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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Description
Zoom on the NorthStar c15000s
In a few words, the NorthStar c15000s is a powerful portable generator perfectly suited for professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment..
Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.
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.
Operating with a noise level of 73 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher), the generator starts up via an easy-to-use and reliable electric starter (battery included).
Equipped with a 12 gallons fuel tank, the c15000s ensures continuous operation for around 10.6 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel usage approximately 1.13 gallons per hour).
Sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets, as the c15000s produces a clean sine wave, with a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel includes 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, since it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the c15000s is tailored to be transfer switch ready, making it easy to connect it to your breaker box for home power support during outages.
Portability
Measuring L43 x W36 x H35 in, the classic open frame construction of the NorthStar c15000s provides stability while enabling convenient maintenance access to components and adequate air cooling. The generator is designed for outdoor use and demanding 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 390 lbs. Despite the restricted maneuverability, its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle provides a solution, allowing for convenient shifting once the generator is positioned on the ground.
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).
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during use.
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.
Alongside the typical set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, NorthStar has 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).
- As its dry weight is 390 pounds, the NorthStar c15000s is one of the heavier of the products which can generate 10000 to 14000 running watts. If weight is an important consideration for you, the Genmax GM12000XiT stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 194 pounds.
- At 73 dBA, this generator's noise rating is in line with the expected average for devices within its power category. If noise level is one your key decisive factors, you may find the Genmax GM13500iETC appealing. It's rated at 62 dBA, making it one of the quietest generators in its power range.
- As the c15000s features an autonomy of around 10.6 hours at 50% load, it has a higher run time than an average generator of its power range. If extended autonomy is what matters most to you, the DuroStar DS14000iX could be an excellent choice, offering one of the longest run times among units in its power category, reaching around 12.5 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. Compared to its peers, this generator is not exactly fuel-efficient, compared to similarly powerful devices, with an estimated fuel consumption of 1.13 GPH at a 50% load. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the WEN TF1450X, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.68 gallons per hour.
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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Clothes iron | 1270 | 1270 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 10792 W | 12292 W | |
| For work | Electric welder | 9000 | 9000 |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 10730 W | 11830 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
