Reviews – BEST 50 Amp Generator / New 2024 Models

50 Amp generators offer the best of both worlds, allowing you to power your most demanding devices and 240V appliances. A 50A outlet can output 12,000W of power, and are ideal if you want to power your entire home. If you need to run sensitive electronics then you need to make sure the total harmonic distortion (THD) is under 5%. Nowadays, I’m beginning to see powerful 50A inverter generators enter the market, like the Genmax GM9000iED (image above), which give you 7600W of running power, and capable of keeping your entire home running in an emergency. This is just one example of what’s available in 2023.

The Evolution of 50A Generators

The generator market has been changing by leaps and bounds over the past 18 months or so. It would have been difficult to find an inverter generator with a 50 Amp outlet two years ago, but in 2023, inverter generators are increasing in size and 50A outlets are fairly common. Variety and quality have become common when it comes to portable generators. The question is : What’s the best 50 Amp generator for the money? Well, thankfully, there’s more than one to choose from. I give you my recommendations for traditional gas generators and inverter models.

Choose Wisely

Decisions, decisions, decisions. I know, it’s exhausting trying to find the information you need online. It wears you down, which is exactly why we’re here — we do all the work so you don’t have to. You’ve arrived to the right place if you’re looking for the facts on a range of 50A generators worth spending your money on. In addition, our aim is to help you make a wise decision. Generators are a big purchase and you should feel good about the purchase before you buy.

The portable generator market has changed a lot over the past two years. The diversity of portable generators has increased a lot and the quality of generators is so much better today than it was a couple years ago. I think it’s because reputable brands have recognized the rising demand for portable power from all segments of the market. 50A generators were difficult to find a few years ago, but today they’re become more commonplace as generator sizes increase.

Best Value 50 Amp Portable Generators

Here are two excellent dual-fuel generators that were both released within the past year. Generally speaking, Westinghouse has my vote for the best homeowner generators for the money, but brands such as WEN also provide excellent value with great build quality. Let’s compare the WGen9500DFc with the WEN DF1100X:

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Benefits of a 50A Generator

If you’re looking to buy a 50 Amp portable generator, it means you have a need to power high demand appliances either in your home or in your RV. A 50A outlet can output 12,000W, providing around 3X as much power as a 30A 120V outlet. This is a significant difference. A 30A (120V) outlet can output 3600W. A 30A won’t be able to power your central AC plus your 240V washer, microwave and fridge. There are hard limits in owning a 30A generator whereas a 50A generator will provide enough power for your biggest electrical devices and appliances.

You’ll find many generators have a 30A 120/240V outlet, which can output 7200W. It’s important that you calculate what you need to run at the same time before you choose the right generator. If you require over 7200W to run all of your devices then you need a 50A generator.

50A 240V vs 30A 120V

30A outlets are often found on older home transfer switches, in addition, many RV’s have a 30A outlet to power all of the electrical devices and appliances. There are different types of 30A outlets, depending on your application. A home transfer switch 30A outlet will be different than an RV 30A outlet.The power output is the same. A 120V 30A = 3600W and 240V 30A = 7200W.

All you need to know is how you intend to use the generator and what is the total watts of all of the devices you think you need to run all at once. Add up these numbers and you’ll know exactly what size generator you need to buy. Use a generator wattage calculator.

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DuroMax XP13000HXT / Tri-Fuel

Best 50A Generator for Fuel Flexibility

Features :

• CO alert: Carbon Monoxide sensor will automatically shut down the generator if CO levels reach dangerous levels.
• Gas : 13,000W Peak / 10,500W Run — Runs 8.5 hours at 50% load
• Propane : 12,000W Peak / 9500W Run — Runs 6.5 hours at 50% load
• Natural Gas : 10,000W Peak / 8500W Run
• Easy to Start : Push button electric start and remote start
• 74 dB Noise Level
• Excellent control panel design : Large LED display allows you to view : Gas gauge, Load on generator, Voltage, Frequency and time to maintenance. 
• Outlets : 4x 120V 20A GFCI / 1x 120V 30A twist lock / 1x 120V/240V 30A twist lock / 1x 120V/240V 50A  
• 100% copper windings: Superior to aluminum. Lasts longer, improved efficiency.
• All-metal frame and control panel.
• Approved : EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board)  
• Industry Leading 5-year warranty (residential) / 1 year commercial

The DuroMax XP13000HXT gives you the best features across all generator types. Not only does it have 50 Amp outlet, but it also has two 30A outlets, including a 120/240V. It is the biggest tri-fuel generator on the market, and capable of running off of propane, natural gas and gasoline. The advantage is you have several ways to power the generator during an emergency, Gas is difficult to store safely whereas propane is easy to store and lasts indefinitely. A generator is useless if you don’t have access to fuel when you need it most, so I recommend at least a dual-fuel to ensure a better outcome when the lights go out, no matter what the cause.

Learn more about Tri-Fuel generators in our guide. The market is quite small at the moment, but I expect this segment to grow in the coming years, alongside battery power stations.

What do you care about more? Value, calculated over the long-term or saving money right now? Think about it. The answer to this question will determine what you buy, but is that the best choice? Think long term and you’re far more likely to make a smarter buying decision.

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Best High-Quality 50 Amp Generators

Here are two unique generators in their own right. The Genmax GM9000iE is an affordable 50A inverter generator capable of producing 7600W of steady power. This is a good value but I have some trepidation about the brand. It shows a lot of promise.

And, the next model is from Champion. It’s unique because it has electronic fuel injection, making this an ultra efficient gas generator. It also has a 50A outlet to connect to your home or a 50A RV. Let’s take a closer look at these two great specialized 50A portable generators.

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Here’s another good buy from DuroMax. For some reason, this brand began including a 50A outlet on most of their generators. This brand has grown a lot over the past five years and are now competing with the leading generator brands. Increased competition has helped to drive prices down and we benefit from all of this.

