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Description
Zoom on the A-iPower SUA12000ED
In summary, the A-iPower SUA12000ED is a powerful portable generator especially useful for:
- Prudent homeowners who want a backup power source in case of a power outage
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
With its dual-fuel technology, the powerful and versatile A-iPower SUA12000ED provides an output of 120/240V. While gasoline-powered, it gives a running wattage of 9,000W along with a peak wattage of 12,000W. While propane-powered, it provides 8,100 rated watts and 10,800 starting watts.
A-iPower’s Switch On Demand technology allows you to switch from propane to gasoline or from gasoline to propane while the generator is running.
At a noise rating of 69 dBA (less noisy than background music), this generator can be started via a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, or a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included).
The running time of the SUA12000ED, with its 7 gallons fuel capacity, can reach around 8.5 hours at 50% load on a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.82 GPH). With propane, it can reach around 10 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.47 GPH).
As the SUA12000ED has a high THD (<23%), it is not recommended to use it to power sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 6 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy.
Since the SUA12000ED bears a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it is easily connectible to a breaker box and can power your home in case of a power outage.
Portability
The A-iPower SUA12000ED has the following dimensions: L27.9 x W27.2 x H25.9 in. In combination with its conventional, open frame design, they provide support and allow the generator to be raised above ground level. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 228 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. Still, once it is on the ground, its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.
Features
A digital data center, one of the features of the SUA12000ED's control panel, gives you information on the lifetime run hours, and thus, is helpful for the monitoring of its activity and status.
In addition to this info, a light indicator allows you to instantly see if its oil levels are insufficient.
The fuel level of the generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the A-iPower SUA12000ED also is packed along with the following accessories: propane hose, tool kit, oil and battery charging cables.
Emissions
The A-iPower SUA12000ED is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Thus, selling and purchasing this generator is allowed in each of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and thus, may be used in forested areas.
The A-iPower SUA12000ED versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the A-iPower SUA12000ED compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 8500 and 9500 W).
- As its dry weight is 228 pounds, the A-iPower SUA12000ED is one of the heavier of the dual fuel products which can generate 8500 to 9500 running watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Pulsar PG12000B, standing at just 205 lbs.
- Since this generator is rated for a lowest possible noise of 69 dBA, it can be considered as one of the most quiet of the products generating similar power.
- The SUA12000ED's autonomy is somewhat low end compared to devices of its type and power range, as it reaches only around 8.5 hours at 50% load on a full tank. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Pulsar G12KBN, with around 12 hours.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. At an estimated fuel consumption of 0.82 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, this generator is a rather fuel efficient one within its wattage category. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Pulsar G12KBN, with a fuel consumption of 0.67 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 8500-9500W dual fuel generators, the A-iPower SUA12000ED is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Dual Fuel
- Switch On Demand technology
- Quiet for its power (69 dBA)
- Fuel efficient
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (228 lbs)
- Relatively low run time
Features and Specifications
Inverter | No |
---|---|
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | No |
Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
Engine | 459 cc Senci SC460 OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
Warranty | 2 years |
Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
Gasoline | Propane | |
---|---|---|
Running watts | 9,000 W | 8,100 W |
Starting watts | 12,000 W | 10,800 W |
Running amps (@120/240V) | 75/37.5 amps | 67.5/33.8 amps |
Peak amps (@120/240V) | 100/50 amps | 90/45 amps |
Run time @50% load | 8.5 h | 10 h |
Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
GFCI outlets | Yes |
---|---|
Covered outlets | Yes |
Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
AC outlets |
|
DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) |
Data center | Lifetime run hours |
Indicators | Low oil |
Fuel tank | 7 gal |
Fuel gauge | Yes |
Weight | 228 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 27.9 x 27.2 x 25.9 in |
Noise (lower limit) | 69 dBA |
THD | < 23% |
Compliance | CARB, EPA |
Security | Low oil and overload protection |
Spark arrestor | Yes |
Neutral | Bonded to frame |
Accessories included | Oil, tool kit, propane hose, battery charging cables, battery, and wheel kit |
UPC | 851217006428 |
Unlike many websites, we did our best to research each of the specs above. That being said, we are not immune to making the occasional mistake or omission. Should you notice any missing or incorrect values, don't hesitate to suggest improvements so we can address the issue.
About A-iPower
A-iPower, a small company based in the USA, is a fresh face on the generator market. Their product line is comprised of engines, water pumps, pressure washers and of course, generators. The selection of A-iPower generators includes several conventional and inverted portable generators, many of which have an electric starter. The company has several facilities, including headquarters in California and a distribution center in Wisconsin. The production of their devices is, however, outsourced completely overseas, to China.
Warranty Information
The A-iPower SUA12000ED is covered under a warranty for up to 2 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of A-iPower generators, please contact the A-iPower Customer Support: 1-855-888-3598.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
---|---|---|---|
At home | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
Radio | 100 | 100 | |
Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
Total | 7195 W | 8695 W | |
For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
Satelite receiver | 250 | 250 | |
Total | 7190 W | 7780 W | |
For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
Milk cooler | 1100 | 1800 | |
Total | 7160 W | 11660 W |
Can the SUA12000ED be converted to natural gas? (Asked August 29, 2021)
The unit was designed to run on gasoline or propane only, and there are no official natural gas conversion kits. Modifying the unit’s fuel system would most likely void your warranty and could lead to a violation of local/federal emission laws.
What's the valve clearance or adjustment on the sua12000ed (Asked September 21, 2021)
Valve clearance settings are the following: intake 0.004″ – 0.006″, exhaust 0.006″ – 0.008″.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
For the price point I’m very pleased with this purchase. Getting a generator with a pure synwave inverter within this price point and output is a far cry, so I was prepared to add a good inverter at a later time if really needed. The valve adjustment isn’t as difficult as some might think. If you have any mechanical abilities it is quite easy and doesn’t require taking the engine out or anything like that. The weight isn’t an issue unless you need to load it in and out of a truck box. I would wager that few people properly ground their generator as recommended and that likely causes issues.
Their own website as of 3-1-2021 shows a 5% THD.. Your specs shows a <10% THD Their own tech support now admits a 17% THD. That high of THD will not allow for any kind of household computer device to run properly. I ran it on my house with only AHU fans and refrigerators and security cams and half of my computer devices failed in 1st 10 hours even my computer UPS would not accept the power and would run under battery only. Anything with a variable speed motor or VFD will not run with its protections enabled. Also for the engine to continue to operate properly it needs a 50 hour check and adjustment of the intake, exhaust valves. This means pulling the engine heads after 50 hours of operation which IMHO is unacceptable under normal wear and tear operation of any modern day small engine. I would not recommend this Generator to do anything other than running incandescent light bulbs because even Fluorescents and LED's flicker. This is a poor power source for any modern day need. IMHO It needs to be recalled. I am currently trying to work with AI-power tech support on a solution