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Description
Zoom on the Champion 100231
In a nutshell, the Champion 100231 is a portable generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
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
With its dual-fuel technology, the powerful and versatile Champion 100231 provides an output of 120/240V. While gasoline-powered, it gives a running wattage of 5,500W along with a peak wattage of 6,900W. While propane-powered, it provides 5,000 rated watts and 6,250 starting watts.
At a noise rating of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher), the generator is started via a conventional pull-start mechanism.
The running time of the 100231, with its 6 gallons fuel capacity, can reach around 9 hours at 50% load on a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.67 GPH). With propane, it can reach around 6.5 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.72 GPH).
The quite high THD (<20%) of the 100231 makes it unsuitable for powering sensitive electronic devices.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:
As the 100231 holds a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: you'll easily be able to connect it to your breaker box to power your home during a power outage.
Portability
With its dimensions of L27 x W27.7 x H24.4 in, the conventional, open frame design of the Champion 100231 offers stability and allows the generator to be raised above ground level. This type of design is ideal for tough environments and heavy outdoor use.
As the generator's weight is 162.5 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). However, this lack of maneuverability is compensated by its wheel kit (⌀8") and its folding handle, with which you can conveniently shift it, once it's on the ground.
Features
The 100231 and its control panel include an Intelligauge meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours. This feature comes handy when monitoring its status and activity.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, allowing you to use it with a peace of mind. Champion's built-in surge protector (Volt Guard™) safeguards your equipment and appliances against voltage spikes.
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Champion 100231, the following accessories are also included: funnel and propane hose.
Emissions
The Champion 100231 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.
The Champion 100231 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 100231 compare to dual fuel generators of similar power (between 5000 and 6000 W).
- As its weight is 162.5 pounds, the Champion 100231 falls in the expected weight range of the dual fuel devices in the 5000-6000 rated wattage category. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Genmax GM6000iED, with a dry weight of just 117.9 pounds.
- This generator, with its lowest possible noise rated at 74 dBA falls into the more noisy category, compared to other devices of a similar running wattage. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Genmax GM7250iEDC with only 63 dBA.
- As for its autonomy, the 100231, with an autonomy of around 9 hours at a 50% load, is placed on the low end among the generators of its kind. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Firman H05751, boasting with around 12 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 generator is somewhat less fuel efficient than devices of comparable output: its estimated fuel consumption reaches 0.67 GPH at a 50% load. If fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Westinghouse WGen5300DFv, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.43 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 5000-6000W dual fuel generators, the Champion 100231 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
- GFCI Outlets
- Dual Fuel
- Decent weight (162.5 lbs)
- No electric start
- On the noisy side (74 dBA)
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
Inverter | No |
---|---|
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | No |
Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
Engine | 386 cc Champion 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil |
Warranty | 3 years |
Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz |
Gasoline | Propane | |
---|---|---|
Running watts | 5,500 W | 5,000 W |
Starting watts | 6,900 W | 6,250 W |
Running amps (@120/240V) | 45.8/22.9 amps | 41.7/20.8 amps |
Peak amps (@120/240V) | 57.5/28.8 amps | 52.1/26 amps |
Run time @50% load | 9 h | 6.5 h |
Run time @25% load | Unknown | Unknown |
GFCI outlets | Yes |
---|---|
Covered outlets | No |
Automatic Voltage Regulation | Yes |
AC outlets | 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) |
DC outlets | No |
Data center | VFT |
Indicators | No |
Fuel tank | Steel, 6 gal |
Fuel gauge | No |
Weight | 162.5 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 27 x 27.7 x 24.4 in |
Noise (lower limit) | 74 dBA |
THD | < 20% |
Compliance | CARB, EPA |
Security | Low oil, overload and Volt Guard™ surge protection |
Spark arrestor | Yes |
Neutral | Bonded to frame |
Accessories included | Funnel, propane hose, and wheel kit |
UPC | 850878006198 |
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 Champion Power Equipment
Founded in 2003, the Champion Power Equipment is a US based power equipment manufacturer. The relatively small company has made a name for itself both in the portable generator industry, but also the power equipment sector in general, with a particular focus on heavy duty equipment, such as log cutters, snow blowers, chipper shredders, etc. All of their products are engineered in the US. However, the company does not provide information on the origin of their components.
Warranty Information
The Champion 100231 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 Champion generators, please consult Champion's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-877-338-0999.
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 | |
Security system | 180 | 180 | |
Total | 4397 W | 5872 W | |
For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
Radio | 100 | 100 | |
Total | 4390 W | 4980 W | |
For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
Total | 4180 W | 6880 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
Purchased my 100231 6900 starting watt Generator this past weekend for outages in the future.. I bought it to take care of my Fridge, Freezer, Furnace and a few lights in the event of an outage.. put it all together and added fuel.. started on 2nd pull and run for 30 minutes.. will need to run for a few hours to break in properly under a load of a small heater running… let ya know how it does.. Thanks Champion..