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
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Description
Zoom on the NorthStar c8000s
To sum up, the NorthStar c8000s is a portable generator tailored for:
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- 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 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
The NorthStar c8000s
Featuring a 389 cc Honda GX390 OHV 4-stroke engine, the NorthStar c8000s operates using gasoline, providing 120/240V, with a running wattage of 6,600W and a starting wattage of 8,000W.
The generator, rated for a noise of 73 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner), provides flexibility in starting, offering both a conventional pull-start mechanism and an easy-to-use and reliable electric starter (battery included).
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 8 gallons, the c8000s can operate 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 upcoming 8 AC outlets:
Though it may not be labeled as 'RV Ready,' this NorthStar generator offers the benefit of hassle-free RV connectivity through its L5-30R receptacle, allowing you to easily power your RV with the assistance of an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, the c8000s's twist-lock L14-30R receptacle makes it transfer switch ready, enabling hassle-free connection to your breaker box for powering your home during outages.
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.
Though weighing 280 lbs, the generator remains classified as 'portable,' indicating its capability to be moved, though its weight could pose transport challenges. However, the lack of maneuverability can be offset with its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle, which allows for convenient shifting once the generator is placed on 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 standpoint, the generator is furnished with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during operation.
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.
Beyond the regular documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for quick start, 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 matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Champion 201515 with only 121.3 pounds.
- Given its rated noise level of 73 dBA, this generator aligns with the average expected noise rating for devices of similar power. If you are concerned with noise, check out the Westinghouse iGen8200TFc, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 60 dBA.
- With a run time of around 10.6 hours at 50% load, the c8000s has one of the higher run times, compared to its similarly powerful peers. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the Firman H07553, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting around 12 hours.
- While run time is vital, it hinges on the fuel capacity. To grasp the full picture, we must also factor in fuel efficiency. In terms of fuel efficiency within its wattage range, this generator falls short: it consumes approximately 0.75 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Ford FG7750BiSRCO, with a fuel consumption of 0.5 GPH could be in your good books.
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
- High run time
- Made in USA
- Acceptable noise (73 dBA)
- On the expensive side
- 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 | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 5272 W | 6272 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.