Recommended ► Duromax XP12000EH / 50A Dual-Fuel

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Champion 100111 — 12000W / 50 Amp

The Champion 100111 is a premium portable generator with a 50A outlet (120v/ 240v). It’s ideally suited for either home emergency backup power or take it the jobsite and provide a source of power to anybody who needs to power their demanding power tools. The total harmonic distortion is not safe for sensitive for sensitive electronics. Unfortunately, Champion doesn’t specify how much THD it has, which means it’s not a number they’re proud of.

Champion makes quality generators and their support is great. This particular 50 Amp generator has limited use because of the fact it might damage sensitive devices. For raw power this is a time tested portable generator you can depend on.

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The True Value of A Generator

How do you calculate value? What to buy? What’s the true cost of a generator (of anything)? If you’re buying a generator, and I assume you’re thinking about, otherwise you wouldn’t be here reading this. Let’s walk through this. The price you are willing to pay should factor in all of the adjacent costs to owning a generator.

I understand, most people have a limited budget, unless you’re wealthy. But most people have to consider the price of a product. Generators are a little different because there’s a cost in their reliability over the long-term. If you’re buying a generator for emergencies then you’re placing a high value on this product. Why? Because if it fails when you need it the most, you and your family will pay a price. You won’t have power for a certain amount of time. In the case of major disaster, this has serious repercussions. Nobody will come to your house to fix your generator after an earthquake. It either works or it doesn’t.

All brands are not equal. Names like Honda, Westinghouse, Generac, Champion, Briggs and Stratton, cost a little more (relatively speaking), to lesser-known, cheaper brands. But, the cost of a brand reflects so much more, such as — a long history of proven reliability, quality of the components and support. Small brands do not have the same support network as a brand like Honda or Generac. It matters, because if your generator breaks down, and it will eventually, you need to be able to buy the parts ASAP and/or get the support you deserve if the problem arises within your warranty time-frame.

Smaller (cheaper) brands lack the support network you will need when something goes wrong. These are the things you have to factor in to your price. Saving a few dollars today may cost you a lot more in inconvenience down the road. Are you willing to make that trade-off? Brand matters. Engineering matters. Support and service matter, over time.

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VIDEO : 30 Amp vs 50 Amps

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Consider These Older 50A Models…Bargain Generators

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Reviews | 50 Amp Generators —

In this article, We Review :

• DuroMax XP12000EH (Dual Fuel) /  DuroMax XP12000E (Gas)
  Starting : 12,000W / Running : 9,500W   (40 Amp running)
• Champion 100161 (Gas-Powered)
  Starting : 9,375W  / Running : 7,500W (30 Amp running)
• A-iPower SUA12000E (Gas-Powered)
  Starting : 12,000W /  Running : 9000W (38 Amp running)
• Pulsar Products PG10000B16 (Dual-Fuel)
  Starting : 10,000W / Running : 9,000W (38 Amp running)
• Firman P08003 (Gas-Powered)
  Starting : 10,000W /  Running : 8,000W (33 Amp running)
• CAT RP12000E (Gas-Powered) / Discontinued
  Starting : 15,000W / Running : 12,000W (46 Amp running)

In 2019, choosing the best 50 Amp Generator is important if you value your money. Generally, they are fairly expensive generators so knowing which one to buy means getting a little background information.

We’ve put together this comprehensive Buying Guide, filled with our recommendations with accompanying reviews. As well as a lot of practical advice and information to help you make a smart buying decision specifically for 50A portable generators. They have their own unique benefits — power your home, your RV, get you through an emergency — basically a 50A portable generator gives you the most versatility to cater to your needs.

We hope you find this guide useful. We wrote it for you. Information is power (pun intended).

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▶ Great Value 50 Amp : DuroMax XP12000EH : 12Kw Max / 9.5Kw Running

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50 Amp Generator Buying Guide

Watts or wattage is what you have in mind when considering a generator. Normally, the name or number of the generator includes the starting Watts. Basically, the capabilities of the generator are given in Watts. So we compare and select them based on those parameters. Unfortunately, it’s not always immediately clear if a particular generator can really deliver 50 Amps. Because of that, we’ve decided to compare some of the available generators that can connect to 50 Amp receptacles. We aimed to determine which generators can actually deliver 50 Amp, both in starting and running amps. It’s an interesting way to compare the generators, and it reveals some discrepancies.

We selected generators that have a 50 Amp outlet and should, at least be able to give a starting current of 50 Amp. Then we analyzed the figures to determine if they actually deliver 50 Amp. To my mind, a generator with a 50 Amp outlet that cannot actually deliver 50 Amps is not a true 50 Amp generator. Or is it?

We selected six popular 50 Amp generators, and I discovered that three can deliver a starting current of 50 Amp. One of them can deliver more than 50 Amps starting current, and it will deliver close to 50 Amp running current.

Another thing to take note of, all of these 50A generators have an over-current protector of less than 50 Amp that will prevent 50 Amps from being delivered. What this means is that we can connect them to a 120/240 Volt AC, 50 Amp Receptacle (NEMA L14-50R). But, the circuit breaker will trip before the supply reaches the 50A capacity of the receptacle. So, you’re not able to utilize the full capacity of the generator.

When using it to power an RV, you are already limited to either 30 Amps or 50 Amps. You will be able to run most, if not all of the electric appliances in the RV. If you own a 50 Amp RV, it obviously makes sense to buy a generator that is as close to 50 Amps as possible.

We will consider the advantages of a 50 Amp generator and their application. In doing so, we will also decide why 30 Amps is sometimes not enough. These big 50 Amp generators are powerful enough to use as backup power for the house. They are also ideal as a power source for the RV. Being portable, these generators are also useful for tailgating, working on the ranch or construction site and many other emergency power needs.

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What is a 50 Amp Generator?

Before we review the generators, we should understand what the 50 Amp limit is and how it relates to Watts.

