- Wattage (Gas): 4,500 W / 3,700 W
- THD: < 3%
- Noise Level: 60 dBA
- Fuel Type: Gasoline
- RV Ready: Yes
- Run Time@ 25% load: 16 h
- Run Time@ 50% load: Unspecified
- Weight: 104 lbs
Table Of Contents
We are proud of our independence and have no ties to manufacturers. To maintain our objectivity, we do not accept free products. Our income is generated by advertising fees paid by retailers for qualifying purchases.
Description
A Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke engine with 224 cc powers the Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart. It has a 120V output, runs on gas, and has a running wattage of 3,700W and a peak wattage of 4,500W. This inverter generator has a noise level of 60 dBA, which is about the same as an office. It can be started with a pull-start mechanism or a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included). The P4500 PowerSmart can also be started from a distance, which makes it even more convenient (key fob included). With a full tank, the P4500 PowerSmart can run for up to 16 hours on its 3.5-gallon fuel tank (fuel consumption is approximately 0.22 GPH). Since the P4500 PowerSmart makes a clean sine wave with a Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of less than 3%, you can safely plug sensitive electronics into the AC outlets.
Outlets
On the control panel, there are 5 AC outlets for: Two 120V 20A (5-20R) and 120V 30A (TT-30R) duplex plugs. It also has 2 DC outlets: there are two 5V USB ports (USB-A) that make it easy to charge devices like cell phones and tablets. This Briggs & Stratton generator is ready for an RV because it has a TT-30R (which stands for “Travel Trailer”) plug.
Features
The P4500 PowerSmart’s control panel has a digital data center that shows the lifetime run hours, fuel level, and power output. This lets you keep track of its status and activity. In addition to this information, some lights let you know right away if the generator is overloaded, if it is ready to go, or if the oil level is too low. The unit has Briggs & Stratton’s Quiet Power Technology (QPTTM), which makes it much quieter, uses less fuel, and puts out less pollution. When the switch on the control panel is turned ON, the engine speed goes up when electrical loads are added and down when they are taken away. When it comes to safety, this product has an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), so you can use it without worry. Briggs & Stratton’s CO GuardTM carbon monoxide shutdown also works well with the P4500 PowerSmart. This new patent-pending technology uses complex algorithms to turn off the generator when dangerous levels of carbon monoxide build up in the area where the generator works. It’s a nice extra safety measure, but don’t forget to take your generator outside at all times. The Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart comes with a key fob, oil, and a funnel, as well as the usual paperwork and an owner’s manual to get you up and running quickly.
Mobility
The Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart is an inverter generator that is 24.5 inches long, 17.6 inches wide, and 20.36 inches high. So, it looks better than most other products with open frames. The generator has a modern look and is easy to use when generating power for fun. Even though the generator is technically considered to “be portable,” it will be very hard to move it by hand because it weighs 104 pounds (in the sense that it is movable). But the lack of maneuverability is made up for by its two wheels and telescopic handle, which make it easy to move once it’s on the ground.
Product Videos
The following charts show how some of the most important features of the Briggs-Stratton-30814-P4500-PowerSmart compare to other generators with the same power output.
**Fuel efficiency is give in relative percentage, 0 being the lowest and 1 being the highest value. Please see below specification table for actual value.
Specifications
Generic
Inverter | Yes |
Fuel efficiency | 0.169 gal/kWh |
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | Yes |
Fuel | Gasoline |
Engine | 224 cc Briggs & Stratton OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
Power
Gasoline | Propane | |
Running watts | 3,700 W | n/a |
Starting watts | 4,500 W | n/a |
Running amps (@120/240V) | 30.8 amps | n/a |
Peak amps (@120/240V) | 37.5 amps | n/a |
Run time @50% load | Unspecified | n/a |
Run time @25% load | 16 h | n/a |
Control Panel
GFCI outlets | No |
Covered outlets | Yes |
Automatic Voltage Regulator | Inverter |
AC outlets | 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R); 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R) |
DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port (USB-A) |
Data center | InfoHub |
Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
Fuel tank | 3.5 gal |
Fuel gauge | Digital |
Mixed
Weight | 104 lbs |
Approx. dimen. (L x W x H) | 24.5 x 17.6 x 20.36 in |
Noise (lower limit) | 60 dBA |
THD | < 3% |
Compliance | CARB, EPA |
Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
Spark arrestor | Yes |
Accessories included | Oil, funnel, key fob, and battery |
Warranty | 3 years |
- We compared more than 500 portable generators at 50% load. We found that there is “skewed right” distribution for the difference between 50% load and 25% load and the median comes at 1.43. With this number we converter all the 25% load runtime to 50% load. Same with the propane efficiency, where median is 1.38.
- For some generators where propane runtime was not given, we used NIST 1994 GGE (Gasoline Gallon Equivalent) formula: 5.66 lbs. of propane = 1 gal of gasoline. All propane runtime is for 20 lbs. propane tank (4.7 gallons).
- Unlike many other sites, we actually tried to find out information about each of the above requirements. However, we are human and are therefore capable of the odd oversight or mistake. Please let us know if you spot any missing or erroneous values so that we can fix them.
About the Manufacturer
A well-known American manufacturer of gasoline engines, Briggs & Stratton was established in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1908. Briggs & Stratton offers both portable and standby solutions with full support, including installation, for casual users while the company primarily focuses on engines, including outdoor, power tool, karting, cast iron, and aluminum models. Power generators are also a significant part of their portfolio. The organization has 13 locations scattered across all the continents, enabling it to operate on a global basis.
Warranty Information
A warranty covers the Briggs & Stratton P4500 PowerSmart for up to 3 years. This warranty may not cover all parts of the generator or may only cover certain parts. For more information about Briggs & Stratton generator warranties, please read the company’s warranty policies, which are written in the user manual. You can also call their customer service line at 1-800-743-4115. Check Briggs & Stratton Website for more information.