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Description
Zoom on the A-iPower SUA3800iED
In summary, the A-iPower SUA3800iED is a portable inverter generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
- DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
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 SUA3800iED
With its dual-fuel technology, the powerful and versatile A-iPower SUA3800iED provides an output of 120V. While gasoline-powered, it gives a running wattage of 3,500W along with a peak wattage of 3,800W. While propane-powered, it provides 3,200 rated watts and 3,500 starting watts. In addition, the device is parallel capable (parallel kit not included) and thus, can be linked to a similar or compatible unit for added power.
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 inverter generator is rated for a noise of 63 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation). Its starting mechanisms include a conventional pull-start mechanism and a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). Moreover, to offer you even more convenience, the SUA3800iED can also be remotely started (key fob included).
The running time of the SUA3800iED, with its 2.6 gallons fuel capacity, can reach up to 12 hours on a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.22 GPH). With propane, it can reach up to 16 hours (estimation based on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.29 GPH).
Delicate electronics can be plugged in an AC outlets safely, as the SUA3800iED generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel features the following 3 AC outlets:
It also sports 1 DC outlet: there's a 5V USB port with which charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets is made convenient.
This A-iPower generator isn't quite RV Ready, but it features an L5-30R receptacle, allowing a simple RV connection through an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor (included).
Portability
Since the A-iPower SUA3800iED is an inverter generator, its closed design (L24 x W19 x H22 in) has an esthetical advantage over conventional, open frame devices. The generator has a contemporary design, convenient for recreationally generating power.
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 and its telecospic handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.
Features
The SUA3800iED's control panel
Monitoring of the SUA3800iED's status and activity is made possible by a digital data center, which provides information on the lifetime run hours, frequency, voltage, power output and fuel level and is one of the features of its control panel.
In addition to this info, when the generator is on overload, the generator is ready and its oil levels are insufficient, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.
The inverter 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 SUA3800iED also is packed along with the following accessories: oil, key fob, RV adapter, propane hose, tool kit and funnel.
Emissions
The A-iPower SUA3800iED 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.
Product Video
The A-iPower SUA3800iED versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the A-iPower SUA3800iED compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).
- Considering its dry weight of 121 pounds, the A-iPower SUA3800iED is one of the heavier inverter generators producing between 3000 and 4000 running watts. If weight is your top priority, one of the champions in this power category is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, weighing just 46 pounds.
- Since the inverter generator's noise is rated at 63 dBA, it has the roughly average expected noise for a device of similar type and power. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 52 dBA.
- As far as autonomy is concerned, providing up to 12 hours of runtime with a full tank at a 25% load, the SUA3800iED falls into the low end in comparison with other inverters of a comparable power output. 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.
- 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. In fact, this inverter generator is not among the most fuel efficient, within the aforementioned wattage range : its estimated gasoline consumption at 25% load is around 0.22 GPH. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Energizer eZV3500P, with a fuel consumption of 0.13 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3000-4000W dual fuel inverter generators, the A-iPower SUA3800iED is on the expensive side of the price range.
While certainly not the cheapest of its kind, purchasing it would most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.
The bottom line
- Several accessories included
- RV adapter included
- Remote start
- Parallel capable
- Dual Fuel
- Switch On Demand technology
- Inverter
- Acceptable noise (63 dBA)
- On the expensive side
- On the heavy side (121 lbs)
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 223 cc Senci OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,500 W | 3,200 W |
| Starting watts | 3,800 W | 3,500 W |
| Running amps | 29.2 amps | 26.7 amps |
| Peak amps | 31.7 amps | 29.2 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 12 h | 16 h * |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 5V USB port |
| Data center | Power output, fuel level, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency |
| 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, key fob, propane hose, RV adapter, and battery |
| UPC | 851217006831 |
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 SUA3800iED 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 |
What is the recommended motor oil and how much is needed for the 4000w inverter generator? (Asked September 08, 2021)
For general, all-temperature use, SAE 10W-30 is recommended. Engine oil capacity is 18.6 fl. oz.
What kind of maintenance needs to be done on a regular basis (Asked October 21, 2021)
Regular maintenance includes oil and air filter change, as well as spark plug/arrester service. We recommend reading our article on generator maintenance.
What spark plug (Asked January 18, 2023)
Spark plug should be NGK BPR6ES or equivalent.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
You did not refer to the propane interface which is the main use. Runtime increases dramatically on propane. When this is factored in beats the other units you mentioned.