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NorthStar c13000s - 10500/13000W Portable Generator With Electric Start And Honda Engine

The NorthStar c13000s is a powerful open frame generator with a rated wattage of 10,500 W and a starting wattage of 13,000 W. (Read full specs)

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NorthStar c13000s
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Price history for the NorthStar c13000s
Highest Price
$3,899.99
Lowest Price
$2,799.99
Current Price
$2,999.99

Description

Zoom on the NorthStar c13000s

In short, the NorthStar c13000s is a powerful portable generator adequately designed for professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure..

The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.

Power & Run Time

With a 688 cc Honda GX630 OHV V-Twin engine, the NorthStar c13000s operates on gasoline, providing 120/240V, with a running wattage of 10,500W and a starting wattage of 13,000W.

With a noise rating of 72 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a shower), the generator's starting mechanism is centered around a user-friendly and efficient electric starter (battery included).

Featuring a 12 gallons fuel tank, the c13000s can provide power for around 10.9 hours at 50% load on a full tank (with fuel consumption averaging 1.1 gallons per hour).

The c13000s produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.

Outlets

The control panel features the following 9 AC outlets:

Three Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle
120/240V 50A (14-50R) receptacle

While this NorthStar generator is not RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle can be used for a simple RV connection with an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, due to the featured twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the c13000s is transfer switch ready: you may connect it to a breaker box to power your household during a power outage.

Portability

At L43 x W36 x H35 in, the traditional open frame structure of the NorthStar c13000s ensures stability while facilitating convenient maintenance access to components and promoting air cooling. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.

As the generator's weight is 387 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). However, its challenging mobility is solved by its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle, which will ease its displacement, once it is on the floor.

Features

Panel of the NorthStar c13000s

The c13000s's control panel

To help you monitor the c13000s's status and activity, the unit's control panel is equipped with a digital display that provides extensive information on the generator (more information about it below).

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

It also includes a carbon monoxide sensor. This sensor is designed to monitor the level of carbon monoxide present during the generator's operation. If the generator is positioned incorrectly and carbon monoxide levels rise to an unsafe level, the generator will automatically shut down.

In addition to the standard documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for prompt setup, NorthStar has also included a funnel in the packaging of the c13000s.

Full-Featured Display

The Home, Service, and Diagnostic screens of the display

The excellent digital display

The unit is fitted with a colored, multi-function LCD display that offers simple, yet incredinbly exhaustive, at-a-glance monitoring. It features 3 screens:

  • Home: Gives you information about the load that is connected, fuel level, and total runtime of the generator
  • Service: Displays maintenance intervals and the time remaining before each service is due
  • Diagnostic: Provides various electrical data, such as voltage, current, and frequency

The NorthStar c13000s versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the NorthStar c13000s compare to generators of similar power (between 10000 and 11000 W).

  • With a weight of 387 lbs, the NorthStar c13000s is notably on the heaviest side among generators in the 10000-11000 rated wattage range. If you are mindful of weight, the DuroStar DS13000MX is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 209 pounds.
  • With noise emissions rated as low as 72 dBA, this generator falls within the typical noise range expected for devices of similar power. If you'd like a less noisy alternative, the Genmax GM12500iET is a strong contender. It boasts a noise rating of 62 dBA, placing it among the quietest generators in its power category.
  • With a run time of around 10.9 hours at 50% load, the c13000s has one of the higher run times, compared to its similarly powerful peers. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Genmax GM15000ET, as it provides around 11 hours.
  • Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary to get the full picture. Compared to similar devices, this generator is less fuel-efficient than most: it burns around 1.1 gallons of gasoline per hour at a 50% load. If you wish to get a unit of similar power, but with one of the best fuel efficiency, you could consider the WEN TF1300iX, which has an impressively low fuel consumption of 0.93 GPH.

Price comparison

As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 10000-11000W generators, the NorthStar c13000s is on the expensive side of the price range.

While certainly not the cheapest of its kind, purchasing it would most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • Excellent display, full of information
  • CO sensor
  • GFCI Outlets
  • Impressive quantity of AC outlets
  • 4 different AC outlet types
  • Honda engine
  • Electric start
  • Clean sine wave
  • High run time
  • Made in USA
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Acceptable noise (72 dBA)
WEAKNESSES:
  • On the expensive side
  • No recoil back-up
  • No remote start
  • On the heavy side (387 lbs)
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the NorthStar c13000s and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine688 cc Honda GX630 OHV V-Twin
Starting systemElectric
Warranty4 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz
Running watts10,500 W
Starting watts13,000 W
Running amps (@120/240V)87.5/43.8 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)108.3/54.2 amps
Run time @50% load10.9 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 3x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 50A (14-50R)
DC outletsNo
Data centerPower output, fuel level, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency
IndicatorsNo
Fuel tank12 gal
Fuel gaugeDigital
Misc
Weight387 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)43 x 36 x 35 in
Noise (lower limit)72 dBA
THD< 5%
ComplianceCARB, EPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedFunnel, battery, and wheel kit
Country of originUSA
SeriesCommercial-Grade
Other model numbers1654404
UPC840321737458

We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.

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About NorthStar

NorthStar is a brand of outdoor power equipment trademarked and sold by the Northern Tool + Equipment company which has been based in Burnsville, Minnesota, USA since being founded in 1981. NorthStar products include log splitters, portable generators, air compressors, and pressure washers. Their line of commercial-grade portable generators is manufactured in the US. With many units powered by Honda engines, NorthStar outdoor power tools make up a large percentage of the product line for the fast-growing Northern Tool company.

Warranty Information

The NorthStar c13000s is covered under a warranty for up to 4 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of NorthStar generators, please contact the NorthStar Customer Support: 1-800-270-0810.

Questions & Answers

What can it power?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator sizer.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeSump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Furnace fan (1/2 hp)8752350
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Clothes dryer54006750
Freezer8101750
Set of 5 LED light bulbs5555
Total8382 W9857 W
For workTable saw18004500
Air compressor (1 hp)16006100
Grinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Circular saw12003200
Milk cooler11001800
Total8360 W12860 W

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