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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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Highest Price
$3,899.99
Lowest Price
$2,799.99
Current Price
$2,799.99

Description

Zoom on the NorthStar c13000s

To sum up, the NorthStar c13000s is a powerful portable generator tailored for professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working..

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

Power & Run Time

The NorthStar c13000s's core is the 688 cc Honda GX630 OHV V-Twin engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120/240V, it provides a running wattage of 10,500W and a peak wattage of 13,000W.

With a noise rating of 72 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher), the generator's starting mechanism is centered around a straightforward and intuitive electric starter (battery included).

The c13000s's fuel tank, with a capacity of 12 gallons, supports uninterrupted operation for around 10.9 hours at 50% load when fully fueled (fuel consumption at an estimated 1.1 gallons per hour).

The c13000s generates a clean sine wave: providing <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), delicate electronics can be plugged in its AC outlets safely.

Outlets

The control panel includes 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

Though it may not be labeled as 'RV Ready,' this NorthStar generator offers the benefit of hassle-free RV connectivity through its L5-30R receptacle, allowing you to easily power your RV with the assistance of an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the c13000s is engineered to be transfer switch ready, enabling simple hookup to your breaker box to provide backup power for your home during blackouts.

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. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.

While the generator is considered to be technically 'portable' (in the sense that you can move it), manually lifting and transporting it may be challenging, due to its high weight of 387 lbs. However, the lack of maneuverability can be offset with its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle, which allows for convenient shifting once the generator is placed on the ground.

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).

Considering security aspects, the generator boasts an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), offering peace of mind throughout operation.

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.

Besides the usual set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, NorthStar also included a funnel in the c13000s's packaging.

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).

  • Tipping the scales at 387 lbs, the NorthStar c13000s qualifies as one of the heaviest options among generators rated between 10000 and 11000 watts. if you wish to prioritize weight, the DuroStar DS13000MX is one of the top contenders in its power category, weighing only 209 pounds.
  • With a noise rating as low as 72 dBA, this generator is among the quietest options available in its power range.
  • Since the c13000s boasts with a run time of around 10.9 hours at 50% load, it can be safely judged as a device of a higher run time than most generators of a comparable output. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Powerhorse 13000ES, as it provides around 15 hours.
  • The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. In fact, this generator is not one of the most fuel-efficient options in the aforementioned wattage range: its estimated gasoline consumption at 50% load is around 1.1 GPH. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the Powerhorse 13000ES, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.84 GPH, could be an option to consider.

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
  • Quiet for its power (72 dBA)
  • High run time
  • Made in USA
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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