- Wattage (Gas): 5,500 W / 4,500 W
- THD: < 7%
- Noise Level: 74.1 dBA
- Fuel Type: Gasoline
- RV Ready: No
- Run Time@ 25% load: Unspecified
- Run Time@ 50% load: 13.5 h
- Weight: 238.1 lbs
Table Of Contents
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Description
The 358 cc Yamaha MZ360 OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline, is the heart of the Yamaha EF5500DE. It has a 120V/240V output and a running power of 4,500W and a peak power of 5,500W. The noise level of this generator is 74.1 dBA, which is just a little louder than a shower. It can be started with a pull-start mechanism or an easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). With a full tank, the EF5500DE can run for about 13.5 hours at 0.5 load and 6.9 gallons of fuel (fuel consumption is approximately 0.51 GPH). The THD (7%) of the EF5500DE is too high for it to be used to power sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
There are 6 AC outlets on the control panel: two 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI duplexes, a 120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle, and a 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle. This Yamaha generator isn’t quite RV Ready, but it has an L5-30R receptacle that makes it easy to connect to an RV with an L5-30P to TT-30R adapter. Also, the EF5500DE has a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, which makes it ready for a transfer switch. It can power your home during a power outage because it is easy to connect to your breaker box.
Features
One of the many features of the EF5500DE is its control panel, which has a data center. The data center gives you information about the lifetime run hours and voltage, which helps you keep track of its activity and status. In addition to this information, a light shows you if the oil level is too low. The generator has a built-in fuel gauge that makes it quick, easy, and convenient to check how much gas is in it. As far as safety goes, you can use the generator without worry because it has an automatic shut-off for low oil (Oil Watch system) and an overload protection (circuit breaker). The Oil Watch warning system from Yamaha gives you more peace of mind. This feature makes the car last longer because it keeps the engine from getting damaged and needing expensive repairs. When the oil gets low, the generator turns off by itself and won’t start again until more oil is added. It also has a sensor for carbon monoxide. This sensor is meant to measure the amount of carbon monoxide in the air while the generator is running. If the generator isn’t set up right and carbon monoxide levels get too high, the generator will turn off by itself. It’s a nice extra safety measure, but don’t forget to take your generator outside at all times. Yamaha packed the EF5500DE with the usual paperwork and owner’s manual to get you up and running quickly, as well as a tool kit.
Mobility
The Yamaha EF5500DE is 29.1 inches long, 29 inches wide, and 31.5 inches high. Together with its traditional, open-frame design, they support the generator and allow it to be raised above the ground. The design works well in rough places and for hard outdoor use. The generator is technically “portable” in the sense that you can move it, but at 238.1 lbs., it may be hard to move it by hand. But its wheel kit and folding handle make it easy to move once it’s on the ground, which makes up for its lack of maneuverability. A lift hook on the top of the generator’s frame adds another layer of safety when moving, loading, or unloading the device.
Product Videos
The following charts show how some of the most important features of the Yamaha-EF5500DE 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 | No |
| Fuel efficiency | 0.227 gal/kWh |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 358 cc Yamaha MZ360 OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
Power
| Gasoline | Propane | |
| Running watts | 4,500 W | n/a |
| Starting watts | 5,500 W | n/a |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 37.5/18.8 amps | n/a |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 45.8/22.9 amps | n/a |
| Run time @50% load | 13.5 h | n/a |
| Run time @25% load | Unspecified | n/a |
Control Panel
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulator | Yes |
| AC outlets | 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R); 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) |
| DC outlets | No |
| Data center | Lifetime run hours and voltage |
| Indicators | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | Metal, 6.9 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
Mixed
| Weight | 238.1 lbs |
| Approx. dimen. (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 |
| Accessories included | Tool kit, battery, and wheel kit |
| 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
The Japanese-based Yamaha Corporation, established in 1887, has a lengthy history spanning more than 130 years and has a hand in just about every sector imaginable, most notably motorbikes, musical instruments, and electronics. Many of the best portable generators are among the company’s diverse offering of goods. Many of the more recent versions, it has been said, are built in China rather than Japan.
Warranty Information
A warranty covers the Yamaha EF5500DE for up to 3 years. This warranty may not cover all parts of the generator or may only cover certain parts. Yamaha’s warranty policies can tell you more about how long the warranty on a Yamaha generator lasts. You can also call their customer service line at 1-800-962-7926. Check Yamaha Website for more information.
