- Wattage (Gas): 4,500 W / 3,700 W
- THD: < 3%
- Noise Level: 52 dBA
- Fuel Type: Gasoline
- RV Ready: Yes
- Run Time@ 25% load: 18 h
- Run Time@ 50% load: 15 h
- Weight: 98 lbs
Table Of Contents
We are proud of our independence and have no ties to manufacturers. To maintain our objectivity, we do not accept free products. Our income is generated by advertising fees paid by retailers for qualifying purchases.
Description
The Cummins Onan P4500i is powered by a Ducar OHV 4-stroke engine with 224 cc and 7.3 hp. It has a 120V output, runs on gas, and has a running wattage of 3,700W and a peak wattage of 4,500W. Also, since it can work in parallel (but the A058M290 parallel kit is not included), this power can be increased by connecting it to another unit that works with it. The noise level of the inverter generator is 52 dBA, which is just a little louder than a refrigerator. It has a simple pull-start mechanism and a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included). To make things even easier, the Onan P4500i can be turned on from a distance (key fob included). Because it can hold 3.4 gallons of fuel, the Onan P4500i can run for up to 18 hours on a full tank (it uses about 0.19 GPH). The Onan P4500i makes a clean sine wave with a Total Harmonic Distortion of less than 3%, so it’s safe to plug sensitive electronics into the AC outlets (THD).
Outlets
On the control panel, there are 3 AC outlets: a duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) outlet and a 120V 30A (TT-30R) outlet. It also has 2 DC outlets: there are two 5V USB ports that make it easy to charge devices like cell phones and tablets. This Cummins generator is ready for an RV because it has a TT-30R plug, where TT stands for “Travel Trailer”.
Features
The control panel of the Onan P4500i has a digital data center that tells you about the fuel level, power output, voltage, lifetime run hours, and remaining run time. This lets you keep track of the generator’s status and activity. In addition to this, the lights tell you if there isn’t enough oil, if the generator is overloaded, and if it’s ready to use. For safety, the generator has an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, so you can use it without worrying. The Cummins Onan P4500i comes with some accessories like a battery charger, tool kit, key fob, oil, and a funnel. It also comes with the standard paperwork and an owner’s manual to get you started right away. You can also buy a separate cover for storing the chair.
Mobility
Since the Cummins Onan P4500i is an inverter generator, its enclosed design (L24.5 x W18.3 x H20.5 in) looks better than a traditional open frame product. The generator has a modern look and is easy to use when generating power for fun. With a dry weight of 98 lbs, the Onan P4500i’s power can be used anywhere. Also, once it’s on the ground, its two wheels (diameter: 5.5″) and telescoping handle will make it easy to move.
Product Videos
The following charts show how some of the most important features of the Cummins-Onan-P4500i compare to other generators with the same power output.
**Fuel efficiency is give in relative percentage, 0 being the lowest and 1 being the highest value. Please see below specification table for actual value.
Specifications
Generic
Inverter | Yes |
Fuel efficiency | 0.123 gal/kWh |
Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
RV ready | Yes |
Fuel | Gasoline |
Engine | 224 cc Ducar OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
Power
Gasoline | Propane | |
Running watts | 3,700 W | n/a |
Starting watts | 4,500 W | n/a |
Running amps (@120/240V) | 30.8 amps | n/a |
Peak amps (@120/240V) | 37.5 amps | n/a |
Run time @50% load | 15 h | n/a |
Run time @25% load | 18 h | n/a |
Control Panel
GFCI outlets | No |
Covered outlets | Yes |
Automatic Voltage Regulator | Inverter |
AC outlets | 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R); 1x 120V 30A (TT-30R) |
DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port |
Data center | Power output, fuel level, lifetime run hours, remaining run time and voltage |
Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
Fuel tank | Steel, 3.4 gal |
Fuel gauge | Digital |
Mixed
Weight | 98 lbs |
Approx. dimen. (L x W x H) | 24.5 x 18.3 x 20.5 in |
Noise (lower limit) | 52 dBA |
THD | < 3% |
Compliance | CARB, EPA |
Security | Low oil and overload protection |
Spark arrestor | Yes |
Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, key fob, battery charger, and battery |
Warranty | 3 years |
- We compared more than 500 portable generators at 50% load. We found that there is “skewed right” distribution for the difference between 50% load and 25% load and the median comes at 1.43. With this number we converter all the 25% load runtime to 50% load. Same with the propane efficiency, where median is 1.38.
- For some generators where propane runtime was not given, we used NIST 1994 GGE (Gasoline Gallon Equivalent) formula: 5.66 lbs. of propane = 1 gal of gasoline. All propane runtime is for 20 lbs. propane tank (4.7 gallons).
- Unlike many other sites, we actually tried to find out information about each of the above requirements. However, we are human and are therefore capable of the odd oversight or mistake. Please let us know if you spot any missing or erroneous values so that we can fix them.
About the Manufacturer
A Fortune 500 company listed on the NYSE, Cummins operates in the heavy industries and power sectors. William Glanton Irwin and Clessie Cummings established Cummins in 1919 with an emphasis on the creation of diesel engines. However, the company didn’t really take off until after World War II, when new roads were built across the country, and it finally went global in the 1960s with the help of its heavy-duty trucks. From genuine power plants to RV generators, Cummins has provided a wide range of power solutions over the years. However, the business has only recently dabbled in the portable generator industry. Currently, the firm sells a limited number of conventional and inverter generators under the Onan product line, which was formerly known as the Cummins Onan brand.
Warranty Information
There is a warranty on the Cummins Onan P4500i for up to 3 years. This warranty may not cover all parts of the generator or may only cover certain parts. Cummins Customer Support can be reached at 1-800-CUMMINS if you have questions about the warranty on a Cummins generator (800-286-6467). Check Cummins Onan Website for more information.