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)
Amazon 
Farm & Fleet 
Walmart | Price history for the Champion 100520 |
|---|
| Highest Price $1,671.96 Lowest Price $999.99 Current Price $1,149.00 |
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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.
Zoom on the Champion 100520
To sum up, the Champion 100520 is a powerful portable inverter generator tailored for:
- Food truck owners who want to ensure that their business is fully self-contained and does not rely on potentially unreliable external power
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed.
Power & Run Time
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 dishwasher), this inverter generator provides the choice between a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism or a straightforward and intuitive 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).
The 100520 ensures a clean sine wave output, boasting <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) to protect your sensitive electronics when connected to its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
Furthermore, it has 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle making battery charging a breeze. With the unit, you will also find a dual port USB adapter, allowing for the convenient charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets using the DC receptacle.
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
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.
As the generator's weight is 149 pounds, manually moving it or transporting it may be challenging, despite the fact that it is technically considered 'portable' (movable). However, the lack of maneuverability can be offset with its set of wheels (⌀8") and its folding handle, which allows for convenient shifting once the generator is placed on the ground.
Features
The 100520's control panel
The 100520's control center features an Intelligauge meter, offering voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours readings to aid you with the monitoring of its status and activity.
In addition to this info, the generator's light indicators provide visual feedback when the generator is ready, its oil levels are insufficient and the generator is overloaded.
The fuel level of the inverter generator can be determined quickly, easily, and conveniently with the help of its built-in fuel gauge.
As far as security is concerned, the generator comes with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), providing peace of mind during use.
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, dual port USB adapter and battery charging cables. 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).
- 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 weight is a key factor for your needs, the Sportsman GEN85KIDF is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 133 pounds.
- At 72 dBA, this inverter generator's noise rating is in line with the expected average for devices within its power category. If noise level is one your key decisive factors, you may find the Champion 201175 appealing. It's rated at 61 dBA, making it one of the quietest generators in its power range.
- Concerning its runtime, the 100520 provides up to 10.5 hours at a 25% load, indicating that it falls on the lower side compared to other generators of its power range. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Cummins Onan P9500df, reaching up to 16 hours.
- While run time is vital, it hinges on the fuel capacity. To grasp the full picture, we must also factor in fuel efficiency. This inverter generator reaches an estimated fuel consumption of 0.4 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load, making it average, for the previously mentioned wattage range. If gasoline efficiency is at the top of your list, you may want to have a look at the Champion 201176, which has great fuel efficiency, with a gas consumption of only 0.31 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 6500-7500W inverter generators, the Champion 100520 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
- 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 | Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 |
| AC (10,000 BTU) | 1500 | 2200 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 5595 W | 6695 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.