Champion 100520 - 7000/8750W Open Frame Inverter Generator With Electric Start
The Champion 100520 is a powerful open frame inverter generator with a rated wattage of 7,000 W and a starting wattage of 8,750 W. (Read full specs)
Farm & Fleet 
Amazon Price history for the Champion 100520
Page Content
Description
Champion’s 8750-Watt Digital Hybrid features push-button electric start with an included battery. With Quiet Technology, Intelligauge, Economy Mode, and Clean Power, this Digital Hybrid inverter is a lightweight, cost-effective, and advanced power solution.
Zoom on the Champion 100520
In summary, the Champion 100520 is a powerful portable inverter generator especially useful for:
- Food truck owners who do not wish to see their business interrupted under any circumstances
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment
In the upcoming sections, you'll discover its power characteristics, the array of outlets it presents, its overall portability, and the additional features it possesses.
Power & Run Time
The Champion 100520
Champion 100520 is equipped with a 420 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, running on gasoline and providing 120/240V, boasting a running wattage of 7,000W alongside a starting wattage of 8,750W.
Featuring a noise rating of 72 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner), the inverter generator is equipped with both a traditional recoil pull-start mechanism and a practical and straightforward electric starter (battery included) for starting.
The fuel capacity of 4.2 gallons allows the 100520 to operate for up to 10.5 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.4 GPH).
Thanks to its low <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the 100520 produces a clean sine wave output, making it safe for your sensitive electronics when utilizing the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
Moreover, it presents 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle providing easy battery charging capabilities. Since a dual port USB adapter is included with the unit, you will also be able to use the DC receptacle to conveniently charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets.
Due to the featured twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 100520 is transfer switch ready: you may connect it to a breaker box to power your household during a power outage.
Portability
At L26.6 x W25.6 x H23.7 in, the standard open frame design of the Champion 100520 delivers stability alongside easy maintenance access to components and good air cooling. The featured design is ideal for the outdoors and all tough environments.
Despite its weight of 149 lbs, the generator is considered 'portable,' signifying its capability to be moved, albeit its heaviness may hinder easy transport. However, the limited maneuverability is remedied with its set of wheels (⌀8") and its folding handle, facilitating convenient shifting once the generator is positioned on the ground.
Features
The 100520's control panel
For convenient monitoring of its status and activity, the control panel of the 100520 includes an Intelligauge meter showing you voltage, frequency and lifetime hours.
In addition to this info, several light indicators serve to show you when the generator is overloaded, its oil levels are insufficient and the generator is ready.
The built-in fuel gauge of the inverter generator ensures simple and quick gas level assessments.
In terms of security, the generator features an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), ensuring peace of mind during its use.
With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the Champion 100520 also comes with several accessories, including: dual port USB adapter, battery charging cables and funnel. The official storage cover and running cover are also available, as separate purchases.
Product Videos
The Champion 100520 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 100520 compare to generators of similar power (between 6500 and 7500 W).
- As far as its dry weight is concerned, the Champion 100520 weighs just 149 pounds and thus, it is one of the lighter 6500 to 7500 rated wattage generators. If weight is an important consideration for you, the Champion 201515 stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 121.3 pounds.
- The inverter generator's noise output, rated at 72 dBA, falls within the average range expected for devices in its power range. If you wish to prioritize minimal noise, the Westinghouse iGen8200TFc stands out as one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, with a rating of 60 dBA.
- As far as autonomy is concerned, providing up to 10.5 hours of runtime with a full tank at a 25% load, the 100520 falls into the low end in comparison with other devices of a comparable power output. If run time is one of your main concerns, the DuroMax XP9500iHT could be worth looking at. It boasts one of the highest run times among units of comparable power, lasting up to 21 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel tank capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary for a complete understanding. At a 25% load, the inverter generator consumes an estimated 0.4 gallons of gasoline per hour, falling within the average consumption range of units with similar output. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Westinghouse iGen8200TFc, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.23 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 6500-7500W inverter generators, the Champion 100520 is on the cheap side of the price range.
It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.
The bottom line
- Inexpensive
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Inverter
- Lightweight for its kind (149 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (72 dBA)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No 50-amp output
- No remote start
- No parallel ports
- Relatively low run time
Do you own the Champion 100520 and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 420 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 7,000 W |
| Starting watts | 8,750 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 58.3/29.2 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 72.9/36.5 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 10.5 h |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) |
| Data center | VFT |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 4.2 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 149 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 26.6 x 25.6 x 23.7 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 72 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Funnel, dual port USB adapter, battery charging cables, battery, and wheel kit |
| UPC | 817198081977 |
We've taken extra care to research and verify each of the specifications above. That said, occasional mistakes or omissions are still possible. If you spot any missing or inaccurate information, feel free to suggest a correction so we can address it.
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 100520 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 | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 | |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 5595 W | 7095 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Game console | 150 | 150 | |
| Total | 5590 W | 6180 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 4210 W | 8710 W |
I read in a review that these types of generators do not have enough compression to adequately operate on Natural Gas. They will do ok with LP but NG requires higher compression for proper operation. Is this correct? (Asked March 01, 2021)
Possible, since this unit is designed to run on gasoline only.
Does the Champion 100520 have the option to add Duel Fuel LP, I saw one supplier say they could add Duel Fuel option for an additional $299 at checkout. Is this a Champion factory addition or sometime the seller was adding. I have not seen anything other than the one supplier offer that for this model 100520. (Asked March 14, 2021)
The unit does not have an official dual fuel option. Beware of third party fuel line modifications, since they could void your warranty and put you in violation of your local emission laws.
how do you keep the battery charged? (Asked August 22, 2021)
The unit charges its own battery while it is running. Outside of operation, you may use a trickle charger.
Can I run two Champion 7000 watt open frame inverter generators in parallel (Asked August 24, 2021)
The unit does not feature parallel ports.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
I’ve used this generator about 4 times since my purchase. Once an outage lasting more than 2 days, no problem with powering my entire house through the 30A receptical. I rcently installed the soft start for my A/C and can even run my conditioner in summer. My only concern is how small the tank is but that is no concern other than nit picky.
Excellent and clean power capability, with relatively low noise compared to the Briggs 30470 that it’s replacing. The Briggs couldn’t maintain 60Hz for it’s life….though voltage was relatively stable. It was also horrendously noisy, and that’s the “Elite” line from Briggs. This Champion destroys it in every department, with nice convenience additions of an oil drain tube, and both voltage and frequency meter. Very nice package for the price.
Really quiet for a generator of this size with an open frame construction. There are very few generators that provide clean power and are rated at 7000 running watts that are quieter than this generator, and even then, its not by much. Starts my well pump which is 450 feet deep (I *think* it is 3HP?), without any dimming of the lights. Feels much stronger/more capable than the B&S EXL8000 it is replacing. Very fuel efficient, especially on eco mode. Clean power is amazing, there is no hum from the appliances or electronics. I am not sure why they even make generators that don’t have clean power? Unpacking and set up was quick and easy. I love that virtually all the controls are right in front of you on the main panel. Connected to my existing Connecticut Electric 10 circuit / 7500 watt transfer switch via the L14-30 twist lock and an 8 gauge extension cord, and it ran great. No issues with GFCI tripping as others had reported. I didn’t have to disconnect the neutral bonded to the frame. So far very happy with this unit but still have less than 10 hours on it. All the performance of the Honda EU7000is, and at 1/4 of the cost. The only trade off is the noise level, which isn’t bad.