The most important consideration when using a generator to power an RV is the way you will connect it to the RV. The preferred connection is made using a power cord. It will be a 30 Amp connection or a 50 Amp connection. Therefore, we need to ensure the generator is compatible. Usually, the smaller RV’s with one air conditioner are fitted with a 30 Amp connection. The larger ones with two air conditioners and more electrical appliances are equipped with a 50 Amp connector. You need a generator with a 30 Amp outlet for a 30 Amp RV. Likewise, for a 50 Amp RV, you need a 50 Amp receptacle.

At 120 Volts, you are limited to a 50 Amp maximum current, which amounts to an output of 6,000 Watts (120 x 50 = 6,000). At 30 Amps, you have a 3,600 Watt limit. These calculations are based on a purely resistive load like a surface heater. At 240 Volt the 50 Amp current limit allows 12,000 Watt. To understand how the generators deliver 120 and 240 Volts we will look at the wiring of 30-Amp and 50-Amp power cords. Four types are normally used.

For 120 Volt 30 Amp, 3-Prong connections:

• 120 Volt twist lock (L5-30R).
• 120 Volt AC, 30 Amp (NEMA TT-30R)

For 120/240 Volt AC, 4-prong connections:

• 120/240 Volt AC, 30 Amp Twist-Lock (NEMA L14-30R)
• 120/240 Volt AC, 50 Amp (NEMA L14-50R)

If you open a 120 Volt 30 Amp power cord, you will find it has three prongs. The three prongs correspond to a hot 120-Volt wire, a neutral wire, and a ground wire. The 50-Amp power cord has 4 prongs corresponding to two 120-Volt hot wires, a neutral wire, and a ground wire. It means the 50 Amp connector has two 120 Volt lines capable of 6,000 Watts each or 12,000 Watts in total.

240 Volt generators use an alternator with two main windings that generate the power. Each winding gives 120 Volt and the total current is limited by a clever circuit breaker. The circuit breaker monitors the current drawn from the generator windings so it can isolate the generator should the load exceed its rated current. It is designed to allow a starting current for a limited time, normally 2 to 3 seconds. The starting current is only limited by the abilities of the alternator.

Additional supporting windings are used as well, but we will ignore them for now. The two main circuits are wired to the two hot wire legs of the four-prong 30 and 50 Amp connectors. The 120 Volt connectors are balanced out between the two lines.

In our article, on RV Air Conditioners it made it clear that all the RV rooftop air conditioners use 13 to 15 amps. As a result, almost all 50 Amp RVs are wired so that the two 50-Amp, 120-Volt lines are used separately. One air conditioner and some appliances are wired to one hot leg, the second air conditioner and the remaining appliances to the remaining hot wire.

With an ideal 50 Amp generator, each winding can deliver more than 6,000 Watts and, when combined, they deliver more than 12,000 Watts. Both will be protected by 50 Amp over current switches to limit the maximum current to safe levels. This main circuit breaker may be a double pole or two separate protectors.

In the review, you’ll see that all our 50 Amp generators with 50 Amp outlets are limited by lower than 50 Amp circuit breakers. It means none can actually deliver 50 Amps to an RV. I’ll list the output abilities and over-current protection values of the generators, to clarify the comparison. 

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50A Generator — Reviews

DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel

— and DuroMax XP12000E (Gas only)

Features :

• Plenty of Power – 12,000 starting watts and 9,500 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools.
• Dual Fuel Technology – runs on gasoline or propane giving you the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice.
• Powerful 18HP Engine – DuroMax 457cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs from powering high voltage appliances to heavy duty power tools.
• Idle Control – Lowers the RPMs when not in use saving fuel and reducing noise. Ideal in situations like on job sites where power is used intermittently.
• MX2 Technology – Get the maximum power from each of the 120 Volt Receptacle. Choose between operating the generator at both 120V and 240V simultaneously, or at 120 only with full power. Ideal for usage with Rv’s.
• Low Oil Shutoff – automatically shuts off the generator off when it senses that the oil is low.
• Outlets :
  2x 120V household GFCI outlets,
  1x 120V 30A twist lock outlet,
  1x 240V 30A outlet, and
  1x 240V 50A outlet.
• Voltmeter and 12V DC charging posts for charging external batteries.
• Complies with Emissions Standards – All DuroMax generators are both approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board) and follow strict guidelines to ensure our generators are as environmentally friendly as possible.

Overview :

The DuroMax XP12000EH has dual fuel technology which allows it to run on propane or gas. The DuroMax XP12000E, also delivers 12,000 Watt starting current and uses the same 18 HP engine, but it runs on gas only. The two machines are identical with one exception, the propane fitting on the XP12000EH. I will, therefore, review them as one and point out the differences. From the manufacturer’s wattage figures it is possible to calculate the following:

The output of the XP12000E and the Dual fuel XP12000EH using gas with Amps calculated at 240 Volts:

• Starting current 12,000 Watts or 50 Amp at 240 Volt.
• Running current 9,500 Watts or 40 Amp at 240 Volt. The value of the current limiter is not given. I guess it would be limited to 40 Amp.

The Dual fuel XP12000EH using propane and Amps calculated at 240 Volts:

• Starting current 10,200 Watts or 42.5 Amp at 240 Volt
• Running current 8,075 Watts or 34 Amp at 240 Volt

If the two main windings that generate the power are limited by a 40 Amp circuit breaker as I predict, each can deliver 4,800 Watts and combined they deliver 9,000 Watts running current. In 120/240 Volt mode, the two circuits are wired to the two legs of the 50 Amp connector and all the other connectors. When delivering its power to a 50 Amp RV, it will have the ability to give you 9,000 Watts running current. While it may deliver up to 12,000 Watt starting current, 40 Amps running current per leg are all this generator can deliver.

VIDEO — XP12000EH : A Closer Look — 50A Generator

When using it with propane, the starting current is 42.5 Amps, but it will still power two air conditioners and the most important appliances. Using propane, you will quickly learn which appliances will work together. But even on propane, it is a good power source for a big 50 Amp RV.

