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Description
Zoom on the Generac iQ3500
In a nutshell, the Generac iQ3500 is a compact portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers looking for even more independence
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
- Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
- Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
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 Generac iQ3500
The Generac iQ3500 is powered by a 212 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 3,000W as well as a peak wattage of 3,500W. Moreover, since it is parallel capable (Generac 7668 Parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included), its power may be doubled if linked to a second compatible unit.
This inverter generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism, but also a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). It features Generac's PowerDial™, an easy-to-use dial with three operation settings.
The iQ3500 can operate for up to 14.1 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.18 GPH), due to its fuel capacity of 2.6 gallons.
Sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets, as the iQ3500 produces a clean sine wave, with a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel provides the upcoming 3 AC outlets:
It also sports 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports with which you may charge electronics, for example mobile phones or tablets, conveniently.
While this Generac generator is not RV Ready, its L5-30R receptacle can be used for a simple RV connection with an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor.
Portability
As the Generac iQ3500 is an inverter generator, its encased design (L23.7 x W18 x H21.7 in) offers more aesthetics than a conventional, open frame product. The design follows the contemporary trends and is perfect for recreationally generating power.
Even though this device may be technically portable (as in movable), manipulation and transportation without special equipment can be a challenge, as it weighs 109.1 pounds. Thus, you may also want to consider purchasing a wheel kit for this generator, similar to this one (opens in a new tab).
Features
The iQ3500's control panel
The control panel of the iQ3500 includes a digital data center, which assists you in monitoring its status and activity, as it provides information on the lifetime run hours, fuel level, power output and remaining run time.
In addition to this info, the light indicators show you if its oil levels are insufficient, the generator is overloaded and the generator is ready.
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 Generac iQ3500 also is packed along with the following accessories: tool kit, funnel and oil.
Emissions
The Generac iQ3500 is CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor and therefore, can be used in forested areas.
Product Videos
The Generac iQ3500 versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Generac iQ3500 compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 2500 and 3500 W).
- A weight of 109.1 lbs makes the Generac iQ3500 one of the heavier inverters in the 2500-3500 rated wattage range. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, standing at just 46 lbs.
- The iQ3500, offering a run time of up to 14.1 hours with a full tank at a 25% load, falls within the average autonomy range when compared to its peers. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Champion 200914, reaching up to 22 hours.
- Run times are important, yet thanks to their dependence on the fuel capacity, they should be judged along with the fuel consumption of the device. Standing at an estimated 0.18 GPH (gallon per hour) at a 25% load, this inverter generator is somewhat average in this area compared to other devices, within the aforementioned wattage range. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Energizer eZV3500P, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.13 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
- Generac iQ3500 vs Generac GP3000i
- Generac iQ3500 vs Generac GP3300i
- Generac iQ3500 vs Generac GP3500iO
- Generac iQ3500 vs Generac GP3600
- Generac iQ3500 vs Generac iQ2000
- Generac iQ3500 vs Honda EU2200i
- Generac iQ3500 vs Honda EU3000iS
- Generac iQ3500 vs Predator 3500
- Generac iQ3500 vs WEN 56380i
- Generac iQ3500 vs Westinghouse iGen4500
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 2500-3500W inverter generators, the Generac iQ3500 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
- Electric start
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Decent run time
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (109.1 lbs)
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 212 cc Generac OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,000 W |
| Starting watts | 3,500 W |
| Running amps | 25 amps |
| Peak amps | 29.2 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 8.9 h |
| Run time @25% load | 14.1 h |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port |
| Data center | Power output, fuel level, lifetime run hours and remaining run time |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 2.6 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Digital |
| Weight | 109.1 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23.7 x 18 x 21.7 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | CARB |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, and battery |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Other model numbers | 7127 |
| UPC | 696471072600 |
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 Generac
Generac Power Systems is an American based generator and power equipment manufacturer, founded in 1959. As its name suggests, the main focus of Generac are power generators, and other related electric equipment, such as switches, paralleling systems and small engines. The company has several manufacturing facilities based in the US, thus, their products are made in the USA. However, the company provides no information about the origin of their components.
Warranty Information
The Generac iQ3500 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 Generac generators, please consult Generac's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-888-GENERAC (888-436-3722).
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Total | 2392 W | 3392 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2380 W | 2800 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2380 W | 3480 W |
What is the noise rating of the iQ3500?
Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Generac does not provide their units' noise levels.
Does the IQ3500 have an automatic throttle control were the more power needed the higher the RPM? (Asked April 04, 2020)
Absolutely. Engine speed is automatically adjusted according to the load.
What do I need and how often do I need to do maintenance on this unit? (Asked June 08, 2020)
Here's the maintenance schedule recommended by Generac for the iQ3500:
Can it be connected to bluetooth? (Asked January 23, 2021)
Unfortunately, this unit does not have such a feature. You may check our list of all units with Bluetooth connectivity.
If I have running since 10:30pm night time n shut off about 11am how can I see a gas level o a Gage that tells me how much gas it have left (Asked September 21, 2022)
The unit's digital display provides information on remaining fuel level.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
Fired right up, out of the box, battery connected, oil and fuel added. two quick pushes on the electric starter swithch and it was up and running.