Champion 201240 - 7750/10000W Open Frame Inverter Generator With Electric Start
The Champion 201240 is a powerful open frame inverter generator with a rated wattage of 7,750 W and a starting wattage of 10,000 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Champion 201240
In a nutshell, the Champion 201240 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 sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
The subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
Power & Run Time
The Champion 201240's design includes a gasoline-fueled 459 cc OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120V output, it gives a running wattage of 7,750W and also a peak wattage of 10,000W.
At a noise rating of 72 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner), this inverter generator can be started via a manual recoil starter system, or a user-friendly and hassle-free electric starter (battery included). Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.
With a full tank, the 201240 can operate for up to 12 hours (fuel consumption around 0.62 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 7.45 gallons.
With a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the 201240 delivers a clean sine wave—essential for safeguarding your delicate electronics when plugged into its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 6 AC outlets:
Moreover, it presents 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle enabling simple battery charging for added ease. 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.
If your RV requires a 50-amp service, consider this Champion unit RV-ready, as it includes a 14-50R outlet. In addition, with its twist-lock L14-30R receptacle, the 201240 is configured to be transfer switch ready, allowing straightforward connection to your breaker box to supply backup power to your home during outages.
Portability
At L27.1 x W28 x H26.2 in, the standard open frame design of the Champion 201240 delivers stability alongside easy maintenance access to components and good air cooling. The design is ideal for rough environments and demanding outdoor use.
Despite its weight of 172 lbs, the generator is still considered 'portable,' meaning it is movable, although its heftiness may restrict portability in certain environments or require additional considerations for transportation and setup. Nevertheless, it can still be moved quite conveniently with the help of its set of wheels (⌀9.5") and its folding handle, once it is placed on the ground.
Features
With a digital Intelligauge data center integrated into its control panel, the 201240 provides real-time insights into the lifetime run hours, power output, frequency and voltage, enabling easy monitoring of its status and activity.
In addition to this info, when its oil levels are insufficient, you will be informed by the featured light indicator.
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 for its security measures, the device features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, letting you use it with a peace of mind.
The unit also benefits from the CO Shield™ technology, which monitors accumulation of poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) gas produced by the engine's exhaust when the generator is running. If CO Shield™ detects elevated levels of CO gas, it automatically shuts off the engine and illuminates a red LED.
While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Champion 201240, the following accessories are also included: funnel, dual port USB adapter and oil.
The Champion 201240 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Champion 201240 compare to generators of similar power (between 7500 and 8500 W).
- In terms of its weight, the Champion 201240 weighs merely 172 pounds, earning it a spot among the lighter generators within the 7500 to 8500 rated wattage category. if you wish to prioritize weight, the Genmax GM10500XiT is one of the top contenders in its power category, weighing only 123.5 pounds.
- With noise emissions reaching as low as 72 dBA, this inverter generator has a noise level typical for devices of its power category. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the DuroMax XP9500iH. With just 61 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
- Regarding its autonomy, the 201240 can run for up to 12 hours at a 25% load, aligning it with the lower performers in its power range. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the DuroMax XP10000EH, as it provides up to 22 hours.
- Run time is crucial, but it heavily relies on the fuel tank's capacity. Thus, considering fuel efficiency alongside is essential. In fact, this inverter generator is not one of the most fuel-efficient options in the aforementioned wattage range: its estimated gasoline consumption at 25% load is around 0.62 GPH. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.34 GPH, the DuroMax XP9500iH is a device you could look out for.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 7500-8500W inverter generators, the Champion 201240 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
- CO Shield™ technology
- GFCI Outlets
- Electric start
- Inverter
- Lightweight for its kind (172 lbs)
- Acceptable noise (72 dBA)
- No remote start
- No parallel ports
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 459 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 7,750 W |
| Starting watts | 10,000 W |
| Running amps | 64.6 amps |
| Peak amps | 83.3 amps |
| Run time @50% load | Unknown |
| Run time @25% load | 12 h |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) |
| Data center | Power output, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency |
| Indicators | Low oil |
| Fuel tank | 7.45 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 172 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 27.1 x 28 x 26.2 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 72 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, dual port USB adapter, battery, and wheel kit |
| UPC | 817198026527 |
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 201240 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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Washing machine | 900 | 1650 | |
| LED TV | 150 | 150 | |
| Total | 6192 W | 7192 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Electric grill | 1650 | 1650 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Satelite receiver | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 6190 W | 6780 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Air compressor (1 hp) | 1600 | 6100 | |
| Grinder | 1400 | 2500 | |
| Paint sprayer | 600 | 600 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 5480 W | 9980 W |
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