Generac LP5500 Portable Propane Generator — 6875 Surge Watts, 5500 Rated Watts, CARB Compliant, Model# 6001

The engine is engineered and manufactured overseas.

The engine for our LP5500 is engineered and manufactured to our specifications by a partner overseas. If a product manufactured in USA is desired, our XG and XP Series units, and their engines, are manufactured in the USA.

The LP5500, model 6001, does feature low oil shutdown to automatically safeguard the engine from damage. We recommend checking the oil level for the unit each time prior to starting the generator to ensure a proper operating level.

The Generac product sheet says that it does have AUTOMATIC Shut down protection that cuts power in the case of low oil level.

The LP5500, as well as any portable unit, is an outdoor use only item and will need to be 5 feet from any surface to ensure your safety as well to prevent the unit from overheating. It cannot be run inside any enclosed space.

Generac’s LP5500 portable generator, model number 6001, is recommended for use with either a 20 lb. or 30 lb. fuel tank. At 50% load, the estimated run time for the generator is 4.75 hours when utilizing a 20 lb. tank, and 7 hours on a 30 lb. tank. Please note that the actual run time will vary based on the load(s) placed on the generator.

The LP5500 is a pull start unit, and does not feature electric start. Generac does not manufacture any LP Series generators that feature the electric start mechanism. Electric start units can be identified by an “E” following the series number. Furthermore, Generac does not have any accessories for retrofitting a pull-start generator with electric start, and does not recommend such a retrofit for safety and performance reasons. Any modification to the unit will also void warranty. Additionally, if you are interested in a unit that provides for an easy start and LP use, we would like to recommend considering our 7kW CorePower Automatic Home Standby Generator.

When utilizing a Generac LP5500 portable generator, you can either connect items directly to the unit utilizing extension cords, or in the event that the items required are hard wired, the unit can connect to a manual transfer switch. If installing a manual transfer switch is not an option, utilizing an extension cord from an appliance directly to the generator is acceptable as long as the extension cord is properly rated for the amperage and distance you are interested in. If you are looking for a cord to utilize with the 30 amp receptacle and you have a minimum distance of 35 feet, you will want a cord that is rated for 30 amps at 35 feet, or 30 amps at 50 feet, etc, depending on your distance requirements. Also, please note that the 30 amp 240 volt twist lock receptacle, requires an extension cord or utilized plug with the L14-30R configuration.

Generac’s LP5500 portable generator utilizes a 2 pole Circuit Breaker which protects the rated output of the generator. Each duplex receptacle is provided with a push-to-reset circuit breaker to protect the generator against electrical overload as well. Additionally, the 240v 30amp receptacle is protected by a 25 amp breaker. The unit itself is rated for an AC Rated Output of 5500 running watts and a rated VAC Amperage of 45.8 for 120 volts, and 22.9 amps for 240 volts.

With proper maintenance, you can expect years of reliable service, but based on all of the different environmental and operational factors involved, we are unable to put an exact time frame on life expectancy of the engine.

This Generac portable propane generator has recoil start. This is same type used on lawn mowers where you pull the cord to to start the engine.

The LP5500 is a propane unit only. At this time, Generac does not offer any accessories or conversion kits for its portable generators to run on natural gas. We also do not recommend such conversion, for safety and performance reasons. Natural gas is also required per code to be piped to a stationary unit, which a portable generator is not. If you would prefer a natural gas generator, we recommend our residential series units, such as our 7kW CorePower automatic home backup generator. The residential standby units run on your home's existing natural gas fuel supply, connect directly to your home's electrical system, and turn on and off automatically in the event of a power outage.