NorthStar c5500 - 4500/5500W Portable Generator With Honda Engine
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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Northern Tool | Price history for the NorthStar c5500 |
|---|
| Highest Price $2,299.99 Lowest Price $1,499.99 Current Price $1,499.99 |
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Description
Zoom on the NorthStar c5500
In a few words, the NorthStar c5500 is a portable generator perfectly suited for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
In the upcoming sections, you'll discover its power characteristics, the array of outlets it presents, its overall portability, and the additional features it possesses.
Power & Run Time
Running on gasoline, the NorthStar c5500 operates with a 270 cc Honda GX270 OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120/240V, with a running wattage of 4,500W and a peak wattage of 5,500W.
Operating with a noise level of 70 dBA (just as noisy as a shower), the generator starts up via a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism.
Featuring a 8 gallons fuel tank, the c5500 can provide power for around 15.1 hours at 50% load on a full tank (with fuel consumption averaging 0.53 gallons per hour).
Delicate electronics can be plugged in the AC outlets safely, as the c5500 generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 7 AC outlets:
Since the c5500 bears a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it is easily connectible to a breaker box and can power your home in case of a power outage.
Portability
At L41 x W32 x H29 in, the NorthStar c5500 boasts a traditional open frame structure, ensuring stability and allowing for convenient maintenance access to components, promoting air circulation. 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 227 lbs. Nonetheless, the limited maneuverability is compensated for by utilizing its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle, which facilitates shifting once the generator is set on the ground.
Features
The c5500's control panel
To help you monitor the c5500's status and activity, its control panel is equipped with a handy voltmeter that allows you to easily monitor power output anytime.
Equipped with a built-in fuel gauge, the generator facilitates swift gas level checks.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker).
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 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).
- With its weight of 227 lbs, the NorthStar c5500 is one of the heavier generators in the 4000-5000 rated wattage category. If weight is an important consideration for you, the Pulsar PGX5250BiXCO stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 64 pounds.
- If compared to generators capable of producing a similar running wattage, this generator with a lowest emitted noise of 70 dBA can be considered somewhat noisy. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may want to take a look at the Yamaha EF4500iSE. It's one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, rated at 58 dBA.
- With around 15.1 hours of runtime at 50% load, the c5500 provides a one of the highest run times when compared to similarly powerful products.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank's capacity and thus, doesn't say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. This generator is not fuel-efficient compared to devices of similar output: its estimated fuel consumption stands at 0.53 GPH 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 DF480iX, which has an impressively low fuel consumption of 0.27 GPH.
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
Do you own the NorthStar c5500 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 | 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 |
| UPC | 840321737519 |
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 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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Clothes iron | 1270 | 1270 | |
| Desktop computer | 200 | 200 | |
| Total | 3587 W | 5062 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 3595 W | 4015 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.
