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)
Northern Tool 
Amazon | Price history for the NorthStar e18000s |
|---|
| Highest Price $4,999.99 Lowest Price $3,999.99 Current Price $3,999.99 |
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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
- Homeowners who wish to power almost all appliances in their house under any circumstances
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 e18000s
NorthStar e18000s is equipped with a 824 cc NorthStar e825 OHV 4-stroke engine, running on gasoline and providing 120/240V, boasting a running wattage of 15,000W alongside a starting wattage of 18,000W.
With a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner), the generator features a convenient 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.
Featuring a 12 gallons fuel tank, the e18000s can provide power for around 7.9 hours at 50% load on a full tank (with fuel consumption averaging 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 features the following 9 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, due to the featured twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the e18000s is transfer switch ready: you may connect it to a breaker box to power your household 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. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
While weighing 423 lbs, the generator is classified as 'portable,' indicating its mobility, albeit its heftiness may limit portability in specific situations. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle, once it 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 for its security measures, the device features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), letting you use it with a peace of mind.
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.
Besides the usual set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, NorthStar also included a funnel in the e18000s's packaging.
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).
- At a weight of 423 pounds, the NorthStar e18000s places in the expected weight range of the generators in the 14000-20000 rated wattage range. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Genmax GM17000iE, weighing just 308.6 pounds.
- Since the generator's noise is rated at 74 dBA, it has the roughly average expected noise for a device of similar power. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may want to take a look at the Genmax GM17000iE. It's one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, rated at 63 dBA.
- As far as autonomy is concerned, providing around 7.9 hours of runtime with a full tank at a 50% load, the e18000s falls into the low end in comparison with other devices of a comparable power output. If runtime is a priority for you, the Westinghouse WGen14500DFc stands out as one of the generators with the longest run time in its power range, providing around 11 hours of continuous use.
- 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. 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.
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
- Made in USA
- Decent weight (423 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (74 dBA)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- On the expensive side
- No recoil back-up
- No remote start
- Relatively low run time
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 |
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 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.
