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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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:
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
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 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
- 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
- Acceptable noise (72 dBA)
- On the expensive side
- No recoil back-up
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (387 lbs)
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 688 cc Honda GX630 OHV V-Twin |
| Starting system | Electric |
| Warranty | 4 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 10,500 W |
| Starting watts | 13,000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 87.5/43.8 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 108.3/54.2 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10.9 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | Power output, fuel level, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 12 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Digital |
| Weight | 387 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 43 x 36 x 35 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 72 dBA |
| THD | < 5% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Funnel, battery, and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | USA |
| Series | Commercial-Grade |
| Other model numbers | 1654404 |
| UPC | 840321737458 |
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.
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?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Clothes dryer | 5400 | 6750 | |
| Freezer | 810 | 1750 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 8382 W | 9857 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Circular saw | 1200 | 3200 | |
| Milk cooler | 1100 | 1800 | |
| Total | 8360 W | 12860 W |
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