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Powerhorse 4500i - 3700/4500W Open Frame Inverter Generator

The Powerhorse 4500i is a compact open frame inverter generator with a rated wattage of 3,700 W and a starting wattage of 4,500 W.

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Description

This Powerhorse Open Frame Inverter Generator delivers plenty of power, fuel efficiency and less than 2% distortion, making it perfect for operating computers, appliances, TVs and other sensitive electronics. It features a parallel-ready design for connecting two units together for up to twice the power.

Zoom on the Powerhorse 4500i

In summary, the Powerhorse 4500i is a compact portable inverter generator especially useful for:

  • RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
  • Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
  • Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
  • Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source

In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.

Power & Run Time

The Powerhorse 4500i in use

The Powerhorse 4500i

The Powerhorse 4500i houses a 224 cc (7.5 hp) OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120/240V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 3,700W along with a peak wattage of 4,500W. In addition, as it is parallel capable (parallel kit not included), this power can be increased when linked to another similar or compatible unit.

Enjoying a noise rating of 64 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), this inverter generator gets running thanks to a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.

The 4500i can operate for up to 14 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.24 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 3.4 gallons.

As the 4500i produces a clean sine wave, with a <2% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), sensitive electronics may be plugged in the AC outlets safely.

Outlets

The control panel provides the upcoming 4 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle

Additionally, it features 3 DC outlets: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy and two 5V USB ports with which charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets is made convenient.

This Powerhorse generator features an L5-30R receptacle, enabling an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. However, it is still not quite RV ready. Besides, as it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 4500i is transfer switch ready: in case of a power outage, you will be easily able to connect it to a breaker box and power your household.

Portability

The Powerhorse 4500i has the following dimensions: L21 x W20.5 x H21.5 in. In combination with its conventional, open frame design, they provide support and allow the generator to be raised above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.

The 90.4 lbs of the 4500i's dry weight enables you to use it anywhere you will ever need. Additionally, the generator’s mobility is also improved by its open frame design, as it can be easily grabbed and shifted.

Features

Panel of the Powerhorse 4500i

The 4500i's control panel

Some light indicators allow you to instantly see if the oil level is too low, the generator is overloaded and the generator is ready.

Security-wise, this product benefits from an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.

Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Powerhorse 4500i also is packed along with the following accessories: tool kit and funnel.

Emissions

The Powerhorse 4500i is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. It can therefore be sold and purchased in all 50 states, including California.

Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and therefore, can be used in forested areas.

Product Video

The Powerhorse 4500i versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Powerhorse 4500i compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).

  • As far as its dry weight is concerned, the Powerhorse 4500i weighs just 90.4 pounds and thus, it is one of the lighter 3500 to 4500 rated wattage inverter generators. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the WEN GN400i, standing at just 66.1 lbs.
  • This inverter generator, with its lowest possible noise rated at 64 dBA falls into the more noisy category, compared to other devices of a similar running wattage. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 52 dBA.
  • As far as autonomy is concerned, providing up to 14 hours of runtime with a full tank at a 25% load, the 4500i falls into the low end in comparison with other inverters of a comparable power output. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Firman W03661OF, reaching up to 25 hours.
  • Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. This inverter generator is rather wasteful, compared to other devices within the aforementioned output range, when it comes to gasoline consumption, as it reaches roughly 0.24 GPH at a 25% load. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.16 GPH, the Champion 200988 is a device you could look out for.

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3500-4500W inverter generators, the Powerhorse 4500i 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

STRENGTHS:
  • In the expected price range
  • Several accessories included
  • Parallel capable
  • Inverter
  • Lightweight for its kind (90.4 lbs)
WEAKNESSES:
  • No data center
  • No electric start
  • On the noisy side (64 dBA)
  • Relatively low run time
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Powerhorse 4500i and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterYes
Parallel capableYes, cable not included
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine224 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty2 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts3,700 W
Starting watts4,500 W
Running amps (@120/240V)30.8/15.4 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)37.5/18.8 amps
Run time @50% loadUnknown
Run time @25% load14 h
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsNo
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC outlets1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style)
2x 5V USB port
Data centerNo
IndicatorsLow oil, overload and output ready
Fuel tank3.4 gal
Fuel gaugeNo
Misc
Weight90.4 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)21 x 20.5 x 21.5 in
Noise (lower limit)64 dBA
THD< 2%
ComplianceCARB, EPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedFunnel and tool kit
Country of originChina
Other model numbers83171

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.

Spec Improvement×

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About Powerhorse

Powerhorse is a trademarked brand name of gas-powered outdoor products owned and distributed by the Northern Tool & Equipment Company Inc. through their store locations and online. Powerhorse outdoor products include gas- and electric-powered tools including pressure washers, wood chippers/shredders, log splitters, electric generators and inverters. The product line also offers engines and water pumps. The brand's motto is "Power You Can Depend On". Powerhorse generators are engineered, developed and tested in Minnesota, but manufactured in China or Vietnam.

Warranty Information

The Powerhorse 4500i is covered under a warranty for up to 2 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Powerhorse generators, please contact the Powerhorse Customer Support: 1-866-443-2576.

Questions & Answers

What can it power?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator sizer.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeMicrowave (1000 watts)15001500
Sump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Mixer200200
Total2942 W4042 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Electric grill16501650
Radio100100
Total2940 W3530 W
For workGrinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Electric fence (25 miles)250250
Total2910 W4010 W
have older power horse 4500i inverter amp @ 120/240 as generator with 120/240 switch. spec list 30.8/15.4. Is this a missprint or will the generator supply 30 amps plus thru the L5-30r plug? (Asked July 11, 2023)

The generator can deliver 3700 running watts (30.8A at 120V). The L5-30R plug can deliver up to 3600 running watts. To get the full 3700W (30.8A) at 120V, you'd have to use both L5-30R and 5-20R.

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Powerhorse 4500i
9 Total Score
1 review
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Price
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Value
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Quality
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User Reviews

  1. 4.5
    Price
    80
    Value
    90
    Quality
    90
    Performance
    100

    This generator will power anything you would need during a power outage..
    It will power most necessities for around 15 hrs.+ per tankful ..and is very
    quiet in case you have close neighbors.

    + PROS:
    • Very quiet
    • Long runtime
    • 120/240 for full house backup
    • Variety of outlet types
    - CONS:
    • No fuel gauge
    • No wheel/handle kit available
    Helpful(7) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this

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