The 5500 Generac (specifically the GP5500 model) is the Toyota Camry of portable power. It is not sexy. It is loud. The fuel gauge is useless. But when the ice storm hits and your neighbors are shivering in the dark, you will pull that cord (or push the electric start), and that rough, 84-decibel OHV engine will roar to life.
For $700–$800, you are buying redundancy, not luxury. You are buying the ability to flush your toilet (sump pump), save your food (fridge), and keep the basement dry. In the mid-range portable generator market, the 5500 Generac remains the undisputed king of value—provided you remember to drain the gas when summer ends.
Pro Tip for Buyers: Look for a used 5500 Generac on Facebook Marketplace. Because so many people forget maintenance, you can often find a "non-starting" unit for $150. Clean the carburetor ($15 for a rebuild kit), and you have a $700 generator for a fraction of the price.
Disclaimer: Wattage needs vary by appliance brand and altitude. Always consult a licensed electrician before connecting a generator to your home's panel.
When users search for "5500 Generac," they are most likely referring to the Generac GP5500 (Model 76851 or 76852). This is a mid-sized portable generator designed to bridge the gap between small recreational units (2000-3500 watts) and heavy-duty industrial machines (10,000+ watts).
The "5500" typically denotes the running watts. It is crucial to understand the two key power ratings: 5500 generac
This surge capacity is the secret sauce. A standard 5,500-watt running generator with 6,875 surge watts can handle devices that would instantly stall a lesser machine.
Buy this generator if:
Do NOT buy this generator if:
If you buy a current-generation 5500 Generac (specifically the GP5500), here is the spec sheet you are paying for.
| Feature | Specification | Practical Take | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Outlets | (4) 120V 20A GFCI, (1) 120/240V 30A Locking (L14-30R) | You can wire this into a manual transfer switch for your house. | | Start Type | Recoil (Pull) / Electric (Battery included) | Critical: Keep the battery tendered. The pull cord is stiff. | | Frame | 1.25" Steel tube | Heavy (130 lbs dry), but durable enough to survive a pickup truck bed. | | Voltage | 120/240V | Converts to 240V for well pumps or small welding rigs. | | Panel | Idle Control (yes) | Saves gas by lowering RPM when nothing is plugged in. | The 5500 Generac (specifically the GP5500 model) is
The "Idle Control" Pro-Tip: Many users ignore this button. Do not. On the 5500 Generac, turning on Idle Control during a low-draw night (just the fridge cycling) extends your run time from 10 hours to nearly 14 hours.
To avoid the "carburetor death" mentioned above, follow this strict schedule:
The "Dual Fuel" Mod: There is a thriving aftermarket for converting the 5500 Generac to propane. A $100 conversion kit allows you to run on propane tanks, which never go bad (gasoline turns to varnish). This solves the carburetor issue permanently but reduces running watts to roughly 4,950.
You have two ways to get power from the GP5500 to your home.
This requires professional installation by an electrician. Disclaimer: Wattage needs vary by appliance brand and
You cannot just plug a Generac 5500 into a wall outlet (backfeeding). It is illegal and kills linemen.
Option A: Extension Cords (Simplest) Run heavy-duty 12-gauge or 10-gauge cords directly to appliances. Works for 90% of homeowners. No installation cost.
Option B: Manual Transfer Switch (Best for Home Backup) Install a 30A or 50A manual transfer switch (e.g., Reliance Controls). This connects the generator to 6-10 specific circuits in your breaker panel. When power fails, you flip switches to move those circuits from utility to generator power.
Cost: $400-$800 installed (excluding generator). This is the right way to do it.