Memorial Day
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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Description
Zoom on the NorthStar c8000s
To sum up, the NorthStar c8000s is a portable generator tailored for:
- 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 who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
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
The NorthStar c8000s
With a 389 cc Honda GX390 OHV 4-stroke engine, the NorthStar c8000s operates on gasoline, providing 120/240V, with a running wattage of 6,600W and 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 simple traditional pull-start mechanism or a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included) for starting.
With a fuel capacity of 8 gallons, the c8000s may run for around 10.6 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.75 GPH).
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 following 8 AC outlets:
This NorthStar generator isn't quite RV Ready, but it features an L5-30R receptacle, allowing a simple RV connection through an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, as it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the c8000s is transfer switch ready: in case of a power outage, you will be easily able to connect it to a breaker box and power your household.
Portability
At L41 x W32 x H29 in, the standard open frame design of the NorthStar c8000s delivers stability alongside easy maintenance access to components and good air cooling. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
While technically classified as 'portable' due to its ability to be moved, the 280 lbs of this generator make manual lifting and transportation incredibly difficult. 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).
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, 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 c8000s.
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).
- Considering its dry weight of 280 pounds, the NorthStar c8000s is one of the heaviest generators producing between 6500 and 7500 running 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.
- This generator has a somewhat average expected noise for its power range, rated at 73 dBA. If you wish to prioritize minimal noise, the Champion 201175 stands out as one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, with a rating of 61 dBA.
- The c8000s, offering a run time of around 10.6 hours with a full tank at a 50% load, falls within the average autonomy range when compared to its peers. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Predator 9000, reaching around 13 hours.
- Though run time is a significant parameter, it's closely tied to the generator's fuel tank size. To get a comprehensive understanding, fuel efficiency must also be taken into account. This generator is not fuel-efficient compared to devices of similar output: its estimated fuel consumption stands at 0.75 GPH at a 50% load. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Cummins Onan P9500df. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.6 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 6500-7500W generators, the NorthStar c8000s 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
- Impressive quantity of AC outlets
- Honda engine
- Electric start
- Clean sine wave
- Made in USA
- Acceptable noise (73 dBA)
- Decent run time
- On the expensive side
- No 50-amp output
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (280 lbs)
- Low fuel efficiency
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 |
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 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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 5272 W | 6772 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Coffee maker | 600 | 600 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 5260 W | 5850 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.
