Father’s Day
Yamaha EF5500D (Discontinued)
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)
This product has been discontinued. We've kept this page live for reference.
Page Content
Description
POWER‑PACKED AND LOADED WITH FEATURES. The EF5500 offers the Contractor and home back up customer 5500 watts of power at a great value.
Zoom on the Yamaha EF5500D
In summary, the Yamaha EF5500D is a portable generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- 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
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
In the forthcoming sections, you'll delve into its power characteristics, the various outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the additional features it boasts.
Power & Run Time
The Yamaha EF5500D
Yamaha EF5500D is equipped with a 358 cc Yamaha MZ360 OHV 4-stroke engine, running on gasoline and providing 120/240V, boasting a running wattage of 4,500W alongside a starting wattage of 5,500W.
At a noise rating of 74.1 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher), the generator is started via a manual recoil starter system.
Featuring a 6.9 gallons fuel tank, the EF5500D can provide power for around 13.5 hours at 50% load on a full tank (with fuel consumption averaging 0.51 gallons per hour).
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 provides the upcoming 6 AC outlets:
While this Yamaha generator is not RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle can be used for a simple RV connection with an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. Besides, with its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the EF5500D is designed to be transfer switch ready, allowing easy connection to your breaker box for powering your home during a blackout.
Portability
Measuring L29.1 x W29 x H31.5 in, the Yamaha EF5500D showcases a classic open frame layout, offering stability and simple maintenance access to components, while facilitating air circulation. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Despite its 216.1 lbs, the generator falls under the category of 'portable,' signifying its movability, although its weight may hinder easy portability. Nonetheless, the limited maneuverability is compensated for by utilizing its wheel kit and its folding handle, which facilitates shifting once the generator is set on the ground.
In addition, the device is equipped with a lift hook on the top of its frame, which provides extra safety during the loading, unloading and transport of the generator.
Features
The EF5500D's control panel
Designed with a digital data center, the control panel of the EF5500D grants you access to crucial data on the voltage and lifetime run hours, ensuring practical monitoring of its status and activity.
In addition to this info, a light indicator on the device will signal if the oil level is too low.
Thanks to its built-in fuel gauge, the generator allows you to quickly, conveniently, and easily check the gas level at a glance.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Watch system) and an overload protection (circuit breaker), giving you a 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.
Alongside the typical set of documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to assist with setup, Yamaha has included a tool kit in the packaging of the EF5500D.
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).
- Weighing in at 216.1 lbs, the Yamaha EF5500D is one of the heavier generators available in the 4000-5000 rated wattage segment. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Pulsar PGX5250BiXCO, standing at just 64 lbs.
- When compared to other units producing a similar running wattage, this generator and its lowest emitted noise of 74.1 dBA stand out for being on the louder side. If you'd like a less noisy alternative, the Yamaha EF4500iSE is a strong contender. It boasts a noise rating of 58 dBA, placing it among the quietest generators in its power category.
- In terms of run time, the EF5500D surpasses similarly powerful devices, boasting one of the higher run times at around 13.5 hours. 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.
- Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. This generator is rather wasteful, compared to other devices within the aforementioned output range, when it comes to gasoline consumption, as it reaches roughly 0.51 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the WEN DF480iX, with a fuel consumption of 0.27 GPH could be in your good books.
The bottom line
- 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
Do you own the Yamaha EF5500D and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
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 |
| UPC | 810856030577 |
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 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 were made in China, rather than Japan. In 2023, Yamaha transfered its Power Products business to Willbe Co., Ltd. Yamaha generators are now no longer manufactured, with sales limited to existing stock.
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 | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Total | 3592 W | 4592 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 |
