Compare Generators Side-by-Side
Select up to 4 generators to compare specs, power output, noise levels, runtime and more. Your compare URL is shareable.
- Cummins Onan P2500i
- NorthStar c5500
Quick charts
Each chart uses its own Y-axis scale (so numbers are comparable within a chart).
Running watts
W
Starting watts
W
Noise
dB
Runtime @50%
h
Running watts by fuel
Shows how output changes across gasoline/propane/natural gas (when available).
| Specification | Cummins Onan P2500i | NorthStar c5500 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Product type | Generator | Generator |
| Fuel | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Inverter | Yes | No |
| Parallel capable | Yes | No |
| RV ready | No | No |
| Running watts | 2200 W | Winner: Winner: 4500 W |
| Starting watts | 2500 W | Winner: Winner: 5500 W |
| Noise (lower limit) | Winner: Winner: 52 dB | 70 dB |
| Weight | Winner: Winner: 48 lbs | 227 lbs |
| Run time @50% load | 8 h | Winner: Winner: 15.1 h |
| Run time @25% load | 10 h | Not available |
| Fuel tank | 1 gal | 8 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes | Yes |
| Approx. dimensions (L × W × H) | 19.8 x 10.5 x 18.3 | 41 x 32 x 29 |
| Electrical | ||
| Voltage (AC) | 120 | 120/240 |
| Voltage (DC) | 12 | Not available |
| GFCI outlets | No | Yes |
| Covered outlets | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes | Yes |
| THD | <3% % | 5 % |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | 98 cc Ducar OHV 4-stroke engine | 270 cc Honda GX270 OHV 4-stroke |
| Alternator | Not available | Not available |
| Starting system | Recoil | true |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty | 3 years | 4 years |
| Power by fuel | ||
| Gasoline | Not available | Not available |
| Running watts | 2200 W | 4500 W |
| Starting watts | 2500 W | 5500 W |
| Running amps (120V) | Not available | Not available |
| Running amps (240V) | Not available | Not available |
| Peak amps (120V) | Not available | Not available |
| Peak amps (240V) | Not available | Not available |
| Run time @50% load | 8 h | 15.1 h |
| Run time @25% load | 10 h | Not available |
| Other | ||
| Data center | Not available | Not available |
| Indicators | true | false |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Not available | Not available |
| Spark arrestor | Yes | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating | true |
| UPC | 690781007918 | 840321737519 |
| Core / High-priority specs | ||
| Running Watts (Gasoline) | 2200 | 4500 |
| Starting Watts (Gasoline) | 2500 | 5500 |
| Runtime @ 50% Load (Gasoline) | 8 | 15.1 |
| Runtime @ 25% Load (Gasoline) | 10 | Not available |
| AC Outlet Types | 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) | 3x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) |
| Electrical & power | ||
| Frequency | 60 | 60 |
| Engine & construction | ||
| Engine Type | Ducar OHV 4-stroke | OHV 4-stroke |
| Engine Displacement | 98 | 270 |
| Engine Oil Type | SAE 10W30 | Not available |
| Runtime & fuel system | ||
| Runtime @ 25% Load (Gasoline) | 10 | Not available |
| Runtime @ 50% Load (Gasoline) | 8 | 15.1 |
| Safety & compliance | ||
| Overload Protection System | Low oil and overload protection | Low oil and overload protection |
| Low Oil Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Carbon Monoxide Monitoring | No | Yes |
| Included equipment | ||
| Included Accessories | Oil, funnel, and tool kit | Funnel and wheel kit |
| Warranty & identification | ||
| Commercial Warranty | Not available | 4 |
| Part Number | Not available | 1654400 |
| Additional specs | ||
| Summary | The Cummins Onan P2500i is a 2200-watt inverter generator built for users who need portable power without sacrificing runtime or noise control. At 48 pounds and measuring 19.8 by 10.5 by 18.3 inches, this unit bridges the gap between true portability and practical capacity. It can run a microwave, small refrigerator, or circular saw continuously, making it suitable for camping trips, job sites, tailgating, and emergency backup. The 1-gallon fuel tank delivers 10 hours at 25 percent load and 8 hours at 50 percent load, meaning most users refuel once per day rather than multiple times.
The inverter topology produces clean power with less than 3 percent THD, which protects laptops, phone chargers, and sensitive electronics from voltage spikes. Cummins backs this unit with a 3-year warranty, longer than the 2.4-year average for comparable inverter generators. The 52 dBA noise level sits between a normal conversation and light traffic, allowing operation in noise-restricted campgrounds and residential neighborhoods without drawing complaints. | The NorthStar c5500 is a commercial-grade portable generator designed for demanding job sites, featuring a Honda GX270 OHV engine and Quiet Armor Technology for reduced noise levels. |
- Most PowerfulNorthStar c55004500W running
- QuietestCummins Onan P2500i52 dB
- Longest RuntimeNorthStar c550015.1h at 50% load
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Cummins Onan P2500i
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NorthStar c5500
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