A-iPower GXS5000D review: our full analysis

Power output: running and starting watts

The A-iPower GXS5000D delivers 4,000 W continuously and up to 5,000 W for a few seconds to start motors on gasoline. On propane, the manufacturer rates it at 3,600 running watts (4,500 W starting), 10% less. It handles 13 of the 14 loads on our typical list one at a time; add up the running watts of everything you run together, plus the extra starting watts of the biggest motor.

Typical figures; check the label of your own appliances. One load at a time: add up everything you run together.

A-iPower GXS5000D4,000 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $500–$800 Check best price

How long does it run on a tank?

The fuel tank holds 6.3 gallons of gasoline. The manufacturer quotes 20 hours at a quarter load. At half load, count on roughly 12 hours (our estimate from the quarter-load figure). That is about 0.50 gallon per hour at half load, or 12 gallons for a full day of running, so plan your fuel storage for a multi-day outage. On propane, a standard 20 lb tank holds about 4.7 gallons of LP; propane does not go stale, which makes it the easiest fuel to stock.

68 dB(A): how loud is it?

The manufacturer rates the A-iPower GXS5000D at 68 dB(A), usually measured at 23 feet (7 m) and a light load. That is a typical open-frame level, comparable to a vacuum cleaner: fine for home backup at 20 feet, loud for a campground.

Can you connect it to your house?

Its panel offers 4 × 120 V household outlets (5-20R), L5-30R 30 A 120 V twist-lock, L14-30R 30 A 120/240 V twist-lock. The L14-30R outlet supplies 120/240 V, which is what a manual transfer switch or an interlock kit with a power inlet box connects to, installed by a licensed electrician. Never backfeed the house through a wall outlet.

Safety features and warranty

It starts with a recoil (pull) cord. A CO shutoff sensor stops the engine if carbon monoxide builds up around it; it does not replace distance (20 feet from the house) and CO alarms indoors. It is listed as CARB compliant, so it can be sold in California. The warranty runs 3 years (residential use).

Typical price $500–$800: good value per watt?

Relative to its running watts, the A-iPower GXS5000D scores 8.4/10 on value: a good result. Generator prices on Amazon move a lot, especially before hurricane season: check the current price before you buy.

A-iPower GXS5000D4,000 running W · Dual fuel · typical price $500–$800 Check best price