NorthStar c15000s - 13500/15000W Portable Generator With Electric Start And Honda Engine
The NorthStar c15000s is a powerful open frame generator with a rated wattage of 13,500 W and a starting wattage of 15,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Northern Tool
| Price history for the NorthStar c15000s |
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Highest Price
$4,299.99
Lowest Price
$3,299.99
Current Price
$4,299.99
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Page Content
Description
Zoom on the NorthStar c15000s
In a few words, the NorthStar c15000s is a powerful portable generator perfectly suited for professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure..
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
NorthStar c15000s runs on gasoline, powered by a 688 cc Honda GX690 OHV V-Twin engine, delivering 120/240V, boasting a running wattage of 13,500W alongside a starting wattage of 15,000W.
Rated for 73 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher), the generator's starting mechanism relies on a straightforward and intuitive electric starter (battery included).
With a full tank, the c15000s can operate for around 10.6 hours at 50% load (fuel consumption around 1.13 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 12 gallons.
The c15000s 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 includes the following 9 AC outlets:
This NorthStar generator features an L5-30R receptacle, enabling an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. However, it is still not quite RV ready. Besides, the c15000s's twist-lock L14-30R receptacle makes it transfer switch ready, enabling hassle-free connection to your breaker box for powering your home during outages.
Portability
With a size of L43 x W36 x H35 in, the NorthStar c15000s features an open frame design, providing stability and simplified maintenance access to components, enhancing air circulation. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 390 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. Still, once it is on the ground, its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.
Features
The c15000s's control panel
To help you monitor the c15000s'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).
Security-wise, this product benefits from an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
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 c15000s.
Full-Featured 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 c15000s versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the NorthStar c15000s compare to generators of similar power (between 10000 and 14000 W).
- With its weight of 390 lbs, the NorthStar c15000s is one of the heavier generators in the 10000-14000 rated wattage category. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the DuroStar DS13000MX, weighing just 209 pounds.
- The generator can be considered average in its noise for its power category, as it is rated at 73 dBA. If noise is a concern for you, you could consider the Genmax GM12500iET, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, rated at 62 dBA.
- Compared to devices of similar power, the c15000s stands out with one of the higher run times, lasting around 10.6 hours at 50% load. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the WEN TF1450X, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting around 12 hours.
- Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. This generator is rather wasteful, compared to other devices within the aforementioned output range, when it comes to gasoline consumption, as it reaches roughly 1.13 GPH at a 50% load. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.68 GPH, the WEN TF1450X is a device you could look out for.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 10000-14000W generators, the NorthStar c15000s 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
- Rare 60-amp outlet
- 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 (73 dBA)
- On the expensive side
- No recoil back-up
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (390 lbs)
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the NorthStar c15000s and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 688 cc Honda GX690 OHV V-Twin |
| Starting system | Electric |
| Warranty | 4 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 13,500 W |
| Starting watts | 15,000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 112.5/56.3 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 125/62.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10.6 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 | 390 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 43 x 36 x 35 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 73 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 | 1654406 |
| UPC | 840321737861 |
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 c15000s 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 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 10792 W | 12267 W | |
| For work | Electric welder | 9000 | 9000 |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 10730 W | 11830 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
