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.
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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 who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- 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
Yamaha EF5500D runs on gasoline, powered by a 358 cc Yamaha MZ360 OHV 4-stroke engine, delivering 120/240V, boasting a running wattage of 4,500W alongside a starting wattage of 5,500W.
Operating with a noise level of 74.1 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner), the generator starts up via a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism.
The EF5500D's fuel tank, boasting 6.9 gallons, allows it to operate for around 13.5 hours at 50% load with a full tank (with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.51 GPH).
Due to the relatively high THD (<7%) of the EF5500D, it is advised against using it for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 6 AC outlets:
Despite not having the 'RV Ready' status, this Yamaha generator provides the benefit of convenient RV compatibility through its L5-30R receptacle, enabling you to easily power your RV 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 standard open frame design of the Yamaha EF5500D delivers stability alongside easy maintenance access to components and good air cooling. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
Despite its weight of 216.1 lbs, the generator is considered 'portable,' signifying its capability to be moved, albeit its heaviness may hinder easy transport. However, the limited maneuverability is remedied with its wheel kit and its folding handle, facilitating convenient shifting once the generator is positioned 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
Embedded in the control panel of the EF5500D, a digital data center serves as a vital feature, offering comprehensive information on the voltage and lifetime run hours to aid in monitoring activity and status.
In addition to this info, a light indicator on the device will signal if the oil level is too low.
The fuel level of the generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Watch system) and an overload protection (circuit breaker).
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).
- Weighing in at 216.1 lbs, the Yamaha EF5500D is one of the heavier generators available in the 4000-5000 rated wattage segment. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the Pulsar PGX5250BiXCO is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 64 pounds.
- When compared to devices able to produce a similar running wattage, this generator and its lowest emitted noise of 74.1 dBA is on the noisier side. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Yamaha EF4500iSE with only 58 dBA.
- Compared to devices of similar power, the EF5500D stands out with one of the higher run times, lasting around 13.5 hours at 50% load. 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 run time matters, it's heavily influenced by the fuel tank's capacity. Hence, it's important to consider fuel efficiency alongside. 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. If gasoline efficiency is at the top of your list, you may want to have a look at the WEN DF480iX, which has great fuel efficiency, with a gas consumption of only 0.27 gallons per hour.
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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Clothes iron | 1270 | 1270 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 3567 W | 5042 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 3595 W | 4015 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2780 W | 5480 W |
