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 summary, the Champion 201240 is a powerful portable inverter generator especially useful for:
- 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
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
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 engine, 459 cc OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120/240V. It provides a running wattage of 7,750W and reaches a peak wattage of 10,000W.
With a noise rating of 72 dBA (just slightly more noisy than a vacuum cleaner), the inverter generator features a manual recoil starter system, but also a practical and straightforward electric starter (battery included). Champion’s EZ Start Dial lets you intuitively start the engine with easy access to all the controls you need.
The 201240's fuel tank, boasting 7.45 gallons, allows it to operate for up to 12 hours with a full tank (with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.62 GPH).
The <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of the 201240 ensures a clean sine wave output, providing a secure power source for your sensitive electronics through its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 6 AC outlets:
Moreover, it comes equipped with 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle providing easy battery charging capabilities. 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.
For RV owners with a 50-amp service, this Champion unit is RV-ready, boasting 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
Measuring L27.1 x W28 x H26.2 in, the classic open frame construction of the Champion 201240 provides stability while enabling convenient maintenance access to components and adequate air cooling. The generator is designed for outdoor use and demanding environments.
Despite its 172 lbs, the generator falls under the category of 'portable,' signifying its movability, although its weight may hinder easy portability. Nonetheless, the limited maneuverability is compensated for by utilizing its set of wheels (⌀9.5") and its folding handle, which facilitates shifting once the generator is set on the ground.
Features
Enhancing monitoring capabilities, the 201240 features a digital Intelligauge data center within its control panel, furnishing essential details on the voltage, frequency, power output and lifetime run hours for tracking activity and status.
In addition to this info, a light indicator serves to show you when the oil level is too low.
Equipped with a built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator facilitates swift gas level checks.
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.
Alongside the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for quick setup, the Champion 201240 is bundled with additional accessories: oil, dual port USB adapter and funnel.
Product Video
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).
- Weight-wise, the Champion 201240 has only 172 lbs, which renders it one of the lighter generators which produce 7500 to 8500 rated watts. if you wish to prioritize weight, the Genmax GM10500XiT is one of the top contenders in its power category, weighing only 123.5 pounds.
- The inverter generator can be considered average in its noise for its power category, as it is rated at 72 dBA. If you are concerned with noise, check out the DuroMax XP9500iH, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, with a noise rating of just 61 dBA.
- In terms of autonomy, the 201240 offers up to 12 hours at a 25% load, placing it at the lower range within its power range. If prolonged run time is essential to your needs, you could consider the A-iPower AP10700ED, which offers one of the highest autonomy among devices with similar power output, lasting up to 22.5 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. 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 not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the DuroMax XP9500iH. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.34 GPH, it is one of the most efficient generators currently on the market.
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: 120/240V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 7,750 W |
| Starting watts | 10,000 W |
| Running amps (@120/240V) | 64.6/32.3 amps |
| Peak amps (@120/240V) | 83.3/41.7 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 | Sump pump (1/2 hp) | 1050 | 2150 |
| Furnace fan (1/2 hp) | 875 | 2350 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Electric range | 2100 | 2100 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Security system | 180 | 180 | |
| Total | 6197 W | 7672 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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