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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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Price history for the Pulsar PG5250
Latest updates:
  • $469.99 - July 20, 2023
  • $449.99 - March 4, 2023
Data source: brandsmartusa.com
Since: March 4, 2023
  • Highest Price: $469.99 - July 20, 2023
  • Lowest Price: $449.99 - March 4, 2023

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 who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
  • People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
  • Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures

In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with 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.

The generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism. It is rated for a noise of 76 dBA (less noisy than a shower).

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 provides the upcoming 4 AC outlets:

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

In addition, it provides 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A output with which you may charge your batteries with ease.

With its TT-30R receptacle (TT as in 'Travel Trailer'), this Pulsar generator is RV Ready. 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

The dimensions of the Pulsar PG5250, which are L23.3 x W17 x H17.8 in, and its typical, open frame design provides stability and enables the generator to be raised above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.

The 99.5 lbs of the PG5250's dry weight enables you to use it anywhere you will ever need. Moreover, its wheel kit and its folding handle will allow you to effortlessly shift it once it's on the ground.

Features

Panel of the Pulsar PG5250

The PG5250's control panel

The control panel of the PG5250 includes a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours, helpful for the monitoring of its status and activity.

In addition to this info, when its oil levels are insufficient, 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.

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.

Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Pulsar PG5250 also comes with some accessories: funnel and tool kit are included.

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).

  • Regarding its weight, the Pulsar PG5250 only weighs in at 99.5 pounds, which means it's one of the lighter generators in the 3500-4500 rated wattage range. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the WEN GN400i with only 66.1 pounds.
  • If compared to generators capable of producing a similar running wattage, this generator with a lowest emitted noise of 76 dBA can be considered somewhat noisy. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, whose lowest noise levels reach just 52 dBA.
  • The PG5250's autonomy is somewhat low end compared to devices of its power range, as it reaches only around 8 hours at 50% load on a full tank. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Predator 4375, boasting with 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 somewhat less fuel efficient than devices of comparable output: its estimated fuel consumption reaches 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 iGen4500DF is a device you could look out for.

Price comparison

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

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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 wattage calculator.
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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