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Description
Zoom on the Champion 100520
In a nutshell, the Champion 100520 is a powerful portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- Food truck owners who want to ensure that their business is fully self-contained and does not rely on potentially unreliable external power
- 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 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
The Champion 100520
The Champion 100520's engine, 420 cc OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120/240V. It provides a running wattage of 7000W and reaches a peak wattage of 8750W.
Enjoying a noise rating of 72 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner), this inverter generator can be started thanks to a simple traditional pull-start mechanism, but also to a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included).
With a full tank, the 100520 can operate for up to 10.5 hours (fuel consumption around 0.4 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 4.2 gallons.
The 100520 produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <3% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 5 AC outlets:
It also sports 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy. 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 the 100520 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
The Champion 100520 has a conventional, open frame design, of the following dimensions: L26.6 x W25.6 x H23.7 in, which offers support and allows it to be raised above ground level. The generator is designed for ideal use outdoors and in rough environments.
Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 149 pounds. However, this lack of maneuverability is compensated by its set of wheels (⌀8") and its folding handle, with which you can conveniently shift it, once it's on the ground.
Features
The 100520's control panel
The 100520's status and activity may be monitored conveniently via the control panel, as it features an Intelligauge meter, which displays voltage, frequency and lifetime hours.
In addition to this info, when the generator is ready, the generator is overloaded and its oil levels are insufficient, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.
Thanks to a built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator allows you to quickly, conveniently and easily check the gas level at a glance.
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.
Apart from the typical documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), which lets you start it right away, the Champion 100520 also is packed along with the following accessories: dual port USB adapter, battery charging cables and funnel. The official storage cover and storm cover are also available, as separate purchases.
Emissions
The Champion 100520 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.
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).
- Regarding its weight, the Champion 100520 only weighs in at 149 pounds, which means it's one of the lighter generators in the 6500-7500 rated wattage range. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Sportsman GEN85KIDF, standing at just 133 lbs.
- The inverter generator can be considered average in its noise for its power category, as it is rated at 72 dBA. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Powerhorse 7500i. With just 55 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- 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. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Powerhorse 7500i, which is able to run for up to 16 hours.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. 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 fuel consumption is your top priority, we suggest to check out the Energizer eZV8000, which has a fuel consumption of only 0.35 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 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
- 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
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 420 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Voltage | AC: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 7000 W |
| Starting watts | 8750 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 |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| UPC | 817198081977 |
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 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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| 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
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.