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Pulsar PG5250 - 4250/5250W Portable Generator

The Pulsar PG5250 is a compact open frame generator with a rated wattage of 4,250 W and a starting wattage of 5,250 W.

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Pulsar PG5250Pulsar PG5250Pulsar PG5250

Description

When mobility is a need and power a requirement, nothing beats the Pulsar PG5250. Large enough with up to 5250 peak watts to power two major appliances and numerous other devices, yet small enough to take to a job or recreation site, this unit can operate for up to 8 hours at half load on a single tank of fuel and is ideal for those hunting, fishing, camping, tailgating events. With two 120V outlets, one 120/240 volt twist outlet, one 30 amp RV outlet and one 12 volt receptacle, the PG5250 can handle both large and small jobs and provide years of service. (source: Pulsar (opens in a new tab))

Zoom on the Pulsar PG5250

In a nutshell, the Pulsar PG5250 is a compact portable generator mostly geared towards:

  • RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
  • Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
  • Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials

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 Pulsar PG5250's design includes a gasoline-fueled 224 cc (8 hp) Ducar OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120/240V output, it gives a running wattage of 4,250W and also a peak wattage of 5,250W.

With a noise rating of 76 dBA (less noisy than a dishwasher), the generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism.

With a fuel capacity of 4 gallons, the PG5250 may run for around 8 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.5 GPH).

Outlets

The control panel includes the following 4 AC outlets:

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

Additionally, it features 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A output allowing you to easily charge your batteries.

This Pulsar generator is RV Ready, as it features a TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'). In addition, because the PG5250 is equipped with a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it can power your home during a power outage, as it can be easily connected to your breaker box to power your household.

Portability

The design of the Pulsar PG5250 is a typical, open frame, with the dimensions of L23.3 x W17 x H17.8 in, offering support and stability and enabling the possibility of raising it above ground level. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.

The PG5250 can be taken anywhere with you, thanks to its weight of 99.5 lbs. In addition, with its wheel kit and its folding handle, it may be shifted with ease, once placed on the floor.

Features

Panel of the Pulsar PG5250

The PG5250's control panel

The PG5250's control center features a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours to aid you with the monitoring of its status and activity.

In addition to this info, when the oil level is too low, you will be informed by the featured light indicator.

Thanks to a built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently and easily check the gas level at a glance.

From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a peace of mind during use.

Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Pulsar PG5250's package also includes these accessories: funnel and tool kit.

Emissions

The Pulsar PG5250 is EPA approved, but NOT CARB-compliant. Thus, it cannot be purchased or sold in California.

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

The Pulsar PG5250 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Pulsar PG5250 compare to generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).

  • Weight-wise, the Pulsar PG5250 has only 99.5 lbs, which renders it one of the lighter generators which produce 3500 to 4500 rated watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the WEN GN400i with only 66.1 pounds.
  • This generator, with its lowest possible noise rated at 76 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 for its autonomy, the PG5250, with an autonomy of around 8 hours at a 50% load, is placed on the low end among the generators of its kind. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Predator 4375, reaching around 16 hours.
  • Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. Compared to its peers, this generator is not exactly fuel efficient, compared to similarly powerful devices, with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.5 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, with a fuel consumption of 0.23 GPH could be in your good books.

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3500-4500W generators, the Pulsar PG5250 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

STRENGTHS:
  • Inexpensive
  • Several accessories included
  • RV Ready
  • Lightweight for its kind (99.5 lbs)
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start
  • Not CARB-compliant
  • On the noisy side (76 dBA)
  • Relatively low run time
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Pulsar PG5250 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterNo
Parallel capableNo
RV readyYes
FuelGasoline
Engine224 cc Ducar OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty2 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts4,250 W
Starting watts5,250 W
Running amps (@120/240V)35.4/17.7 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)43.8/21.9 amps
Run time @50% load8 h
Run time @25% loadUnknown
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsNo
Automatic Voltage RegulationYes
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R)
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC outlets1x 12V 8A output
Data centerVFT
IndicatorsLow oil
Fuel tank4 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight99.5 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)23.3 x 17 x 17.8 in
Noise (lower limit)76 dBA
THDUnknown
ComplianceEPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
Accessories includedFunnel, tool kit, and wheel kit
UPC814726021931

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 Pulsar

Pulsar is a brand registered under the Pulsar Products inc., based in California, USA. The company offers a decent choice of air compressors, pressure washers and of course, generators – which range from 1,2 kW to 10 kW and include dual fuel and RV-Ready designs. Pulsar has several facilities scattered throughout the US, including two distribution centers – one in California and second in Illinois. However, the production of their products seems to be outsourced overseas, to the continent of Asia.

Warranty Information

The Pulsar PG5250 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 Pulsar generators, please contact the Pulsar Customer Support: 1-866-591-8921.

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 size calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeElectric fry pan15001500
Microwave (1000 watts)15001500
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Security system180180
Total3372 W4372 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Hair dryer18001900
Blender400850
Total3390 W3980 W
For workTable saw18004500
Reciprocating saw730960
Total2530 W5230 W

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Pulsar PG5250
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User Reviews

  1. Avatar
    Daniel L Calhoun November 28, 2021 at 1:52 am
    5
    Price
    100
    Value
    100
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    100

    Love this generator perfect size I must be doing something right or I’m not using enough stuff yet cause I’m getting good/long hours on tanks some days

    + PROS:
    • Paid a pretty penny for the 5250 Pulsar at the local Ace hardware but delivered same day and was easy to set up I like it just my first learning experience I'm using til put in rv for house until December check but gonna keep this unit
    - CONS:
    • Could have said alittle more in guide about the switch and explained alittle more about the units loads and Maintenance
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