The DuroMax generator has an interesting feature that selects one of two output voltage settings. In the manual, it is referred to as Power Boost Technology. If you select “120V ONLY” it will only power the 120 Volt outlets and one leg of the 240 Volt connectors. If only 120 Volt appliances are connected to the generator, you select the “120V ONLY” position. It doubles the 120 Volt amperage and automatically balances the load. In this position, you then have two windings combined into one going through the same breakers. The same limits apply. I think the only advantage is that the load on the alternator is balanced.

If a 240 Volt appliance is connected to the 4-prong receptacle, the switch must be in the “120/240V” position.

When using this 50 Amp generator as a backup unit for the home, the limit of what it can deliver is still the same. It’s because of the current limiter on the generator. To use the full 40 Amps, you will have to use the 50 Amp connector and the appropriate cord to connect it to the house receptacle. If your house is not wired with a manual transfer switch, please install one, it’s safer and more convenient. If you still need to buy one and need some help in choosing one, we can help. You will find lots of information in our article How to Connect a Portable Generator to a House with a Transfer Switch

50 Amp generators are heavy, this one weighs 269 pounds, so I tend to refer to them as luggable, rather than portable generators. To aid in moving it around, the generator is mounted in a strong open frame that supports the engine and generator components. It’s also fitted with two 10 inch wheels that are mounted on the balance point to make moving it around convenient and easy. It has two fold-down handles for lifting the other end when moving it.

A battery is supplied with the generator which must be installed first before it can be used. The battery will not drain during storage because it is protected by a battery switch. In the off position, it ensures that the battery is not connected to any circuits so that it will not lose power.

On the output side of the generator, you will find the three round output receptacles which provide all the convenience you need.

• A 120 Volt 3-Prong Twist Lock (L5-30).
• A 120/240 Volt AC, 30 Amp 4-prong Twist-Lock (NEMA L14-30R)
• A 4-prong 120/240 Volt AC / 50 Amp Receptacle (NEMA L14-50R).
• Two normal house style outlets are available as a GFCI protected 120 Volt AC / 20 Amp Duplex (GFCI 5-20R) assembly.

All the outlets are protected by overcurrent circuit breakers.

In addition to the AC connections, a 12 Volt DC connection is provided that can provide 8.3 Amps. DC+ and DC- mounting posts are used. A set of DC charge cables is supplied with the generator to charge 12 Volt automotive style batteries or small DC appliances.

I’m a bit disappointed to see that the outlets are not protected by rubber covers. It keeps them clean and protects small children who may be tempted to insert things.

All the outlets are conveniently grouped together on a user interface panel with the circuit breakers and all the controls for the generator clearly marked. A key switch is used to switch the generator on or off, and to start it. An idle control switch is used to switch on the fuel-saving feature that lowers engine speed when the generator has no load.

There’s a ground terminal on the interface panel that has neutral bonded to the frame of the generator. It is used to ground the generator to an earth spike. A Volt Meter provides a reading of the voltage output of the generator.

A fuel gauge is fitted to the gasoline tank. It’s a handy addition that makes it possible to estimate the runtime that is available. It’s necessary because a generator that uses gasoline has to be stopped and allowed to cool a bit before refueling it. This gives you enough time to plan the re-fuel shutdown. The shutdown should not be a huge inconvenience because the generator has a run-time of ten hours at 50% load on full tank of gas.

For generators, kilowatt-hours per gallon can be interpreted in the same way as you would miles per gallon with a car. The fuel efficiency of the DuroMax XP12000EH generator with 9,500 Watt running power using gas is 6.01 Kilowatt-hours per gallon. Together with the Firman, this one’s gas fuel consumption tops the rest by a small margin. The fuel efficiency of the Champion is worst at 4.92 Kilowatt-hours per gallon.

A convenient connection at the rear of the generator is used to connect the generator to propane (DuroMax XP12000EH). It will run on propane for 20 Hours at 50% load using a standard BBQ tank size. It sounds like it could be an exaggerated claim but it is still very convenient to use propane. The engine runs cleaner and starts immediately on propane. Keep in mind that a propane tank is not included in the deal with the dual fuel generator.

This generator uses a 457cc DuroMax OHV engine with four point fully isolated motor mounts that assure low vibrations and quieter operation. To help make this open frame generator quieter, it has a quiet muffler which reduces engine noise. The given noise level of less than 74 dB is very good for a large 50 Amp generator. To your neighbors, it will be no louder than when you use a vacuum to clean the car, a lot quieter than the lawn mower. The generator is fully EPA and CARB compliant. It means that this 50 Amp generator can be used in all fifty states. A spark arrester is fitted and, it too, has been approved by the USDA Forest Service

A low oil shut-off switch protects the engine, should it run out of oil. An oil warning light will indicate when this happens, a useful aid for troubleshooting.

Customer feedback is very good, with a lot of positive response regarding propane consumption during lengthy power outages of 4 days and longer.

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Champion 100161

9375-Watt, gas powered only.

Features :

• Fuel Tank – 6 Gallon (22.9 L)
• Intelligauge : Monitors hours, volts, Hz
• GFCI protected outlets
• 120/240V Operation
• Durable steel frame
• Portable – U-shaped folding handle with never-flat tires
• Noise Level – 74 dBA from 23 ft.
• Outlets :
  120/240V 50A (14-50R)
  120V 30A (TT-30R) RV outlets
  120/240V 30A locking outlet (L14-30R)
  120V 20A GFCI protected household outlets (5-20R).
• Runs up to 8 hours at 50% load

Overview

The Champion 100161 7,500-Watt generator runs on gas only, and it has a remote start feature. The generator is supplied with a remote key fob which allows you to start and stop your generator from up to 80 feet away. It’s a very convenient feature, should you prefer not to run the generator continuously. The 439cc Champion engine with electric start is supplied with a battery which must be installed first.

