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Since: December 10, 2022 |
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Description
Zoom on the Pulsar PG6580BCO
In summary, the Pulsar PG6580BCO is a compact portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Food truck owners who do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
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 dual-fuel technology of the Pulsar PG6580BCO allows for an output of 120/240V and provides superb power and versatility. If gasoline-powered, the device provides a running wattage of 5,300W and a starting wattage of 6,580W. If propane-powered, it gives 4,750 rated watts and 5,922 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.
The generator is rated for a noise of 75 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a shower). Its starting mechanism is based on a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.
The running time of the PG6580BCO, with its 5.3 gallons fuel capacity, can reach around 10 hours at 50% load on a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.53 GPH). With propane, it can reach around 6 hours (estimation based on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.78 GPH).
The powering of sensitive electronic devices with the PG6580BCO is not recommended due to its high THD (<25%).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 4 AC outlets:
This Pulsar generator is RV Ready, as it features a TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'). In addition, since the PG6580BCO 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 Pulsar PG6580BCO has the following dimensions: L23.3 x W20 x H18.6 in. In combination with its conventional, open frame design, they provide support and allow the generator to be raised above ground level. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 143.5 pounds. Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit (⌀12") and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.
Features
The PG6580BCO's control panel
The PG6580BCO's status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features a convenient meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours.
The generator includes a built-in fuel gauge, a quick, easy and convenient method of checking the device’s gas level.
As for its security measures, the device features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, letting you use it with a peace of mind.
The unit also benefits from Pulsar's CO Sentry carbon monoxide detection. The sensor monitors for the accumulation of poisonous carbon monoxide gas around the generator, and shuts down the engine is increasing levels of CO gas are detected.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Pulsar PG6580BCO also is packed along with the following accessories: funnel, tool kit, propane hose and oil.
Emissions
The Pulsar PG6580BCO is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. It can therefore be sold and purchased in all 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and therefore, can be used in forested areas.
The Pulsar PG6580BCO versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Pulsar PG6580BCO compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 4500 and 5500 W).
- With a dry weight of 143.5 pounds, the Pulsar PG6580BCO finds itself in the expected weight range for dual fuel generators able to produce between 4500 and 5500 rated watts. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Genmax GM6000iED with only 117.9 pounds.
- This generator, with its lowest possible noise rated at 75 dBA falls into the more noisy category, compared to other devices of a similar running wattage. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Genmax GM6000iED with only 63 dBA.
- The PG6580BCO, offering a run time of around 10 hours with a full tank at a 50% load, falls within the average autonomy range when compared to its peers. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Pulsar G65BN, boasting with around 11.5 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank’s capacity and thus, doesn’t say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. This generator reaches an estimated fuel consumption of 0.53 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load, making it average, for the previously mentioned wattage range. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Westinghouse WGen5300DFv, with a fuel consumption of 0.43 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 4500-5500W dual fuel generators, the Pulsar PG6580BCO 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
- CO Sentry technology
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- RV Ready
- Dual Fuel
- Switch & Go technology
- Decent weight (143.5 lbs)
- Decent run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No electric start
- On the noisy side (75 dBA)
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 274 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 5,300 W | 4,750 W |
| Starting watts | 6,580 W | 5,922 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 44.2/22.1 amps | 39.6/19.8 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 54.8/27.4 amps | 49.4/24.7 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 10 h | 6 h * |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 5.3 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 143.5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23.3 x 20 x 18.6 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 75 dBA |
| THD | < 25% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, propane hose, and wheel kit |
| UPC | 814726027193 |
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.
* Propane runtime is our own estimation, based on a 20 lbs tank and NIST 1994 GGE (Gasoline Gallon Equivalent) formula: 5.66 lbs of propane = 1 gal of gasoline.
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 PG6580BCO 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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 4230 W | 5730 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 4235 W | 4825 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Drill | 600 | 900 | |
| Total | 3800 W | 6500 W |
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