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Description
Zoom on the Pulsar PG5250B
In summary, the Pulsar PG5250B is a compact portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- 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
With its dual-fuel technology, the powerful and versatile Pulsar PG5250B provides an output of 120/240V. While gasoline-powered, it gives a running wattage of 4250W along with a peak wattage of 5250W. While propane-powered, it provides 3850 rated watts and 4750 starting watts.
Pulsar’s patented Switch & Go technology allows you to switch from propane to gasoline or from gasoline to propane while the generator is running.
With a noise rating of 72 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a shower), the generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism.
As for its running time, the PG5250B, along with its 4 gallons fuel capacity, can run for around 12 hours at 50% load with a full tank filled with gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.33 GPH). If propane is used, it can operate for around 13 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.36 GPH).
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 4 AC outlets:
Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this Pulsar generator is RV Ready. In addition, because the PG5250B 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 PG5250B is a typical, open frame, with the dimensions of L23.2 x W17 x H17.8 in, offering support and stability and enabling the possibility of raising it above ground level. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 110 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. Still, once it is on the ground, its wheel kit (⌀10") and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.
Features
The PG5250B's control center features a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours to aid you with the monitoring of its status and activity.
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 usual set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, Pulsar also included a propane hose in the PG5250B's packaging.
Emissions
The Pulsar PG5250B is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Thus, selling and purchasing this generator is allowed in each of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and therefore, can be used in forested areas.
Product Videos
The Pulsar PG5250B versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Pulsar PG5250B compare to generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- With a dry weight of 110 pounds, the Pulsar PG5250B finds itself in the expected weight range for generators able to produce between 3500 and 4500 rated watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above mentioned power range is the WEN GN400i, with a dry weight of just 66.1 pounds.
- This generator, with its lowest possible noise rated at 72 dBA falls into the more noisy category, compared to other devise of a similar running wattage. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Cummins Onan P4500i. With just 52 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- The PG5250B, falls within the average autonomy range compared to generators of a roughly same power, with a run time of around 12 hours at a 50% load and a full tank. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Honda EB4000X, boasting with around 16 hours.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. This generator is one of the more fuel efficient models of the aforementioned output range, as its estimated fuel consumption reaches just 0.33 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.17 GPH, the Westinghouse iGen4200 is a device you should look out for.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3500-4500W generators, the Pulsar PG5250B 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
- In the expected price range
- RV Ready
- Dual Fuel
- Switch & Go technology
- Fuel efficient
- Decent weight (110 lbs)
- Decent run time
- No electric start
- On the noisy side (72 dBA)
Features and Specifications
Inverter | No |
---|---|
Portable | Yes |
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | Yes |
Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
Engine | 224 cc Ducar OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil |
Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
Gasoline | Propane | |
---|---|---|
Running watts | 4250 W | 3850 W |
Starting watts | 5250 W | 4750 W |
Running amps (@120/240V) | 35.4/17.7 amps | 32.1/16 amps |
Peaks amps (@120/240V) | 43.8/21.9 amps | 39.6/19.8 amps |
Run time @50% load | 12 h | 13 h |
Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
GFCI outlets | No |
---|---|
Covered outlets | No |
Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
AC outlets |
|
DC outlets | No |
Data center | VFT |
Indicators | No |
Fuel tank | 4 gal |
Fuel gauge | Yes |
Weight | 110 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23.2 x 17 x 17.8 in |
Noise (lower limit) | 72 dBA |
THD | Unknown |
Emissions | CARB, EPA |
Security | Low oil and overload protection |
Spark arrestor | Yes |
Accessories included | Propane hose and wheel kit |
Warranty | 2 years |
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 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 PG5250B 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 |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
I got the PG5250B because I didn’t want to be dependent upon a battery to start it. NOWHERE in the specifications, parts diagram or maintenance requirements have I seen a battery identified or listed. Guess what! While the PG5250 is recoil started, it has a battery that is required to operate its fuel solenoid! Further, it is a “specialty item” in that it is 12 Volts 9 AMPS. By the way, you have to call technical support to find out where the product’s serial number is located! BEWARE: As you unpack it, there are parts stuffed into the space located between the engine and fuel tank. There is also a shipping block strapped underneath the generator that must be removed. The serial number is lightly engraved on the engine block above and to the left of the oil plug.