The rated output in Watts for the Champion 100161; with Amps calculated at 240 Volts:

• Starting current is 9,375 Watts or 39 Amps.
• Running current is 7,500 Watts or 31.3 Amps. But, it is protected by two 30 Amp overcurrent trip switches as depicted in the circuit diagram.

The two main windings are each limited by a 30 Amp circuit breaker. Each can deliver 3,600 Watts running current and combined they deliver 7,200 Watts. Therefore, when powering a 50 Amp RV, it will have the ability to give you 7,200 Watts or 30 Amps per leg running current. 

When powering appliances in the home, keep in mind that the air conditioner is the most power hungry unit. If you cannot use the most essential appliances with the air conditioner, you may have to do without the air conditioner for a while. Three 12 Watt lamps, 1 refrigerator, a 625 Watt microwave, a blender and a toaster already consume a total of 4,800 watts. That’s equal to 20 Amps. Add to that, the air conditioner using 14 Amps and the total demand is 34 Amps. So to be compatible with the 30 Amp limit per circuit, you will have to limit the appliances.

When used as a backup unit for the home the same problem will occur. It will be great for lighting and some small appliances. But you will have to be careful how you select appliances like a sump pump or furnace fan blower. They demand more power during start-up and also consume more running current. You will find lots of wattage guides on the internet that will let you select appliances to find the total load.

This generator is the smallest of them all, but it still weighs 207 pounds net. It has two 10” wheels that make moving it around a lot easier. The comfortable fold-down handle is sturdy and provides a good grip.

The battery that’s used to start the engine provides 12 Volts DC to the electric starter and remote control receiver module. A battery switch is placed on the panel that you use to enable or disable the electric start. When disabled, the battery is disconnected from the circuits so that it will not be run down.

AC receptacles are neatly grouped on the interface panel and clearly marked. It caters to all the necessary outlets.

• 50 Amp outlet, 120/240 Volt 50 Amp (14-50R)
• 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) — both protected
• 120V 30A (TT-30R) for connecting to a 30 Amp RV
• Two duplex GFCI 120 Volt 20A (5-20R) typical household outlets

All the outlets are neatly covered with flip-up rubber covers that will keep out the dirt, and it makes the connectors safer.

A DC outlet is not provided on the user interface panel. A ground terminal that is connected to the frame and the neutral of the generator is to be used for grounding the generator. It has an “Intelligauge” three-mode digital meter that displays the running hours, output voltage and frequency as you select them.

The supplied 12 Volt 15AH battery is recharged while the engine is running. But, I would recommend that you fully charge the battery at least once a month. It will keep the battery healthy and, at the same time, ensure that the remote/electric start works at all times.

The generator does not have a fuel level indicator so the motor will run out of fuel without prior knowledge. It may tempt you to open the cap while the generator is running to peek inside, but NEVER do that, it’s dangerous. Fuel will spill from the tank due to the vibrations of the running motor and may cause a fire or explosion.

The manufacturer states that the run-time is 8 hours on a full tank of 6.1 gallons with a 50% load. I calculated the consumption using the 7,200 Watt running power at 50%, and it gives you 4.92 kilowatt-hours per gallon. This is our least-efficient engine, which is surprising when you compare it to the Firman with the same size engine (439cc). The Firman delivers 6 kilowatt-hours per gallon.

The Champion engine uses an automatic choke, a necessary addition because of the remote start feature. A choke lever is provided for those times when the battery fails, and a recoil start is needed. This engine is also equipped with a low oil shut-down detector. It stops the engine so it will not fail because of low or out of oil conditions.

The noise levels of this generator are given as 74.0dBA from 23 feet. It’s normal for an open frame generator, louder than a vacuum cleaner and better than a lawnmower. Some homeowners using it during outages find that the machine is too loud, and this is true for all open frame portable generators.

This machine is EPA and CARB compliant, and the exhaust is fitted with a spark arrestor. It is therefore approved for use in national parks.

An Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) maintains the generator output voltage to the required level. It’s a great advantage because the voltage will not fluctuate under varying loads, you will simply hear the engine working harder.

Feedback from customers is generally good although some complaints about the noise levels did arise.

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A-iPower SUA12000E

12,000 Watts Portable Generator

Two models :

• SUA12000EC (EPA/CARB Compliant = all 50 states)
• SUA12000E (Not for sale in California)

Features :

• 12,000 starting watts / 9, 000 running watts
• Epa, CARB for 50 States (SUA12000EC model)
• High performance alternator provides greater peak wattage which allows motor driven appliances and tools to operate simultaneously.
• Multiple front panel outlets. Ergonomically angled compact control panel with multiple outlets with weather proof cover provides easy power connections and added protection from the environment.
• Powerful 459cc/16Hp engine. It’s only single cylinder even for its big size. It delivers just power. Single cylinder, air-cooled, 4-stroke engine with electric start

Overview

The A-iPower SUA12000E, rated Watts using gas and Amps calculated at 240 Volts:

• Starting current 12,000 Watts or 50 Amp
• Running current 9,000 Watts or 38 Amp, a dual 38 Amp circuit breaker is installed.

Limited by a 38 Amp circuit breaker, each circuit can deliver 4,560 Watts and combined they deliver 9,120 Watts running current. The two circuits are wired to the two legs of the 50 Amp connector and all the other connectors. When powering a 50 Amp RV, it will have the ability to give you 9,120 Watts or 38 Amps per leg running current.

The A-iPower SUA12000E does deliver 50 Amps Starting current and falls into my “true” 50 Amp generator category. It will however, not deliver 50 Amp to the RV at the 50 Amp connector. The same is true when used as a backup unit for the home. It will be limited to 38 Amps (9,000 Watts) to the transfer switch. When doing your calculations for home backup, keep this limit in mind.

The weight of this A-iPower generator is 216 pounds. Handling it is done by using the factory-installed fold-down handle and two 9.5-inch solid wheels. With the help of a friend, it is easy to lift, the tubing frame comes in handy when doing this.

The battery is supplied with the generator and is mounted to the frame. I feel the battery is rather exposed where it is mounted. You will have to be careful when handling the machine.

