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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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.
Zoom on the Pulsar PG5250
In summary, the Pulsar PG5250 is a compact portable generator especially useful for:
- 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 able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device.
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.
Operating with a noise level of 76 dBA (less noisy than a dishwasher), the generator starts up via a simple traditional pull-start 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 is equipped with the following 4 AC outlets:
Moreover, it boasts 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A output with which charging your batteries is made easy.
Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this Pulsar generator is RV Ready, making it ideal for powering recreational vehicles. In addition, the PG5250's twist-lock L14-30R receptacle makes it transfer switch ready, enabling hassle-free connection to your breaker box for powering your home during outages.
Portability
Measuring L23.3 x W17 x H17.8 in, the classic open frame build of the Pulsar PG5250 delivers stability and easy maintenance access to components, facilitating air circulation. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
The PG5250's dry weight of 99.5 lbs lets you use its power anywhere needed. Moreover, its wheel kit and its folding handle facilitate movement of the generator once it's on the ground.
Features
The PG5250's status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features a convenient meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours.
In addition to this info, a light indicator allows you to instantly see if its oil levels are insufficient.
The fuel level of the generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.
Regarding security, the generator comes with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, providing peace of mind during operation.
Apart from the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to facilitate setup, the Pulsar PG5250 features extra 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).
- As its weight is 99.5 pounds, the Pulsar PG5250 falls in the expected weight range of the devices in the 3500-4500 rated wattage category. If you are mindful of weight, the WEN 56432iX is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 52.9 pounds.
- This generator, with its lowest noise level at 76 dBA, is noisier than most generators of comparable running wattage. If noise level is one your key decisive factors, you may find the Westinghouse iGen5000DF appealing. It's rated at 52 dBA, making it one of the quietest generators in its power range.
- As far as autonomy is concerned, providing around 8 hours of runtime with a full tank at a 50% load, the PG5250 falls into the low end in comparison with other devices of a comparable power output. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the NorthStar c5500, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting around 15.1 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. Compared to similar devices, this generator is less fuel-efficient than most: it burns around 0.5 gallons of gasoline per hour at a 50% load. If you're placing a high priority on fuel consumption, the Westinghouse iGen5000DF, with a low fuel consumption rate of 0.23 GPH, could be an option to consider.
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
- Inexpensive
- RV Ready
- Decent weight (99.5 lbs)
- No electric start
- On the noisy side (76 dBA)
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 224 cc Ducar OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 4,250 W |
| Starting watts | 5,250 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 35.4/17.7 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 43.8/21.9 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 8 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A output |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | 4 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 99.5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23.3 x 17 x 17.8 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 76 dBA |
| THD | Unknown |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Accessories included | Funnel, tool kit, and wheel kit |
| UPC | 814726021931 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
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?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Clothes iron | 1270 | 1270 | |
| Total | 3387 W | 4862 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 3380 W | 3800 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Total | 2530 W | 5230 W |
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User Reviews
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