- Wattage (Gas): 4,500 W / 3,700 W
- THD: < 2%
- Noise Level: 64 dBA
- Fuel Type: Gasoline
- RV Ready: No
- Run Time@ 25% load: 14 h
- Run Time@ 50% load: Unspecified
- Weight: 90.4 lbs
Table Of Contents
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Description
The Powerhorse 4500i has a 224 cc (7.5 hp) OHV 4-stroke engine with 120/240V, which runs on gasoline and puts out 3,700W at full power and 4,500W when running. Also, the device can work in parallel (but doesn’t come with a parallel kit), so it can be linked to a similar or compatible unit for more power. This inverter generator has a noise level of 64 dBA, which is just a little louder than background music. It starts up with a traditional pull-start mechanism. With a full tank, the 4500i can run for up to 14 hours (using about 0.24 GPH of fuel), because it can hold 3.4 gallons of fuel. The 4500i makes a clean sine wave. With a Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of less than 2%, you can safely plug your sensitive electronics into the AC outlets.
Outlets
The following 4 AC outlets are on the control panel: Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R); 120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle; 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle. Also, it has 3 DC outlets, including a 12V 8A receptacle (like a cigarette lighter) that makes it easy to charge batteries and two 5V USB ports that make it easy to charge devices like cell phones and tablets. Even though this Powerhorse generator isn’t quite RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle makes it easy to connect to an RV with an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. The 4500i also has a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, which makes it ready for a transfer switch. It is easy to connect to a breaker box and can power your home if the power goes out.
Features
The lights tell you if the generator is too full, if the oil level is too low, or if it is ready to use. From a safety point of view, the product has an automatic shut-off for low oil and an overload protection (circuit breaker), so you can use it without worrying. The Powerhorse 4500i comes with a funnel and a tool kit, as well as the usual documentation and an owner’s manual to get you up and running quickly.
Mobility
The Powerhorse 4500i is 21 inches long, 20.5 inches wide, and 21.5 inches high. Together with its traditional, open-frame design, they support the generator and allow it to be raised above the ground. The generator is built to work well outside and in rough places. The 4500i’s weight of 90.4 lbs. means that you can take it anywhere. Also, the open frame makes it very easy to grab the frame and move it.
Product Videos
The following charts show how some of the most important features of the Powerhorse-4500i 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 | 0.188 gal/kWh |
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 224 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
Power
| Gasoline | Propane | |
| Running watts | 3,700 W | n/a |
| Starting watts | 4,500 W | n/a |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 30.8/15.4 amps | n/a |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 37.5/18.8 amps | n/a |
| Run time @50% load | Unspecified | n/a |
| Run time @25% load | 14 h | n/a |
Control Panel
| GFCI outlets | No |
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulator | Inverter |
| AC outlets | 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R); 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R); 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) |
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style); 2x 5V USB port |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 3.4 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
Mixed
| Weight | 90.4 lbs |
| Approx. dimen. (L x W x H) | 21 x 20.5 x 21.5 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 64 dBA |
| THD | < 2% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Accessories included | Funnel and tool kit |
| Warranty | 2 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
The Northern Tool & Equipment Company Inc. owns and distributes gas-powered outdoor equipment under the Powerhorse brand name through its physical stores and website. Among the gas- and electric-powered instruments offered by Powerhorse are pressure washers, wood chippers and shredders, log splitters, electric generators, and inverters. Water pumps and engines are also available in the product line. The tagline of the company is “Power You Can Depend On”. Although they are produced in China, Powerhorse generators are designed, developed, and tested in Minnesota.
Warranty Information
A warranty covers the Powerhorse 4500i for up to 2 years. This warranty may not cover all parts of the generator or may only cover certain parts. Powerhorse Customer Support can be reached at 1-866-443-2576 for more information about the warranty on Powerhorse generators.
