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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:
- Homeowners who wish to power almost all appliances in their house under any circumstances
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
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 an office), this generator can be started via a conventional pull-start mechanism, or a simple and elegant 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 quite high THD (<23%) of the SUA12000ED makes it unsuitable for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 6 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which you may charge your batteries with ease.
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 design of the A-iPower SUA12000ED is a typical, open frame, with the dimensions of L27.9 x W27.2 x H25.9 in, offering support and stability and enabling the possibility of raising it above ground level. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 228 pounds. Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit (⌀9.5") and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.
Features
The control panel of the SUA12000ED includes a digital data center, which assists you in monitoring its status and activity, as it provides information on the lifetime run hours.
In addition to this info, the device’s light indicator will display if the oil level is too low.
The generator allows for a quick, easy and convenient assessment of its gas level, as it is equipped with a built-in fuel gauge.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker).
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: oil, tool kit, battery charging cables and propane hose.
Emissions
The A-iPower SUA12000ED is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. It can therefore be sold and purchased in all 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).
- With its weight of 228 lbs, the A-iPower SUA12000ED is one of the heavier dual fuel generators 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.
- 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. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Pulsar G12KBN, as it provides around 12 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. This generator has an average fuel consumption among comparably powerful devices, as it reaches 0.82 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 50% load. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.55 GPH, the Rainier R12000DF is a device you could look out for.
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
- Dual Fuel
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Switch On Demand technology
- Quiet for its power (69 dBA)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- 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 | 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 | |
Electric fry pan | 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.
User Reviews
I have not had a very good experience with this generator from the time I purchased it on Ebay. Yes it was in the price range that I wanted to spend, but with less that one hour running time, I have had to by-pass the CO2 sensor, and Low oil sensor (paying engine repair service to figure these issues out) to get it running. I will say that the customer service tried to help, but I didn’t live near on of the service center to make a convent repair. With all the aggravation I went through trying to get this generator running (new battery included) I would past on this product.
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