The Yamaha EF5500D is a portable open frame generator with a rated wattage of 4,500 W and a starting wattage of 5,500 W. (Read full specs)
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Amazon | Price history for the Yamaha EF5500D | |
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Since: February 22, 2024 |
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Description
Zoom on the Yamaha EF5500D
In a few words, the Yamaha EF5500D is a portable generator perfectly suited for:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the extra features it benefits from.
Power & Run Time
The Yamaha EF5500D
The Yamaha EF5500D's design includes a gasoline-fueled 358 cc Yamaha MZ360 OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120/240V output, it gives a running wattage of 4,500W and also a peak wattage of 5,500W.
With a noise rating of 74.1 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher), the generator features a manual recoil starter system.
The EF5500D's fuel tank holds 6.9 gallons, ensuring uninterrupted operation for around 13.5 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption approximately 0.51 GPH).
Considering its relatively high Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of less than 7%, it is not recommended to rely on the EF5500D for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 6 AC outlets:
Despite not meeting the 'RV Ready' criteria, this Yamaha generator grants the advantage of simple RV compatibility via its L5-30R receptacle, enabling you to conveniently power your RV by using an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, as the EF5500D holds a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: you'll easily be able to connect it to your breaker box to power your home during a power outage.
Portability
At L29.1 x W29 x H31.5 in, the traditional open frame structure of the Yamaha EF5500D ensures stability while facilitating convenient maintenance access to components and promoting air cooling. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
Though weighing 216.1 lbs, the generator remains classified as 'portable,' indicating its capability to be moved, though its weight could pose transport challenges. Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.
A lift hook, which is on the top of the frame, serves as an extra safety feature for the transport, unloading and loading of the device.
Features
The EF5500D's control panel
Included in the control panel of the EF5500D, a digital data center assists in tracking its status and activity by providing details on the lifetime run hours and voltage.
In addition to this info, a light indicator allows you to instantly see if its oil levels are insufficient.
Featuring a built-in fuel gauge, the generator offers quick, convenient, and easy gas level checks at a glance.
As far as security is concerned, the generator comes with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Watch system), providing peace of mind during use.
Yamaha's Oil Watch warning system gives you an extra peace of mind. This feature enhances long-term durability by preventing engine damage and costly repairs. Once the oil begins to run low, the generator automatically shuts off and cannot be re-started until oil is added.
It also includes a carbon monoxide sensor. This sensor is designed to monitor the level of carbon monoxide present during the generator's operation. If the generator is positioned incorrectly and carbon monoxide levels rise to an unsafe level, the generator will automatically shut down.
Besides the usual set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, Yamaha also included a tool kit in the EF5500D's packaging.
Product Video
The Yamaha EF5500D versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Yamaha EF5500D compare to generators of similar power (between 4000 and 5000 W).
- With its weight of 216.1 lbs, the Yamaha EF5500D is one of the heavier generators in the 4000-5000 rated wattage category. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the WEN 56477i, with a dry weight of only 72.7 lbs.
- If compared to generators capable of producing a similar running wattage, this generator with a lowest emitted noise of 74.1 dBA can be considered somewhat noisy. If you are concerned with noise, check out the WEN DF500iX, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 58 dBA.
- Since the EF5500D boasts with a run time of around 13.5 hours at 50% load, it can be safely judged as a device of a higher run time than most generators of a comparable output. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the NorthStar c5500, boasting with around 15.1 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 doesn't excel in fuel efficiency when compared to others of its kind: it consumes approximately 0.51 GPH at a 50% load. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the WEN DF480iX, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.27 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 4000-5000W generators, the Yamaha EF5500D 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 Sensor
- GFCI Outlets
- High run time
- No electric start
- On the heavy side (216.1 lbs)
- On the noisy side (74.1 dBA)
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 358 cc Yamaha MZ360 OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 4,500 W |
| Starting watts | 5,500 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 37.5/18.8 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 45.8/22.9 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 13.5 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | Lifetime run hours and voltage |
| Indicators | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | Metal, 6.9 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 216.1 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 29.1 x 29 x 31.5 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 74.1 dBA |
| THD | < 7% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Tool kit and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | China |
| Series | Industrial |
| Other model numbers | EF55DZ1 |
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 Yamaha
With a rich history of over 130 years, the Japanese based Yamaha Corporation, founded in 1887, has tipped its fingers in every industry imaginable, most notably motorcycles, musical instruments and electronics. The company boasts with a wide range of products, including many of the top rated portable generators. However, many of their models are made in China, rather than Japan.
Warranty Information
The Yamaha EF5500D is covered under a warranty for up to 3 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Yamaha generators, please consult Yamaha's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-800-962-7926.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Total | 3592 W | 5092 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Coffee maker | 600 | 600 | |
| Total | 3590 W | 4180 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2780 W | 5480 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
