two years on gasoline until the warranty expires and then convert it to run on natural gas or propane.
Generac GP17500E vs. GP15000E
First, these portable generators have the same Generac 992cc OHVI engine. This unfortunately means that they are almost the same weight and size (390 pounds versus 363 pounds) even though the peak and rated watts are different. The wattage numbers are 17500/26250 for the GP17500E and 15000/22500 for the GP15000E.
Second, there are the outlets to consider. The Generac GP17500E has the following receptacles:
- 12 Volt DC, 10 Amp Receptacle
- 120 Volt AC, 20 Amp Duplex Receptacle
- 120 Volt AC, 20 Amp, GFCI Duplex Receptacle (NEMA 5-20R)
- 120 Volt AC, 30 Amp Locking Receptacle (NEMA L14-30R)
- 120/240 Volt AC, 30 Amp Locking Receptacle (NEMA L14-30R)
- 120/240 Volt AC, 50 Amp Receptacle (NEMA 14-50R)
The GP15000E has two 120-volt, two 120-volt GFCI, one 120-volt 30 Amp twist lock, one 120/240-volt 50 Amp and one 12 VDC battery charger receptacles.
Finally, let us talk pricing. The GP17500E costs over $3000 while the GP15000E might have a lower list price. You could save a few hundred dollars if you buy the GP15000E instead of the slightly heavier 17500W model. You will still be able to run almost the same amount of appliances and tools in spite of the 2500 rated watts you lose on the deal (check pricing on Amazon – paid link).
Verdict
The Generac GP17500E is a big beast of a portable generator with enough power to run a household during a power outage or multiple tools at a construction job site. For example, it has enough power to start and run a 5-ton air conditioner!
By and large, this 17500 rated watts portable generator is a great, heavy, loud but portable alternative to a permanently installed home standby generator.