The power outlets are clearly marked and include the following:

• Four NEMA 120 Volt AC 20 Amp GFCI-protected outlets provide added protection and safety under damp conditions.
• One NEMA 120/240 Volt AC 30 Amp, L14-30R twist- lock outlet
• One NEMA 120/240 Volt AC, 50 Amp, 14-50R industrial-grade outlet
• One 12 Volt DC 8.3A automotive style adapter plug for charging a battery or with a USB adapter to charge USB compatible devices.

All the outlets, circuit breakers, and switches are protected by rubber covers. You will use a keyless, one-touch button to start the generator. Its GFCI-protected outlets provide added protection and safety under damp conditions.

A gauge on the fuel tank indicates the fuel level so that you can plan your next shut down for a refuel.

The SUA12000E generator with 9,000 Watt running power gives you 5.79 kilowatt-hours per gallon. Calculated at a constant load of 50% of running power. This is the third most efficient 50 Amp generator by a small margin.

The generator is powered by an A-iPower 459cc OHV engine of 16hp. The noise level given by the manufacturer is 78dBA at 23 ft. It is louder than the other generators. The muffler is fitted with a USDA approved spark arrester, and the generator is EPA approved. The low oil cutout serves to protect the engine when the oil level is low. A light on the control panel will be lit to assist the user in finding out why the generator stopped working.

Customer feedback is good with almost no complaints. Everyone enjoyed the quality feel and good finish.

This is a neat generator, and all edges are curved to prevent injury. I liked that the fuel filling port is countersunk so that fuel will not spill over during filling.

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Pulsar Products PG10000B16

Dual-Fuel, 10,000 Watts

Features :

• 10,000 Peak Watts/8,000 Running Watts (Gasoline)
• 9,000 Peak Watts/7,000 Running Watts (LPG)
• Switch & Go Capability
• 420cc, 15HP, Single cylinder, 4-Stroke, OHV, Air Cooled
• 12 Hour Run-time at Half Load (Gas)
• 6.6 Gallon Fuel Tank
• (4) 120V Outlets, (1) 120V/240V Twist-Lock Outlet, (1) 120/240V 50A RV Port
• Electric Start with Recoil Back-Up

This is a dual fuel generator, and it is possible to switch from LPG to gas or vice versa while the generator is running. It does mean though, that both fuel sources must be full when you start the generator. Otherwise, you will have to stop the generator first to fill up with gas or connect a full propane bottle. The advantage is that with more than one propane tank and some gas, the runtime can be extended almost indefinitely. A propane hose is supplied with the machine so there is no need to buy one.

The rated output for the Pulsar Products PG10000B16 Dual-Fuel using gas and Amps calculated at 240 Volts:

• Starting current 10,000 Watts or 42 Amp
• Running current 9,000 Watts or 38 Amp, “(120VAC @ 27 AMPs)” as given on page 20 of the handbook.

The Pulsar Products PG10000B16 Dual-Fuel using propane and Amps calculated at 240 Volts:

• Starting current 8,000 Watts or 33 Amp
• Running current 7,000 Watts or 29 Amp

It seems that each circuit is limited by a 27 Amp circuit breaker. This is according to a statement in the manual on page 20 “the generator’s rated voltage, and amperage capacity (120VAC @ 27 AMPs)”. I have previous experience of finding incorrect information in the generators manuals. So I contacted the supplier for more info, but I received none. A little disappointing, to say the least.

Using the 27 Amp limits, each can deliver 3,240 Watts and combined they deliver 6,480 Watts running current. When powering a 50 Amp RV, it will deliver 6,480 Watts, 27 Amps per leg running current.

When connected to the home as a backup unit during a power outage you have to keep in mind that the same limits will apply. You should limit the total load of all the appliances to the output of the generator. 

The generator weighs 212 pounds (approximately). Two people should lift it, and you should never lift the generator using the engine or alternator lifting lugs. You can connect lifting equipment to the frame of the generator when it is well balanced and safe to do so. Moving it around is easy on paved, level ground. In the rough, you need someone to assist you.

The generator is supplied with a battery which you have to install. When not in use, the manufacturer recommends that the battery cables be disconnected. This generator doesn’t have the convenience of a battery switch to disconnect the battery when not in use.

The following AC receptacles give you the ability to power multiple tools or devices at once. None of the connectors or switches on the panel are protected by rubber covers.

• Four home style 120 Volt outlets are provided. The outlets are not GFCI 5-20R connectors, and you are therefore not protected against shocks in damp conditions.
• One 120/240 Volt AC, 30 Amp outlet (NEMA L14-30R),
• One 120/240 Volt 50 Amp RV Port (NEMA L14-50R)

The two mounting posts for mounting standby battery charging cables to the 12 Volt DC 8.3 Amp outlet are protected by a trip switch. A three in one digital hour meter is installed for monitoring the service times of the generator. Mounted to the left of this, is the electric start switch. It is also used to stop the engine. When starting the engine, it is switched on first and then toggled to the momentary start position. On the user interface panel, you will also find the ground terminal. You should always connect the generator to the ground terminal to prevent electrical shock.

A fuel gauge is mounted to the fuel tank. The fuel tank has a capacity of 6.5 gallons with run time of 8 hours when using gasoline. This gives us a fuel efficiency figure of 5.54 kilowatt-hours per gallon. The engine is a four Stroke, air cooled, single cylinder, OHV unit with a displacement of 420 cc. Its noise levels are not given in the documentation.

I could not determine if the generator is EPA or CARB compliant. A low oil shutoff is provided that will cut the fuel to prevent damage to the engine if the oil level is too low.

