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Description
Zoom on the A-iPower SUA3800i
In summary, the A-iPower SUA3800i is a portable inverter generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- 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
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
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 is powered by a 223 cc (7 hp) Senci OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 3500W as well as a peak wattage of 3800W. Moreover, since it is parallel capable (IPBS8000 parallel kit not included), its power may be increased if linked to a second compatible unit.
At a noise rating of 63 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation), the inverter generator is started via 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 Disruption (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 3 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it has 2 DC outlets: there's a 5V USB port (USB-A) allowing you to conveniently charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets and a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which you may charge your batteries with ease.
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's characteristic encased inverter generator design (L24 x W19 x H22 in), provides an esthetical advantage over any ordinary, open frame product. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
Since the generator weighs 121 lbs, it will be incredibly difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). However, this lack of maneuverability is compensated by its set of 2 wheels (⌀6") and its telecospic handle, with which you can conveniently shift it, once it's on the ground.
Features
One of the many SUA3800i's features is the data center, included in its control panel, which conveniently provides information on the fuel level, voltage, lifetime run hours and power output and thus, helps you monitor its activity and status.
In addition to this info, the device’s light indicators will display if the generator is ready, the generator is on overload and 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 inverter generator.
Security-wise, this product benefits from an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.
With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the A-iPower SUA3800i also comes with several accessories, including: oil, battery charging cables, tool kit, RV adapter and funnel.
Emissions
The A-iPower SUA3800i 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, making it usable 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 generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).
- At a weight of 121 pounds, the A-iPower SUA3800i places in the expected weight range of the generators in the 3000-4000 rated wattage range. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the Genmax GM3300i with only 47.4 pounds.
- Since the inverter generator's noise is rated at 63 dBA, it has the roughly average expected noise for a device of similar power. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Cat INV4000E. With just 51 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- As far as autonomy is concerned, providing up to 12 hours of runtime with a full tank at a 25% load, the SUA3800i 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 Champion 200914, with up to 22 hours.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. This inverter generator has an average fuel consumption among comparably powerful devices, as it reaches 0.22 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Energizer eZV3500P, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.13 GPH and thus, is one of the most efficient devices in our database.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3000-4000W 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
- In the expected price range
- Several accessories included
- RV adapter included
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Decent weight (121 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (63 dBA)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No electric start
- Relatively low run time
Features and Specifications
Inverter | Yes |
---|---|
Portable | Yes |
Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
RV ready | No |
Fuel | Gasoline |
Engine | 223 cc Senci OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil |
Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
---|---|
Running watts | 3500 W |
Starting watts | 3800 W |
Running amps | 29.2 amps |
Peak amps | 31.7 amps |
Run time @50% load | 7 h |
Run time @25% load | 12 h |
GFCI outlets | No |
---|---|
Covered outlets | Yes |
Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
AC outlets |
|
DC outlets | 1x 5V USB port (USB-A) 1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) |
Data center | Power output, fuel level, lifetime run hours and voltage |
Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
Fuel tank | 2.6 gal |
Fuel gauge | Yes |
Weight | 121 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 24 x 19 x 22 in |
Noise (lower limit) | 63 dBA |
THD | < 3% |
Compliance | CARB, EPA |
Security | Low oil and overload protection |
Spark arrestor | Yes |
Neutral | Floating |
Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, RV adapter, and battery charging cables |
Warranty | 3 years |
UPC | 851217006916 |
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.
* Propane runtime is our own estimation, based on a 20 lbs tank and NIST 1994 GGE (Gasoline Gallon Equivalent) formula: 5.66 lbs of propane = 1 gal of gasoline.
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?
Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
---|---|---|---|
At home | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
Total | 2787 W | 3787 W | |
For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
Radio | 100 | 100 | |
Total | 2790 W | 3380 W | |
For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
Total | 2660 W | 3760 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.