Champion 100496 Spec Review

Description

Zoom on the Champion 100496

In summary, the Champion 100496 is a portable generator especially useful for:

• RV travellers looking for even more independence
• Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and 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 in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment

In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.

Power & Run Time

The Champion 100496

The Champion 100496's design includes a gasoline-fueled 292 cc Champion 4-stroke V-Twin engine. With a 120/240V output, it gives a running wattage of 5000W and also a peak wattage of 6250W.

The generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism. It is rated for a noise of 74 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a dishwasher).

The fuel capacity of 5.7 gallons allows the 100496 to operate for around 9 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.63 GPH).

Outlets

The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI

120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle

Since the 100496 bears a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, it is transfer switch ready: it is easily connectible to a breaker box and can power your home in case of a power outage.

Portability

The dimensions of the Champion 100496, which are L30.1 x W25.7 x H25.2 in, and its typical, open frame design provides stability and enables the generator to be raised above ground level. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.

Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 152.1 pounds. Nevertheless, thanks to its wheel kit (⌀8") (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.

Features

The 100496's control panel

To help you monitor the 100496's status and activity, its control panel is equipped with an Intelligauge meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours.

Security-wise, this product benefits from an automatic low oil shut-off and a Volt Guard™ overload protection, which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.

Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Champion 100496's package also includes these accessories: oil and funnel.

Emissions

The Champion 100496 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, so it is adequate for use in forested areas.

The Champion 100496 versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 100496 compare to generators of similar power (between 4500 and 5500 W).

• As far as its dry weight is concerned, the Champion 100496 weighs just 152.1 pounds and thus, it is one of the lighter 4500 to 5500 rated wattage generators. If weight matters to you, one of the champions in this power range is the WEN 56500 with only 119 pounds.
• When compared to devices able to produce a similar running wattage, this generator and its lowest emitted noise of 74 dBA is on the noisier side. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Honda EU7000iS with only 52 dBA.
• As far as autonomy is concerned, providing around 9 hours of runtime with a full tank at a 50% load, the 100496 falls into the low end in comparison with other devices 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 Cat RP5500, as it provides around 15 hours.
• Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. In fact, this generator is not among the most fuel efficient, within the aforementioned wattage range : its estimated gasoline consumption at 50% load is around 0.63 GPH. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Westinghouse WGen5300v, with a fuel consumption of 0.35 GPH could be in your good books.

Price comparison

The bottom line

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 100496 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

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