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Firman P08003 : 10,000 Watts

Features :

• 10000 Starting Watts / 8000 Running Watts
• 8 Gallon Tank
• 12 hour Run Time
• Outlets – 14-50R 120V/240V – 50A, (1) TT-30R (RV Ready) 120V – 30A, (1) L14-30R 120V/240V – 30A Twistlock, (1) L5-30R 120V – 30A, (2) 5-20R Duplex GFCI 120V – 20A
• Recoil, Remote, and Electric Start
• Remote Start/Stop from a Distance of 168 Feet
• Volt Lock Automatic Voltage Regulator
• Wheel Kit With 10” Heavy Duty Never-Flat Tires and High Leverage Single Folding Handle
• Power Stream Alternator
• Max Pro Series 439cc FIRMAN Engine
• Phoenix Fat Head Block for enhanced engine efficiency
• Legendary 3 Year Warranty Serviced from Our HQ In Phoenix, Arizona, USA
• Whisper Series Muffler with USDA Forest Service Approved Spark Arrester
• 4-in-1 Data Minder Measures Volts, Hertz, Hours and Low Oil Indicator
• Accessories Include Oil, Spark Plug Wrench, Shipping Bracket Wrenches, Funnel, and Manual
• Durable Compact Tubular Roll Cage Frame Design
• Weight – 218 Lbs
• Carton Measurements – 31.7”x21.7”x24.4”
• CARB Approved

Overview

The FIRMAN P08003 generator looks neat and sturdy. Supplied with the generator in the box are an oil funnel, owner’s manual, spark plug wrench, and two wrenches to remove protective shipping brackets. An interesting touch is the rubber capped remote control holder on the nameplate of the generator. The remote control can be placed inside the remote holder for transporting it with the generator.

The power delivery of the FIRMAN P08003 using gas and Amps calculated at 240 Volts:

• Starting current 10,000 Watts or 42 Amp
• Running current 8,000 Watts or 33 Amp, a 33 Amp circuit breaker is installed.

Each of the two 120 Volt main windings that generate power is limited by a 33 Amp circuit breaker. This is according to a parts list in the manual. Using the 33 Amp limit, each winding can deliver 3,960 Watts and combined, they deliver 7,920 Watts running current. The same limits apply when connected to an RV.

When using the Firman P08003 as a backup unit for the home, it can be successfully connected to the 50 Amp connector. Keep in mind that the real current the generator can deliver is 7,920 Watts. You’ll have to limit your essential appliance loads according to that.

This 50 Amp generator is also heavy, though not the heaviest in our selection at 218 pounds. When handling it, the same rules apply as for all the previous generators. For portability, the P08003 includes a 10” wheel kit with never-flat wheels. A single folding handle with an ergonomic grip is mounted at the highest point of the frame.

Six AC receptacles are grouped in a row on the interface panel, all of them covered by flip-up rubber covers.

• One 120 Volt 3-Prong Twist Lock (L5-30R)
• One 120/240 Volt AC, 30 Amp Twist-Lock (NEMA L14-30R)
• One 120/240 Volt AC / 50 Amp (NEMA L14-50R).
• One 120 Volt AC, 30 Amp (NEMA TT-30R)
• One GFCI 120 Volt AC / 20 Amp Duplex (GFCI 5-20R).

The rated total harmonic distortion of 25 at full load is not suitable for sensitive equipment like cell phones and Wi Fi equipment.

On the user interface panel is a 4 in 1 Data-Minder that monitors running hours, voltage and frequency. This one also includes the low oil indicator light. The generator is powered by a Max Pro 439cc Firman cast iron sleeved engine. Starting it with the remote cannot be simpler, and it works from 68 feet away. Electric start from the panel is, of course, also possible.

The tank design is such that fuel spills are minimized, and a fuel gauge is mounted on the tank. The capacity of the tank is eight gallons. At 50% load, the generator will run for 12 hours before a refuel is needed. This translates to 6 kilowatt-hours per gallon. Together with the DuroMax when used on gas, this one’s fuel consumption tops the rest, not by much, the champion is worst at 4.92.

A battery switch connects the battery to enable the start/run switch. Do not leave the switch in the on position for extended periods, else the battery can be completely drained. Therefore, the battery switch should always be in off position when not in use.

The noise level is stated as being 74 decibels. Although it is loud, Firman points out that it is well below the standards set by the National Parks Service. A spark arrester is fitted and, it too, has been approved by the USDA Forest Service.

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CAT RP12000E — 15,000W

Features:

• Powerful 670cc V-Twin OHV motor with pressurized oil system
• Removable lifting eye and ergonomic design for easy maneuverability
• Large fuel tank and idle control for extra-long run times
• Class leading number of outlets powers more tools at one time
• All copper generator produces clean power (total harmonic distortion (<5%)
• EPA Compliant

✓ View manual for the CAT RP12000E.

Overview

This generator will happily power a 50 Amp connection up to the point where the 46 Amp circuit breaker trips due to overload. It can run all day delivering 12,000 Watts at 240 Volt. This is the most powerful generator that I review here, and an impressive machine.

The power generated by the CAT RP12000E using gas. Amps are calculated at 240 Volts:

• Starting current 15,000 Watts or 63 Amp
• Running current 12,000 Watts or 50 Amp, protected by a dual 46 Amp overcurrent limiter.

Each of the two 120 Volt main circuits are limited by a 46 Amp circuit breaker. With the 46 Amp limit, each winding can deliver 5,520 Watts and combined they deliver 11,040 Watts running current. The two circuits are wired to the two legs of the 50 Amp connector and all the other connectors. When delivering its power to a 50 Amp RV, it will have the ability to power 11,040 Watts, 46 Amps per leg running current.

This is the only generator in our selection that can almost deliver the full 50 Amp running current. It can be used as an effective backup unit for the home. When connected with the four-prong 50 Amp receptacle it is possible to utilize its full power capabilities.

Eight AC receptacles are neatly grouped on the user interface panel, and all are protected by neat rubber protectors.

