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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Northern Tool | Price history for the NorthStar e18000s |
|---|
| Highest Price $4,499.99 Lowest Price $3,299.99 Current Price $4,499.99 |
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Description
Zoom on the NorthStar e18000s
In short, the NorthStar e18000s is a powerful portable generator adequately designed for:
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
- Prudent homeowners who want a full backup power source in case of a power outage
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 e18000s
The NorthStar e18000s houses a 824 cc NorthStar e825 OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120/240V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 15,000W along with a peak wattage of 18,000W.
Featuring a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner), the generator utilizes a user-friendly and efficient electric starter (battery included) for ignition.
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.
Thanks to its 12 gallons fuel tank, the e18000s can run continuously for around 7.9 hours at 50% load on a full tank (with an average fuel consumption of approximately 1.52 GPH).
With a <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the e18000s delivers a clean sine wave—essential for safeguarding your delicate electronics when plugged into its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 9 AC outlets:
Even if this NorthStar generator isn't quite RV Ready, it still allows for an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor, thanks to its L5-30R receptacle. Besides, as the e18000s holds a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: you'll easily be able to connect it to your breaker box to power your home during a power outage.
Portability
Measuring L43 x W36 x H35 in, the classic open frame construction of the NorthStar e18000s provides stability while enabling convenient maintenance access to components and adequate air cooling. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
As the generator's weight is 423 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). 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 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).
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker).
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 20000 W).
- Considering its weight, the NorthStar e18000s registers at a modest 423 pounds, placing it among the lighter generators in the 14000 to 20000 rated wattage selection. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Westinghouse WGen14500TFc, standing at just 348.3 lbs.
- Rated at a lowest possible noise level of 74 dBA, this generator positions itself amongst the most quiet of the products of similar power.
- Concerning its runtime, the e18000s provides around 7.9 hours at a 50% load, indicating that it falls on the lower side compared to other generators of its power range. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Westinghouse WGen20000, reaching around 11 hours.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. At a 50% load, the generator consumes an estimated 1.52 gallons of gasoline per hour, falling within the average consumption range of units with similar output. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Westinghouse WGen14500DFc is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.95 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 14000-20000W generators, the NorthStar e18000s 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
- Rare 60-amp outlet
- Impressive quantity of AC outlets
- 4 different AC outlet types
- Electric start
- Clean sine wave
- Electronic Fuel Injection
- Lightweight for its kind (423 lbs)
- Quiet for its power (74 dBA)
- Made in USA
- Decent fuel efficiency
- On the expensive side
- 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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Clothes dryer | 5400 | 6750 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 11997 W | 13472 W | |
| For work | Electric welder | 9000 | 9000 |
| Table saw | 1800 | 4500 | |
| Belt sander | 1150 | 2400 | |
| Total | 11950 W | 14650 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
