The A-iPower SUA3800iED is a portable dual fuel inverter generator with a rated wattage of 3,500 W and a starting wattage of 3,800 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the A-iPower SUA3800iED
In short, the A-iPower SUA3800iED is a portable inverter generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- 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
In the forthcoming sections, you'll delve into its power characteristics, the various outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the additional features it boasts.
Power & Run Time
The A-iPower SUA3800iED
The dual-fuel technology of the A-iPower SUA3800iED allows for an output of 120V and provides superb power and versatility. If gasoline-powered, the device provides a running wattage of 3,500W and a starting wattage of 3,800W. If propane-powered, it gives 3,200 rated watts and 3,500 starting watts. Furthermore, its parallel capability (parallel kit not included) allows for increasing of power output when connected to another similar or compatible unit, ensuring expanded energy capacity and reliability for various applications.
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 63 dBA (just slightly more noisy than background music), this inverter generator provides the choice between a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism or a hassle-free and practical electric starter (battery included) for starting. Moreover, to offer you even more convenience, the SUA3800iED can also be remotely started (key fob included).
Concerning its running time, the SUA3800iED, featuring a 2.6 gallons fuel tank, can continuously run for up to 12 hours with a full gasoline tank (consuming fuel at approximately 0.22 gallons per hour). Alternatively, when utilizing propane, it offers up to 16 hours (estimation based on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.29 GPH) of runtime.
Thanks to its low <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the SUA3800iED produces a clean sine wave output, making it safe for your sensitive electronics when utilizing the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 3 AC outlets:
Moreover, it boasts 1 DC outlet: there's a 5V USB port designed for hassle-free charging of various electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets, ensuring uninterrupted usage.
Though it may not be labeled as 'RV Ready,' this A-iPower generator offers the benefit of hassle-free RV connectivity through its L5-30R receptacle, allowing you to easily power your RV with the assistance of an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor (included).
Portability
With an inverter generator design, the A-iPower SUA3800iED features a closed construction (L24 x W19 x H22 in), enhancing aesthetics and ensuring reduced noise levels, offering a distinct advantage over standard, open frame generators. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
With a weight of 121 lbs, the generator is still labeled as 'portable,' denoting its ability to be moved, although its heaviness might restrict easy portability. Despite the restricted maneuverability, its set of 2 wheels and its telecospic handle provides a solution, allowing for convenient shifting once the generator is positioned on the ground.
Features
The SUA3800iED's control panel
Included in the control panel of the SUA3800iED, a digital data center assists in tracking its status and activity by providing details on the voltage, fuel level, lifetime run hours, power output and frequency.
In addition to this info, the generator's light indicators provide visual feedback when its oil levels are insufficient, the generator is on overload and the generator is ready.
Benefiting from its built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator allows for easy and immediate gas level inspections.
As far as security is concerned, the generator can be used with a peace of mind, as it features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off.
Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the A-iPower SUA3800iED's package also includes these accessories: propane hose, funnel, tool kit, oil, RV adapter and key fob.
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).
- Weighing 121 lbs, the A-iPower SUA3800iED is one of the heavier inverter generators within the 3000-4000 rated wattage bracket. If you are mindful of weight, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO is among the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 46 pounds.
- Because this inverter generator emits noise as low as 63 dBA, it can be considered to have a pretty average expected noise rating for a device of its power. 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.
- Regarding its autonomy, the SUA3800iED can run for up to 12 hours at a 25% load, aligning it with the lower performers in its type and power range. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the Firman W03661OF, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting up to 25 hours.
- While run time matters, it's heavily influenced by the fuel tank's capacity. Hence, it's important to consider fuel efficiency alongside. With an estimated fuel consumption of 0.22 GPH at a 25% load, this inverter generator aligns with the average gasoline usage range of comparable products. 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 these interactive charts, when compared to other 3000-4000W dual fuel inverter generators, the A-iPower SUA3800iED 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
- RV adapter included
- Remote start
- Parallel capable
- Switch On Demand technology
- Inverter
- Acceptable noise (63 dBA)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- On the heavy side (121 lbs)
- Relatively low run time
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 inverter 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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Total | 2792 W | 3792 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2780 W | 3370 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.