Memorial Day
The Yamaha EF5500DE 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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Description
Zoom on the Yamaha EF5500DE
In summary, the Yamaha EF5500DE 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 in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- 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.
Power & Run Time
The Yamaha EF5500DE
The Yamaha EF5500DE'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.
The generator features a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism and also a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). It is rated for a noise of 74.1 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a shower).
With a fuel capacity of 6.9 gallons, the EF5500DE can run for around 13.5 hours at 50% load when the tank is full (fuel consumption is approximately 0.51 gallons per hour).
As the EF5500DE exhibits a THD of less than 7%, which is relatively high, it is best avoided for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features 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, since it boasts a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the EF5500DE is engineered to be transfer switch ready, ensuring easy integration with your breaker box to provide backup power to your home during outages.
Portability
With dimensions of L29.1 x W29 x H31.5 in, the traditional open frame design of the Yamaha EF5500DE ensures stability while allowing easy maintenance access to components and promoting effective air cooling. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
Despite its 238.1 lbs, the generator falls under the category of 'portable,' signifying its movability, although its weight may hinder easy portability. Nevertheless, the restricted maneuverability is counteracted by its wheel kit and its folding handle, enabling easy shifting once the generator is set in place.
Further safety during transport, loading and unloading of the device is provided by a lift hook, which is placed on the top of the generator's frame.
Features
The EF5500DE's control panel
Included in the control panel of the EF5500DE, 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 shows you if the oil level is too low.
Equipped with a built-in fuel gauge, the generator facilitates swift gas level checks.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an automatic low oil shut-off (Oil Watch system) and an overload protection (circuit breaker), allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
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.
In addition to the standard documentation and owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for prompt setup, Yamaha has also included a tool kit in the packaging of the EF5500DE.
Product Video
The Yamaha EF5500DE versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Yamaha EF5500DE compare to generators of similar power (between 4000 and 5000 W).
- As its dry weight is 238.1 pounds, the Yamaha EF5500DE is one of the heaviest of the products which can generate 4000 to 5000 running watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the WEN 56477i, weighing just 72.7 pounds.
- In comparison to generators with a similar running wattage, this generator's lowest emitted noise of 74.1 dBA can be considered noisy. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may want to take a look at the Yamaha EF4500iSE. It's one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, rated at 58 dBA.
- At 50% load, the EF5500DE boasts a higher run time than most similarly powerful products, reaching around 13.5 hours. If runtime is a priority for you, the NorthStar c5500 stands out as one of the generators with the longest run time in its power range, providing around 15.1 hours of continuous use.
- Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. Compared to similar devices, this generator is less fuel-efficient than most: it burns around 0.51 gallons of gasoline per hour at a 50% load. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the WEN DF480iX is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.27 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 4000-5000W generators, the Yamaha EF5500DE 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
- Electric start
- High run time
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (238.1 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, Electric |
| 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 | 238.1 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, battery, and wheel kit |
| Country of origin | China |
| Series | Industrial |
| Other model numbers | EF55DEX |
| UPC | 765053823098 |
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 EF5500DE 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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| 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.
