NorthStar e18000s - 15000/18000W Portable Generator With Electric Start And EFI Engine
The NorthStar e18000s is a powerful open frame generator with a rated wattage of 15,000 W and a starting wattage of 18,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the NorthStar e18000s
In summary, the NorthStar e18000s is a powerful portable generator especially useful for:
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
- Homeowners who wish to power almost all appliances in their house under any circumstances
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
Power & Run Time
The NorthStar e18000s
The NorthStar e18000s's core is the 824 cc NorthStar e825 OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120/240V, it provides a running wattage of 15,000W and a peak wattage of 18,000W.
With a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner), the generator's starting mechanism is centered around a user-friendly and efficient electric starter (battery included).
The Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system enhances the engine's reliability, lowers fuel consumption, improves startup, reduces servicing, boosts stale fuel resistance, and offers better altitude adaptability.
The e18000s boasts a fuel tank capable of holding 12 gallons, allowing it to run continuously for around 7.9 hours at 50% load (with fuel usage averaging around 1.52 gallons per hour).
Thanks to its low <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the e18000s produces a clean sine wave output, making it safe for your sensitive electronics when utilizing the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 9 AC outlets:
Despite not having the 'RV Ready' status, this NorthStar generator provides the benefit of convenient RV compatibility through its L5-30R receptacle, enabling you to easily power your RV using an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, with its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the e18000s is configured to be transfer switch ready, allowing straightforward connection to your breaker box to supply backup power to your home during outages.
Portability
With its L43 x W36 x H35 in dimensions, the open frame structure of the NorthStar e18000s provides stability, simplified maintenance access to components, and better air cooling than enclosed units. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
With a weight of 423 lbs, the generator is still labeled as 'portable,' denoting its ability to be moved, although its heaviness might restrict easy portability. 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 e18000s's control panel
To help you monitor the e18000s'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.
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 e18000s.
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, estimated remaining run time, 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 e18000s versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the NorthStar e18000s compare to generators of similar power (between 14000 and 22000 W).
- With a dry weight of 423 lbs, the NorthStar e18000s sits comfortably within the expected weight range for devices generating 14000 to 22000 rated watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Pulsar PGD170TiSRCO, standing at just 313 lbs.
- Because this generator emits noise as low as 74 dBA, it can be considered to have a pretty average expected noise rating for a device of its power. If you value reduced noise levels, the Pulsar PGD170TiSRCO could be worth considering. It's one of the quietest generators in its power range, rated at 66 dBA.
- Regarding its autonomy, the e18000s can run for around 7.9 hours at a 50% load, aligning it with the lower performers in its power range. If you wish to prioritize autonomy, the Westinghouse WGen20000 shines as one of the top contenders, offering one of the highest run times among generators with similar power output, totaling around 11 hours.
- 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. The generator utilizes approximately 1.52 GPH of gasoline at a 50% load, placing it within the typical range of fuel consumption seen in products of comparable wattage. If you wish to get a unit of similar power, but with one of the best fuel efficiency, you could consider the Westinghouse WGen14500DFc, which has an impressively low fuel consumption of 0.95 GPH.
The bottom line
- Excellent display, full of information
- CO sensor
- GFCI Outlets
- Rare 60-amp outlet
- Impressive quantity of AC outlets
- 4 different AC outlet types
- Electric start
- Clean sine wave
- Electronic Fuel Injection
- Made in USA
- Decent weight (423 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (74 dBA)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No recoil back-up
- No remote start
- Relatively low run time
Do you own the NorthStar e18000s 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 | 824 cc NorthStar e825 OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Electric |
| Warranty | 4 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 15,000 W |
| Starting watts | 18,000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 125/62.5 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 150/75 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 7.9 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, remaining run time, voltage and frequency |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 12 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Digital |
| Weight | 423 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 43 x 36 x 35 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 74 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 | 1654407 |
| UPC | 840321748058 |
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 e18000s 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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Freezer | 810 | 1750 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 11997 W | 13497 W | |
| For work | Electric welder | 9000 | 9000 |
| Table saw | 1800 | 4500 | |
| Belt sander | 1150 | 2400 | |
| Total | 11950 W | 14650 W |
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