The NorthStar c5500 is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 4,500 W and a starting wattage of 5,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the NorthStar c5500
To sum up, the NorthStar c5500 is a portable generator tailored for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.
Power & Run Time
NorthStar c5500 runs on gasoline, powered by a 270 cc Honda GX270 OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120/240V, boasting a running wattage of 4,500W alongside a starting wattage of 5,500W.
Featuring a noise rating of 70 dBA (just as noisy as a dishwasher), the generator utilizes a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism for ignition.
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 8 gallons, the c5500 can operate for around 15.1 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.53 GPH).
The c5500 ensures a clean sine wave output, boasting <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) to protect your sensitive electronics when connected to its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 7 AC outlets:
Since it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the c5500 is tailored to be transfer switch ready, making it easy to connect it to your breaker box for home power support during outages.
Portability
With a size of L41 x W32 x H29 in, the NorthStar c5500 features an open frame design, providing stability and simplified maintenance access to components, enhancing air circulation. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
While weighing 227 lbs, the generator is classified as 'portable,' indicating its mobility, albeit its heftiness may limit portability in specific situations. 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 c5500's control panel
To facilitate status and activity monitoring, a handy voltmeter that allows you to easily monitor power output anytime are embedded in the control panel of the c5500.
The inclusion of a built-in fuel gauge in the generator streamlines gas level checks for quick and convenient assessments.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
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 the user manual for prompt setup, NorthStar has also included accessory] in the packaging of the c5500.
The NorthStar c5500 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the NorthStar c5500 compare to generators of similar power (between 4000 and 5000 W).
- As its dry weight is 227 pounds, the NorthStar c5500 is one of the heavier of the products which can generate 4000 to 5000 running watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the WEN 56477i, with a dry weight of only 72.7 lbs.
- This generator, with its lowest noise level at 70 dBA, is noisier than most generators of comparable running wattage. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the WEN DF500iX with only 58 dBA.
- At 50% load, the c5500 achieves one of the longest run times compared to devices of similar power, sustaining operations for around 15.1 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. This generator doesn't excel in fuel efficiency when compared to others of its kind: it consumes approximately 0.53 GPH at a 50% load. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the WEN DF480iX, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.27 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 4000-5000W generators, the NorthStar c5500 is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- CO Sensor
- GFCI Outlets
- Honda engine
- Clean sine wave
- High run time
- Made in USA
- No electric start
- On the heavy side (227 lbs)
- On the noisy side (70 dBA)
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 270 cc Honda GX270 OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 4 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 4,500 W |
| Starting watts | 5,500 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 37.5/18.8 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 45.8/22.9 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 15.1 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | Voltmeter |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 8 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 227 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 41 x 32 x 29 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 70 dBA |
| THD | < 5% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Funnel and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | USA |
| Series | Commercial-Grade |
| Other model numbers | 1654400 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
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 c5500 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 | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Total | 3592 W | 4592 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Coffee maker | 600 | 600 | |
| Total | 3590 W | 4180 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2780 W | 5480 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
