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Champion 100520 - 7000/8750W Open Frame Inverter Generator

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.

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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. (source: Champion (opens in a new tab))

Zoom on the Champion 100520

In a nutshell, the Champion 100520 is a powerful portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:

  • Food van owners who know that just a short power outage could lose them hundreds of dollars
  • Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
  • Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
  • Professionals in need of safely powering high-intensity work or lighting equipment

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 Champion 100520 in use

The Champion 100520

The Champion 100520's core is the 420 cc OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120/240V, it provides a running wattage of 7,000W and a peak wattage of 8,750W.

At a noise rating of 72 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a shower), this inverter generator can be started via a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, or a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included).

With a fuel capacity of 4.2 gallons, the 100520 may run for up to 10.5 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.4 GPH).

Sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets, as the 100520 produces a clean sine wave, with a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).

Outlets

The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle

Furthermore, it has 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries. 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.

As it features a twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 100520 is transfer switch ready: in case of a power outage, you will be easily able to connect it to a breaker box and power your household.

Portability

The design of the Champion 100520 is a typical, open frame, with the dimensions of L26.6 x W25.6 x H23.7 in, offering support and stability and enabling the possibility of raising it above ground level. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.

Since the generator weighs 149 lbs, it will be incredibly difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). However, its challenging mobility is solved by its set of wheels (⌀8") and its folding handle, which will ease its displacement, once it is on the floor.

Features

Panel of the Champion 100520

The 100520's control panel

The control panel of the 100520 includes an Intelligauge meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours, helpful for the monitoring of its status and activity.

In addition to this info, some light indicators allow you to instantly see if the generator is ready, its oil levels are insufficient and the generator is overloaded.

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 overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off.

While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Champion 100520, the following accessories are also included: funnel, battery charging cables and dual port USB adapter. The official storage cover and running cover are also available, as separate purchases.

Emissions

The Champion 100520 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, which makes it suitable for use in forested areas.

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).

  • Weight-wise, the Champion 100520 has only 149 lbs, which renders it one of the lighter generators which produce 6500 to 7500 rated watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Sportsman GEN85KIDF, with a dry weight of just 133 pounds.
  • Because this inverter generator emits noise as low as 72 dBA, it can be considered to have a pretty average expected noise rating for a device of its power. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Powerhorse 7500i, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 55 dBA.
  • Autonomy-wise, with up to 10.5 hours on a full tank at a 25% load, the 100520 is on the low end when compared to other generators of a similar power output. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the DuroMax XP8500EH, which is able to run for up to 25 hours.
  • While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank’s capacity and thus, doesn’t say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. As this inverter generator uses an estimated 0.4 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load, it finds itself in the average gasoline consumption range of similar products. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the DuroMax XP7500DX, with a fuel consumption of 0.29 GPH could be in your good books.
According to our stats, the following comparison is pretty popular: Champion 100520 vs WEN GN875i.

Price comparison

As you can see from this interactive chart, 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

STRENGTHS:
  • Inexpensive
  • Several accessories included
  • GFCI Outlets
  • Electric start
  • Inverter
  • Lightweight for its kind (149 lbs)
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Acceptable noise (72 dBA)
  • Decent fuel efficiency
WEAKNESSES:
  • 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

General
InverterYes
Parallel capableNo
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine420 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil, Electric
Warranty3 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts7,000 W
Starting watts8,750 W
Running amps (@120/240V)58.3/29.2 amps
Peak amps (@120/240V)72.9/36.5 amps
Run time @50% loadUnknown
Run time @25% load10.5 h
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120/240V 30A (L14-30R)
DC outlets1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style)
Data centerVFT
IndicatorsLow oil, overload and output ready
Fuel tankSteel, 4.2 gal
Fuel gaugeYes
Misc
Weight149 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)26.6 x 25.6 x 23.7 in
Noise (lower limit)72 dBA
THD< 3%
ComplianceCARB, EPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedFunnel, dual port USB adapter, battery charging cables, battery, and wheel kit
UPC817198081977

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.

Spec Improvement×

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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?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our wattage calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeMicrowave (1000 watts)15001500
AC (10,000 BTU)15002200
Dish washer15003000
Sump pump (1/2 hp)10502150
Pair of small speakers4545
Total5595 W7095 W
For campingRV AC (11,000 BTU)10101600
RV refrigerator180600
Hair dryer18001900
Electric grill16501650
Toaster oven800800
Game console150150
Total5590 W6180 W
For workTable saw18004500
Air compressor (1 hp)16006100
Reciprocating saw730960
Bug zapper8080
Total4210 W8710 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.

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Champion 100520
9.6 Total Score
2 reviews
Add your review
Price
9.5
Value
9.5
Quality
10
Performance
9.5

User Reviews

Most Recent Most Helpful Highest Rating Lowest Rating Add your review
  1. 4.65
    Price
    90
    Value
    90
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    90

    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.

    + PROS:
    • Everything but run time.
    - CONS:
    • Small fuel tank
    Helpful(3) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  2. 5
    Price
    100
    Value
    100
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    100

    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.

    + PROS:
    • Clean power, quiet, fuel efficient, seems stronger than rated
    - CONS:
    • Gas tank is a little small.
    Helpful(17) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this

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