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| Specification | NorthStar c15000s | Cat RP5500 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Product type | Generator | Generator |
| Fuel | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Inverter | No | No |
| Parallel capable | No | No |
| RV ready | No | No |
| Running watts | Winner: Winner: 13500 W | 5500 W |
| Starting watts | Winner: Winner: 15000 W | 6875 W |
| Noise (lower limit) | Winner: Winner: 73 dB | 0 dB |
| Weight | 390 lbs | Winner: Winner: 178 lbs |
| Run time @50% load | 10.6 h | Winner: Winner: 15 h |
| Run time @25% load | Not available | Not available |
| Fuel tank | 12 gal | 7.9 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes | Yes |
| Approx. dimensions (L × W × H) | 43 x 36 x 35 | 32.9 x 27.4 x 24.7 |
| Electrical | ||
| Voltage (AC) | 120/240V 60 Hz | 120/240 |
| Voltage (DC) | Not available | Not available |
| GFCI outlets | Yes | Yes |
| Covered outlets | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes | Yes |
| THD | <5% % | Not available |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | 688 cc Honda GX690 OHV V-Twin | 300 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Alternator | Not available | Not available |
| Starting system | Electric | Recoil |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty | 4 years | 2 years |
| Power by fuel | ||
| Gasoline | Not available | Not available |
| Running watts | 13500 W | 5500 W |
| Starting watts | 15000 W | 6875 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 | 10.6 h | 15 h |
| Run time @25% load | Not available | Not available |
| Other | ||
| Data center | Not available | Not available |
| Indicators | false | false |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Not available | Not available |
| Spark arrestor | Yes | Yes |
| Neutral | true | Not available |
| UPC | 840321737861 | 815683020036 |
| Core / High-priority specs | ||
| Running Watts (Gasoline) | 13500 | 5500 |
| Starting Watts (Gasoline) | 15000 | 6875 |
| Runtime @ 50% Load (Gasoline) | 10.6 | 15 |
| AC Outlet Types | 3x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)1x 120/240V 60A (14-60R) | 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI, 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) |
| Electrical & power | ||
| Frequency | 60 | 60 |
| Engine & construction | ||
| Engine Type | Honda GX690 OHV V-Twin | OHV 4-stroke |
| Engine Displacement | 688 | 300 |
| Engine Oil Type | Not available | SAE 30 or 10W-30 |
| Runtime & fuel system | ||
| Runtime @ 50% Load (Gasoline) | 10.6 | 15 |
| Safety & compliance | ||
| Overload Protection System | Low oil and overload protection | Low oil and overload protection |
| Low Oil Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Carbon Monoxide Monitoring | Yes | No |
| Included equipment | ||
| Included Accessories | Funnel, battery, and wheel kit | Oil, funnel, tool kit, and wheel kit |
| Warranty & identification | ||
| Commercial Warranty | 4 | Not available |
| Part Number | Not available | 502-3686 |
| Additional specs | ||
| Summary | The NorthStar c15000s is a commercial-grade portable generator powered by a Honda GX690 OHV engine, delivering 15,000 surge watts and 13,500 rated watts. It features Quiet Armor Technology for reduced noise, a built-in battery charger/maintainer, and carbon monoxide detection with automatic shutdown for enhanced safety. | The Cat RP5500 is a 5500-watt gasoline generator built for homeowners, contractors, and outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable backup power without the complexity of larger units. This wattage tier handles most household circuits simultaneously, meaning you can run a refrigerator, well pump, and power tools at the same time, but not your entire home's air conditioning system. The 6875-watt peak capacity gives it the muscle to start high-inrush devices like compressors and sump pumps without stalling. Because the RP5500 runs on gasoline, fuel is available at any gas station, eliminating the supply chain friction of propane or diesel models. The 7.9-gallon tank paired with 15-hour runtime at half load means you refuel roughly once per day under typical use, not every few hours. |
