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 
Amazon | Price history for the NorthStar c8000s | |
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| Latest updates:
Since: February 22, 2024 |
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Description
Zoom on the NorthStar c8000s
In summary, the NorthStar c8000s is a portable generator especially useful for:
- Food truck owners who do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
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.
Enjoying a noise rating of 73 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher), this generator offers the versatility of starting with either a conventional pull-start mechanism or a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included).
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).
The c8000s produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel is equipped with the following 8 AC outlets:
Even though this NorthStar generator isn't quite RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle allows an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, with its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the c8000s is designed to be transfer switch ready, allowing easy connection to your breaker box for powering your home during a blackout.
Portability
Measuring L41 x W32 x H29 in, the classic open frame construction of the NorthStar c8000s provides stability while enabling convenient maintenance access to components and adequate air cooling. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough 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, the restricted maneuverability is counteracted by its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle, enabling easy shifting once the generator is set in place.
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 automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), 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.
In addition to the standard documentation and the user manual for prompt setup, NorthStar has also included accessory] 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).
- With a weight of 280 lbs, the NorthStar c8000s sits in the heavier end of the spectrum among generators rated from 6500 to 7500 watts. If weight is an important consideration for you, the Sportsman GEN85KIDF stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 133 pounds.
- With noise emissions rated as low as 73 dBA, this generator falls within the typical noise range expected for devices of similar power. If noise level is one your key decisive factors, you may find the Powerhorse 7500i appealing. It's rated at 55 dBA, making it one of the quietest generators in its power range.
- With around 10.6 hours of runtime at a 50% load on a full tank, the c8000s is in line with the average autonomy range for generators of comparable power. If runtime is a priority for you, the Predator 9000 stands out as one of the generators with the longest run time in its power range, providing around 13 hours of continuous use.
- 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 0.75 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the DuroMax XP7500DX, with a fuel consumption of 0.53 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
- 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 | 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 | |
| Game console | 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 |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
