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Description
Zoom on the A-iPower SUA12000ED
In a nutshell, the A-iPower SUA12000ED is a powerful portable generator mostly geared towards:
- Prudent homeowners who want a backup power source in case of a power outage
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed, including its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The A-iPower SUA12000ED
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 9000W along with a peak wattage of 12000W. While propane-powered, it provides 8100 rated watts and 10800 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.
The generator is rated for a noise of 69 dBA (less noisy than background music). Its starting mechanisms include a simple traditional pull-start mechanism and a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included).
With a fuel capacity of 7 gallons, the SUA12000ED can operate for around 8.5 hours at 50% load using gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.82 GPH), or for around 10 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.47 GPH) using propane.
The SUA12000ED is unsuitable for the powering of sensitive electronic devices due to its relatively high THD (<23%).
Outlets
The control panel features the following 6 AC outlets:
It also sports 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries.
Due to the featured twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the SUA12000ED is transfer switch ready: you may connect it to a breaker box to power your household during 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.
While the generator is considered to be technically 'portable' (in the sense that you can move it), manually lifting and transporting it may be challenging, due to its high weight of 228 lbs. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.
Features
The SUA12000ED's control panel
To help you monitor the SUA12000ED's status and activity, its control panel is equipped with a digital data center, giving you information on the lifetime run hours.
In addition to this info, a light indicator shows you if the oil level is too low.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the generator.
As for its security measures, the device features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, letting you use it with a peace of mind.
Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the A-iPower SUA12000ED also comes with some accessories: oil, tool kit, propane hose and battery charging cables are included.
Emissions
The A-iPower SUA12000ED is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and therefore, can 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 generators of similar power (between 8500 and 9500 W).
- As its weight is 242 pounds, the A-iPower SUA12000ED falls in the expected weight range of the devices in the 8500-9500 rated wattage category. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Rainier R12000DF, weighing just 196 pounds.
- With a lowest possible noise of 69 dBA, this generator places itself amongst the most quiet of the products delivering similar power.
- As far as autonomy is concerned, providing around 8.5 hours of runtime with a full tank at a 50% load, the SUA12000ED falls into the low end in comparison with other devices of a comparable power output. 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 Westinghouse WGen9500DF, 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. Compared to its peers, this generator is not exactly fuel efficient, compared to similarly powerful devices, with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.82 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Westinghouse WGen9500DF, with a fuel consumption of 0.55 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 8500-9500W generators, the A-iPower SUA12000ED is on the cheap side of the price range.
It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.
The bottom line
- Inexpensive
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Dual Fuel
- Switch On Demand technology
- Quiet for its power (69 dBA)
- Decent weight (242 lbs)
- No remote start
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | No |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 459 cc Senci SC460 OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 9000 W | 8100 W |
| Starting watts | 12000 W | 10800 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% |
| Emissions | 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 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 7192 W | 8667 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Rice cooker | 650 | 650 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 7180 W | 7600 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.
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