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A-iPower SUA3800i - 3500/3800W Inverter Generator

The A-iPower SUA3800i is a portable inverter generator with a rated wattage of 3,500 W and a starting wattage of 3,800 W.

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Description

Zoom on the A-iPower SUA3800i

In a nutshell, the A-iPower SUA3800i is a portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:

  • RV travellers looking for even more independence
  • Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
  • DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
  • Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
  • Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience

The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.

Power & Run Time

The A-iPower SUA3800i houses a 223 cc (7 hp) Senci OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 3,500W along with a peak wattage of 3,800W. In addition, as it is parallel capable (IPBS8000 parallel kit not included), this power can be increased when linked to another similar or compatible unit.

With a noise rating of 63 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), the inverter generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism.

The SUA3800i can operate for up to 12 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.22 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 2.6 gallons.

The SUA3800i produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.

Outlets

The control panel features the upcoming 3 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle

It also sports 2 DC outlets: there's a 5V USB port (USB-A) with which charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets is made convenient and a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy.

Even though this A-iPower generator isn't quite RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle allows an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor (included).

Portability

The A-iPower SUA3800i is an inverter generator and has an encased design of the following dimensions: L24 x W19 x H22 in. Thus, it is more aesthetical than conventional, open frame products. This modern design aims to provide an ideal power solution to recreational users.

Although this generator is technically considered 'portable' (in the sense that it can be moved), its 121 lbs make it incredibly difficult to manually lift and transport. Still, once it is on the ground, its set of 2 wheels (⌀6") and its telecospic handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.

Features

Panel of the A-iPower SUA3800i

The SUA3800i's control panel

To help you monitor the SUA3800i's status and activity, its control panel is equipped with a digital data center, giving you information on the lifetime run hours, fuel level, power output and voltage.

In addition to this info, when the generator is overloaded, the generator is ready and the oil level is too low, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.

A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the inverter 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.

Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the A-iPower SUA3800i's package also includes these accessories: battery charging cables, RV adapter, oil, tool kit and funnel.

Emissions

The A-iPower SUA3800i 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 thus, may be used in forested areas.

Product Video

The A-iPower SUA3800i versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the A-iPower SUA3800i compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).

  • At a dry weight of 121 pounds, the A-iPower SUA3800i is one of the heavier inverters which can produce between 3000 and 4000 running watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, with a dry weight of just 46 pounds.
  • The inverter generator can be considered average in its noise for its type and power category, as it is rated at 63 dBA. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Westinghouse iGen4500DF with only 52 dBA.
  • The SUA3800i's autonomy is somewhat low end compared to devices of its type and power range, as it reaches only up to 12 hours at 25% 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 Firman W03661OF, as it provides up to 25 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. Compared to its peers, this inverter generator is not exactly fuel efficient, compared to similarly powerful devices, with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.22 GPH at a 25% load. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Energizer eZV3500P. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.13 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3000-4000W inverter generators, the A-iPower SUA3800i 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

STRENGTHS:
  • In the expected price range
  • Several accessories included
  • RV adapter included
  • Parallel capable
  • Inverter
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Acceptable noise (63 dBA)
WEAKNESSES:
  • No electric start
  • On the heavy side (121 lbs)
  • Relatively low run time
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the A-iPower SUA3800i and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterYes
Parallel capableYes, cable not included
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine223 cc Senci OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts3,500 W
Starting watts3,800 W
Running amps29.2 amps
Peak amps31.7 amps
Run time @50% load7 h
Run time @25% load12 h
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
DC outlets1x 5V USB port (USB-A)
1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style)
Data centerPower output, fuel level, lifetime run hours and voltage
IndicatorsLow oil, overload and output ready
Fuel tank2.6 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight121 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)24 x 19 x 22 in
Noise (lower limit)63 dBA
THD< 3%
ComplianceCARB, EPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralFloating
Accessories includedOil, funnel, tool kit, RV adapter, and battery charging cables
UPC851217006916

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.

Spec Improvement×

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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 SUA3800i is covered under a warranty for up to 3 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?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our wattage calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeMicrowave (1000 watts)15001500
Refrigerator (energy star)1921192
Vacuum cleaner10751175
Cell phone charger2020
Total2787 W3787 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Microwave (1000 watts)15001500
Radio100100
Total2790 W3380 W
For workGrinder14002500
Demolition hammer12601260
Total2660 W3760 W

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A-iPower SUA3800i
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User Reviews

  1. 5
    Price
    100
    Value
    100
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    100

    Opted for this generator solely on price comparison. Mostly constantly running a 5000 btu generator and lights during the summer with no appreciable increased load on the motor. Overall it is quiet enough for conversation standing right next to it in eco mode. Certainly it is not ultra quiet like a Honda would be. But considering the price difference, this is a satisfactory compromise for those unwilling to take the Honda plunge.

    + PROS:
    • Price to performance is the number readon to consider this generator. It checks all the boxes already.
    - CONS:
    • 63 dB may be a bit loud for some.
    • The weight is something to consider as it's too much for one person to safely lift.
    Helpful(4) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this

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