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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. (Read full specs)

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Price history for the Pulsar PG5250
Highest Price
$506.99
Lowest Price
$499.00
Current Price
$506.99

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 forthcoming sections, you'll delve into its power characteristics, the various outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the additional features it boasts.

Power & Run Time

The Pulsar PG5250 is powered by a 224 cc (8 hp) Ducar OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120/240V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 4,250W as well as a peak wattage of 5,250W.

Rated for 76 dBA (less noisy than a vacuum cleaner), the generator's starting mechanism relies on a classic hand-operated recoil starting mechanism.

The fuel capacity of 4 gallons allows the PG5250 to operate for around 8 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.5 GPH).

Outlets

The control panel features 4 AC outlets as follows:

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

Furthermore, it showcases 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A output enabling simple battery charging for added ease.

The inclusion of a TT-30R receptacle (TT for 'Travel Trailer') makes this Pulsar generator RV Ready, ideal for providing power to recreational vehicles. In addition, since the PG5250 bears a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it is easily connectible to a breaker box and can power your home in case of a power outage.

Portability

At L23.3 x W17 x H17.8 in, the Pulsar PG5250 boasts a traditional open frame structure, ensuring stability and allowing for convenient maintenance access to components, promoting air circulation. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.

As the PG5250's weight is only 99.5 lbs, it can follow you and your power needs anywhere. Furthermore, once placed on the floor, simple displacement is possible thanks to its wheel kit and its folding handle.

Features

Panel of the Pulsar PG5250

The PG5250's control panel

For convenient monitoring of its status and activity, the control panel of the PG5250 includes a convenient meter, displaying voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours information.

In addition to this info, a light indicator on the device will notify you if the oil level is too low.

A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.

In terms of security, the generator features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during its use.

In addition to the traditional documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to help you get started promptly, the Pulsar PG5250 also includes several accessories: funnel and tool kit.

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).

  • Concerning weight, the Pulsar PG5250 weighs only just 99.5 pounds, distinguishing itself as one of the lighter generators amidst the 3500 to 4500 rated wattage range. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Genmax GM4600iAEFIC, standing at just 58.4 lbs.
  • As this generator has its lowest possible noise of 76 dBA, it should be considered noisier compared to its peers of a comparable running wattage. If noise is a concern for you, you could consider the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, rated at 52 dBA.
  • As for its runtime, the PG5250 runs for around 8 hours at a 50% load, placing it towards the low end among comparable products. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the Predator 4375, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting 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. This generator is not fuel-efficient compared to devices of similar output: its estimated fuel consumption stands at 0.5 GPH at a 50% load. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.23 GPH, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF is a device you could look out for.

Price comparison

As you can see from these interactive charts, 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
  • 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.

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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 sizer.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeSump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Furnace fan (1/2 hp)8752350
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Clothes iron12701270
Total3387 W4862 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
Hair dryer18001900
Radio100100
Total3380 W3800 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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