Generac GP5500 Gas Powered Portable Generator
- Generac 5939 GP5500 5500 Gas Powered Portable Generator
A gasoline generator that can produce up to 6,875 watts of surge power from a 389cc engine.
- Fuel Type Liquefied Petroleum Gas
- Power Source gas-powered
- Item Weight 180 Pounds
- Voltage 120 Volts
- Output Wattage 5500 Watts
waveform and harmonic distortion
The Generac GP5500 is a conventional generator, not an inverter generator. This means it doesn't use inverter technology to produce its power output. Instead, it relies on a standard alternator to generate AC power directly.
As a result, the GP5500 typically produces a standard sine wave, but it's not as smooth or clean as a pure sine wave from inverter generators. The wave may contain some level of harmonic distortion, but it’s closer to a sine wave than a square or modified square wave.
Running sensitive electronics like an LCD television or a desktop computer on a non-inverter generator, like the Generac GP5500, can be risky. Non-inverter generators tend to have higher levels of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), which can cause irregular power that sensitive devices may not handle well. High THD can lead to issues like overheating, signal interference, or even hardware damage over time.
Here are a few options to protect your electronics when using a generator like the GP5500:
Use a Line-Interactive UPS: A line-interactive UPS can provide additional power conditioning, smoothing out fluctuations. Make sure the UPS can handle the generator’s THD and load capacity.
Install a Power Conditioner: Some power conditioners can help reduce harmonic distortion and provide a cleaner power output to connected devices.
The Generac GP5500 typically has a Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of around 10-15%, which is relatively common for non-inverter generators. This level of THD is acceptable for many general appliances and power tools but is generally considered too high for sensitive electronics, which ideally need a THD of 5% or lower.
If you’re looking for reliable power conditioning for a small-to-medium sensitive load, Tripp Lite LC1800 or APC LE1200/LE1500 would be economical and effective choices. For setups requiring higher capacity and more extensive filtration, Furman P-1800 AR offers the best solution with its voltage regulation and advanced filtering, though it comes at a premium price.
maintenance
oil and filter
There will be a "CHG OIL" message every 100 hours. The message will flash one hour before and one hour after each 100 hour interval, providing a two hour window to perform service. This message will actually begin flashing at 99 hours and disable itself at 101 hours again, providing a two hour window to perform the service. Change oil every month when operating under heavy load or in high temperatures. Be careful on sites like Amazon that will offer an Oil Filter for this model; because this model uses splash lubrication.
- 1 Liter Oil SAE 30 (1.06 quarts)
- Splash Lubrication, no Oil Filter
• Above 40° F, use SAE 30 • Below 40° F and down to 10° F, use 10W-30 • All temperatures, use synthetic 5W-30
Every 200 hours the "SVC" icon on the lower left hand corner of the display will flash. The message will flash one hour before and one hour after each 200 hour interval providing a two hour window to perform service.
air filter
Clean the air filter every 50 hours or once a year. Clean or replace more often if operating under dusty conditions. May be washable.
- Air filter part number is 0G84420151.
spark arrestor screen
The engine exhaust muffler has a spark arrestor screen. Inspect and clean the screen at least once each year.
Clean and inspect the spark arrestor when the engine is at ambient temperature as follows:
- Remove the spark arrestor screen from the muffler by loosening the clamp and removing the screw.
- Inspect screen and replace if torn, perforated or otherwise damaged. DO NOT USE a defective screen. If screen is not damaged, clean it with commercial solvent.
- Replace the spark arrestor and secure with the clamp and screw.