Cummins Onan P4500i Spec Review

In a nutshell, the Cummins Onan P4500i is a quiet and compact portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:

• RV travellers looking for even more independence
• Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
• Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
• Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source

In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.

Power & Run Time

The Cummins Onan P4500i

The Cummins Onan P4500i houses a 224 cc (7.3 hp) Ducar OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 3700W along with a peak wattage of 4500W. Additionally, as the generator is parallel capable (A058M290 parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included), it can be linked to a second unit for more power.

The inverter generator is rated for a noise of 52 dBA (just slightly more noisy than rainfall). Its starting mechanisms include a simple traditional pull-start mechanism and a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included). To add further convenience, the Onan P4500i can be remotely started (key fob included).

Thanks to a fuel capacity of 3.4 gallons, the Onan P4500i can operate for up to 18 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.19 GPH).

The Onan P4500i produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <3% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 3 AC outlets:

Furthermore, it has 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports with which charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets is made convenient.

Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this Cummins generator is RV Ready.

Portability

Thanks to its closed inverter generator design (L24.5 x W18.3 x H20.5 in), the Cummins Onan P4500i, is more esthetical than a typical, open frame generator. The generator has a contemporary design, convenient for recreationally generating power.

The Onan P4500i's dry weight of 98 lbs lets you use its power anywhere needed. Furthermore, once placed on the floor, effortless displacement is possible thanks to its wheel kit (⌀5.5") and its telecospic handle.

Features

The Onan P4500i's control panel

A digital data center, one of the features of the Onan P4500i’s control panel, gives you information on the remaining run time, fuel level, lifetime run hours, voltage and power output, and thus, is helpful for the monitoring of its activity and status.

In addition to this info, several light indicators serve to show you when the generator is ready, the generator is overloaded and the oil level is too low.

As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker).

While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Cummins Onan P4500i, the following accessories are also included: funnel, tool kit, oil, battery charger and key fob.

Emissions

The Cummins Onan P4500i is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Thus, selling and purchasing this generator is allowed in each of the 50 states, including California.

Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, making it usable in forested areas.