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 $3,999.99 |
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Description
Zoom on the NorthStar e18000s
To sum up, the NorthStar e18000s is a powerful portable generator tailored for:
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
- Small homeowners in search of a full power backup solution
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 engine, 824 cc NorthStar e825 OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120/240V. It provides a running wattage of 15,000W and reaches a peak wattage of 18,000W.
With a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher), 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's fuel tank, with a capacity of 12 gallons, supports uninterrupted operation for around 7.9 hours at 50% load when fully fueled (fuel consumption at an estimated 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 is equipped with 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, the e18000s's twist-lock L14-30R receptacle makes it transfer switch ready, enabling hassle-free connection to your breaker box for powering your home during outages.
Portability
At L43 x W36 x H35 in, the NorthStar e18000s boasts a traditional open frame structure, ensuring stability and allowing for convenient maintenance access to components, promoting air circulation. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
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, 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 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).
Regarding security, the generator comes with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), providing 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.
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).
- Regarding its weight, the NorthStar e18000s only weighs in at 423 pounds, which means it's one of the lighter generators in the 14000-20000 rated wattage range. If weight is an important consideration for you, the Westinghouse WGen14500TFc stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 348.3 pounds.
- Rated at a lowest possible noise level of 74 dBA, this generator positions itself amongst the most quiet of the products of similar power.
- 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 wish to prioritize autonomy, the Westinghouse WGen14500DFc shines as one of the top contenders, offering one of the highest run times among generators with similar power output, totaling around 11 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank's capacity and thus, doesn't say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. This generator has an estimated fuel consumption of roughly 1.52 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, rendering it somewhat average compared to devices of a similar output. 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
- 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.
