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 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.
- 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. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Genmax GM17000iE. With just 63 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- In terms of autonomy, the e18000s offers around 7.9 hours at a 50% load, placing it at the lower range within its power range. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Westinghouse WGen20000, with around 11 hours.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. 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 you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Genmax GM17000iE, with a fuel consumption of 1.03 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 14000-20000W generators, the NorthStar e18000s is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- 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
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 | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| 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 |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