• Two GFCI 120 Volt 20 Amp Duplex outlets give you four 120 Volt home style outlets with ground field protection for added safety.
• Two 120 Volt AC 3-Prong Twist Lock (L5-30) connectors and
• One 120/240 Volt AC, 30 Amp Twist-Lock Receptacle (NEMA L14-30R) is available to power 30 Amp supplies.
• Then there is the 120/240 Volt AC 50 Amp Receptacle (NEMA L14-50R) for connecting to the home receptacle or 50 Amp RV.
• A 12 Volt 8.3 Amp DC outlet with a rubber cover is provided for battery charging purposes.

This machine is heavy, the heaviest of them all. It weighs 350 pounds and, even when moving it around on the rubber wheels, it feels heavy. To make things easier, CAT balanced the load over the wheels and fitted the generator with a sturdy fold-down handle. A removable lifting eye is fitted to the top balance point for hoisting this heavy 50 Amp generator onto a truck or trailer.

The battery is protected against discharging by the on/off switch. It is also used to start the engine, and when turned off, it stops the engine. A manual choke is used for cold starting the engine. A manual fuel valve is used to shut off fuel and let the carburetor run dry for storage.

This generator does have a fuel gauge on the tank, so it is possible to determine the fuel level without removing the cap. The metal tank holds 13.2 gallons of fuel and gives you a run-time, at 50% load, of 11.5 hours. Taking into consideration that it has 12,000 Watt running power, it delivers 5.32 kilowatt-hours per gallon. For a heavy machine like this, it is not bad, but it’s the second least fuel efficient 50 Amp generator in the group.

An interesting feature on the user interface panel is two LED panel lights to make the controls visible at night. It makes a lot of sense to me since this is your power source, it should have lights for night time visibility. A 4 in 1 digital display can alternately display voltage, frequency, running hours and total hours. The running hours combined with the fuel gauge reading helps to determine how long the generator will run till the next re-fuel stop.

The engine idle control can be switched off when a constant speed is required to handle varying loads. This machine is loud, even at a distance. The idle control does help to reduce the constant drone, and it saves fuel by lowering engine speed when there is no load.

EPA and CARB models are rated as 12,000 running Watts, the CSA Model is rated as 11,000 running Watts output.

The engine of this 50 Amp generator is a powerful 670cc V-Twin OHV motor with pressurized oil system. It’s the only engine in the group with pressurized oil which is more akin to a motorcycle engine. The All copper generator produces clean power (total harmonic distortion <5%) which makes it safe for use with your sensitive appliances.

This portable generator is big by any standards, and it is also the most capable “true” 50 Amp generator in our review. It’s supplied by a trusted brand that will eagerly support its products. If you need a big one, this must be the generator of choice.

It is also my personal favorite with its 11,040 Watts, 46 Amps per leg running current, although I do wish it was quieter. The total harmonic distortion of less than 5%, full set of connectors and 11.5 hours runtime make it the winner.

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Volts, Amps, and Watts…oh my!

When expressing how heat is generated or work is done we use Watts as a measure. It’s a measurement of power. It’s the rate at which electricity is being used at a specific moment. Watt-hours are a measure of energy, describing the total amount of electricity used per hour, allowing us to measure our consumption over time.

One watt is equivalent to one joule (energy) per second (1 W = 1 J/s). The utility company charges for watts expressed as energy. It’s the power consumed for a time period, typically shown by your utility company in kilowatt-hours. For example: A 100-Watt light used for 10 hours consumes 1 kW-hour energy. The math is: 100 W x 10 hours = 1000 Watt-hours = 1 kW-hour.

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Running watts vs starting watts?

Running Watts is also referred to as rated Watts. It’s the continuous Watts needed to keep electric items running. Starting Watts indicate the additional power needed for two to three seconds when some devices start up. Normally, to start motor-driven appliances like a refrigerator or furnace fan blower. It’s limited by the maximum Wattage the generator can produce and not by its current limiter. The AVR of the generator will manage the startup current. To calculate your needs, many reference sheets are available on the internet and in the generator manual. Two columns are given, stating current and running (rated) current. From the Starting current column, you select the highest startup current in your shortlist and add it to the total running current.

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Why buy a 50 Amp generator?

It typically requires 5000 to 7000 Watts or 20.8 to 58.3 Amps to power most of your basic household items in an average-sized home. Keeping in mind that the home has a 100 or 200 Amp circuit breaker, it is a small percentage of what you normally can use. It’s only 10% to 29% of a 200 Amp home. Should we happen to buy a CAT generator that can deliver 46 Amps running current, we’ll limited in what we can run. We can supply 46% of the current that is normally available in a 100 Amp home and only 23% in a 200 Amp home. It is clear that a true 30 Amp generator will deliver less, 30% and 15% respectively, limiting your choice even more. That’s why you should buy the most you can if you plan to use the generator as a backup power source.

To add up appliance currents, many wattage reference guides are available on the internet and in owner’s manuals. We normally use them to calculate the generator size that we need, but when I do it, a few realities surface:

• I always end up with a generator that I cannot afford so I have to cut back.
• All the devices you wish to use are not in the same area so selecting areas on the transfer box is somewhat problematic.
• They will not be used at the same time, so you cannot determine the maximum load by adding up the loads of everything you need.
• Some have a startup current to contend with, and these can be your most important appliances.

If disaster strikes in winter, the total demand is at its highest. You need heat and clothes must be dried. A heat pump alone needs a 4,700 running Watt generator. It must also handle an additional starting current of 4,500 Watts, totaling at 9,200 Watts. Add to that the electric clothes dryer that can consume 5,400 Watt running current and 1,350 starting Watts. The biggest of our 50 Amp generators will not be able to handle this load. When in use, these devices startup as needed during a repetitive cycle and it’s not controllable.

A portable generator used as a backup power for the home requires some compromise. I believe you should consider the generator that can deliver the most power you can afford, and it must be a 50 Amp generator for a reasonable amount of home comforts.

When using it to power an RV, you are already limited to either 30 Amps or 50 Amps. You will be able to run most, if not all of the electric appliances in the RV. If you own a 50 Amp RV, it obviously makes sense to buy a generator that is as close to 50 Amps as possible.