NorthStar c8000s - 6600/8000W Portable Generator With Electric Start And Honda Engine
The NorthStar c8000s is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 6,600 W and a starting wattage of 8,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Northern Tool | Price history for the NorthStar c8000s |
|---|
| Highest Price $2,499.99 Lowest Price $999.99 Current Price $1,899.99 |
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Description
Zoom on the NorthStar c8000s
In a nutshell, the NorthStar c8000s is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- Food truck owners who want to ensure that their business is fully self-contained and does not rely on potentially unreliable external power
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- 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
The NorthStar c8000s
NorthStar c8000s runs on gasoline, powered by a 389 cc Honda GX390 OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120/240V, boasting a running wattage of 6,600W alongside a starting wattage of 8,000W.
At a noise rating of 73 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher), this generator provides the choice between a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism or an easy-to-use and reliable electric starter (battery included) for starting.
The c8000s can operate for around 10.6 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.75 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 8 gallons.
Delicate electronics can be plugged in the AC outlets safely, as the c8000s generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 8 AC outlets:
Despite not meeting the 'RV Ready' criteria, this NorthStar generator grants the advantage of simple RV compatibility via its L5-30R receptacle, enabling you to conveniently power your RV by using an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, since the c8000s 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 c8000s boasts a traditional open frame structure, ensuring stability and allowing for convenient maintenance access to components, promoting air circulation. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough 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 280 lbs. Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.
Features
The c8000s's control panel
To help you monitor the c8000s'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).
As for its security measures, the device features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), letting you 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.
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 c8000s's packaging.
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 c8000s versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the NorthStar c8000s compare to generators of similar power (between 6500 and 7500 W).
- Tipping the scales at 280 lbs, the NorthStar c8000s qualifies as one of the heaviest options among generators rated between 6500 and 7500 watts. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the Sportsman GEN85KIDF is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 133 pounds.
- Since the generator's noise is rated at 73 dBA, it has the roughly average expected noise for a device of similar power. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may want to take a look at the Westinghouse iGen8200TFc. It's one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, rated at 60 dBA.
- At 50% load, the c8000s boasts a higher run time than most similarly powerful products, reaching around 10.6 hours. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Firman H07553, as it provides around 12 hours.
- While run time matters, it's heavily influenced by the fuel tank's capacity. Hence, it's important to consider fuel efficiency alongside. 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 0.75 GPH. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Ford FG7750BiSRCO, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.5 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 6500-7500W generators, the NorthStar c8000s 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
- Excellent display, full of information
- CO sensor
- GFCI Outlets
- Impressive quantity of AC outlets
- Honda engine
- Electric start
- Clean sine wave
- High run time
- Made in USA
- Acceptable noise (73 dBA)
- No 50-amp output
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (280 lbs)
- Low fuel efficiency
Do you own the NorthStar c8000s 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 | 389 cc Honda GX390 OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 4 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 6,600 W |
| Starting watts | 8,000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 55/27.5 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 66.7/33.3 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 | 8 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Digital |
| Weight | 280 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 41 x 32 x 29 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 | 1654403 |
| UPC | 840321737618 |
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 c8000s 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 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Washing machine | 900 | 1650 | |
| Laptop | 150 | 150 | |
| Total | 5267 W | 6742 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 5275 W | 5695 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 3480 W | 7980 W |
Is this unit fuel injected (Asked December 10, 2024)
The unit is carbureted. You may want to check this list of fuel-injected units (opens in a new tab).
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
