The Powerhorse LC4500i is a quiet and compact inverter generator with a rated wattage of 3,500 W and a starting wattage of 4,500 W. (Read full specs)
Northern Tool 
Amazon | Price history for the Powerhorse LC4500i |
|---|
| Highest Price $899.99 Lowest Price $599.99 Current Price $599.99 |
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Description
Zoom on the Powerhorse LC4500i
To sum up, the Powerhorse LC4500i is a quiet and compact portable inverter generator tailored for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Amateur DIY lovers
- 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 upcoming sections, you'll discover its power characteristics, the array of outlets it presents, its overall portability, and the additional features it possesses.
Power & Run Time
The Powerhorse LC4500i
The Powerhorse LC4500i houses a 212 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 3,500W along with a peak wattage of 4,500W. In addition, as it is parallel capable (parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included), this power can be increased when linked to another similar or compatible unit.
With a noise rating of 57 dBA (less noisy than a quiet suburb), the inverter generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism, but also an easy-to-use and reliable electric starter (battery included).
Featuring a 2.6 gallons fuel tank, the LC4500i can provide power for up to 10 hours on a full tank (with fuel consumption averaging 0.26 gallons per hour).
As the LC4500i 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 3 AC outlets:
It also sports 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports with which you may charge electronics, for example mobile phones or tablets, conveniently.
Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this Powerhorse generator is RV Ready.
Portability
Thanks to its closed inverter generator design (L22.8 x W17.3 x H20 in), the Powerhorse LC4500i not only offers superior aesthetics but also operates with reduced noise levels compared to a typical, open frame generator. This modern design aims to provide an ideal power solution to recreational users.
At 99 lbs, the LC4500i is easily managed, ensuring it can be brought along wherever you need power. In addition, with its set of 4 wheels and its double handle, it may be shifted with ease, once placed on the floor.
Features
The LC4500i's control panel
Featuring a digital data center on its control panel, the LC4500i offers you convenient access to essential information about the lifetime run hours, voltage and power output, facilitating effective monitoring of its activity and status.
In addition to this info, the light indicators show you if its oil levels are insufficient, the generator is ready and the generator is on overload.
Equipped with a built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator facilitates swift gas level checks.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off.
Alongside the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for quick setup, the Powerhorse LC4500i is bundled with additional accessories: funnel and tool kit.
Product Videos
The Powerhorse LC4500i versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Powerhorse LC4500i compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).
- Having a dry weight of 99 lbs, the Powerhorse LC4500i belongs in the expected weight range for inverter generators which produce 3000 to 4000 rated watts. Weight-conscious users may find the Pulsar PGD40iSCO appealing, as it is one of the top contenders in this power range, weighing just 46 pounds.
- With a lowest possible noise of 57 dBA, this inverter generator places itself amongst the more quiet of the products delivering similar power. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may want to take a look at the Westinghouse iGen5000DF. It's one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, rated at 52 dBA.
- Regarding its autonomy, the LC4500i can run for up to 10 hours at a 25% load, aligning it with the lower performers in its type and power range. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Firman W03661OF, boasting with up to 25 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 inverter generator is somewhat less fuel-efficient than devices of comparable output: its estimated fuel consumption reaches 0.26 GPH at a 25% load. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Energizer eZV3500P, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.13 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3000-4000W inverter generators, the Powerhorse LC4500i is on the cheap side of the price range.
It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.
The bottom line
- Inexpensive
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Electric start
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Quiet for its power (57 dBA)
- Decent weight (99 lbs)
- No remote start
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,500 W |
| Starting watts | 4,500 W |
| Running amps | 29.2 amps |
| Peak amps | 37.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 10 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port |
| Data center | Power output, lifetime run hours and voltage |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 2.6 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 99 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 22.8 x 17.3 x 20 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 57 dBA |
| THD | < 2% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Accessories included | Funnel, tool kit, and battery |
| Country of origin | Vietnam |
| Other model numbers | 96387 |
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 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 LC4500i 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?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2787 W | 4287 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2790 W | 3380 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 W |
Does the Powerhorse 4500i have an automatic choke and is it made in China? (Asked May 06, 2021)
The unit has a manual choke and is indeed manufactured in China.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
