Generac iQ3800DF - 3000/3800W Dual Fuel Inverter Generator With Electric Start
The Generac iQ3800DF (8946) is a portable dual fuel inverter generator with a rated wattage of 3,000 W and a starting wattage of 3,800 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Generac iQ3800DF
In short, the Generac iQ3800DF is a portable inverter generator adequately designed for:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
- Professionals who want to ensure that a power failure will not prevent them from working
In the upcoming sections, you'll discover its power characteristics, the array of outlets it presents, its overall portability, and the additional features it possesses.
Power & Run Time
Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the Generac iQ3800DF delivers 120V and offers power and versatility. When gasoline-powered, it benefits from a running wattage of 3,000W and a peak wattage of 3,800W. When propane-powered, it has 2,700 rated watts and 3,400 peak watts. Moreover, the parallel capability (parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included) enables power output to double when paired with another similar or compatible unit, providing increased energy capacity and versatility for a wide range of needs.
Its starting mechanisms include a conventional pull-start mechanism and a no-fuss and convenient electric starter (battery included).
The iQ3800DF, with a fuel capacity of 3.28 gallons, reaches a run time of up to 20 hours utilizing gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.16 GPH). Alternatively, it can reach a run time of up to 19 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.25 GPH) with propane.
With a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the iQ3800DF delivers a clean sine wave, essential for safeguarding your delicate electronics when plugged into its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features 5 AC outlets as follows:
Additionally, it features 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (1 x USB-A and 1 x USB-C) perfect for conveniently charging mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices.
Even if this Generac generator isn't quite RV Ready, it still allows for an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor, thanks to its L5-30R receptacle.
Portability
As an inverter generator, the Generac iQ3800DF showcases a closed design (L24.6 x W20.3 x H22.4 in), enhancing aesthetics and ensuring quieter operation compared to conventional, open frame models. The generator has a contemporary design, convenient for recreationally generating power.
At 107 lbs, the iQ3800DF is easily managed, ensuring it can be brought along wherever you need power. Additionally, its set of 2 wheels and its folding handle will allow for simple relovation of the generator once it's on the ground.
Features
The iQ3800DF's control panel
For easy status and activity monitoring of the iQ3800DF, its control panel integrates a digital data center, offering insights into the fuel level, lifetime run hours and power output.
In addition to this info, when the generator is overloaded and the oil level is too low, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.
Regarding security, the generator comes with an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), providing peace of mind during operation.
The iQ3800DF also benefits from Generac’s COsense® carbon monoxide monitoring. This technology senses and manages CO output and shuts down the unit when necessary, to protect you from CO poisoning.
With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the Generac iQ3800DF also comes with several accessories, including: oil, propane hose, tool kit and funnel.
The Generac iQ3800DF versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Generac iQ3800DF compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 2500 and 3500 W).
- With a weight of 107 lbs, the Generac iQ3800DF is notably on the heavier side among inverter generators in the 2500-3500 rated wattage range. If weight is an important consideration for you, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO stands out as one of the top contenders in this power category, with a dry weight of 46 pounds.
- With up to 20 hours of runtime at 25% load, the iQ3800DF provides a higher run time when compared to similarly powerful inverters. If extended autonomy is what matters most to you, the Champion 200977 could be an excellent choice, offering one of the longest run times among units in its power category, reaching 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. This inverter generator, with an estimated fuel consumption of just 0.16 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load, is one of the more fuel-efficient generators, for the previously mentioned wattage range. If not satisfied with the afore-mentioned fuel consumption, you may wish to check out the Honda EU3200i. With a fuel consumption of as little as 0.14 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 2500-3500W dual fuel inverter generators, the Generac iQ3800DF is on the expensive side of the price range.
While certainly not the cheapest of its kind, purchasing it would most likely also mean enjoying the reliability of a high-end product.
The bottom line
- Dual fuel
- COsense® technology
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- USB-C port
- Electric start
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- High run time
- Fuel efficient
- On the expensive side
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (107 lbs)
Do you own the Generac iQ3800DF and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,000 W | 2,700 W |
| Starting watts | 3,800 W | 3,400 W |
| Running amps | 25 amps | 22.5 amps |
| Peak amps | 31.7 amps | 28.3 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 13 h | 16 h |
| Run time @25% load | 20 h | 19 h |
| GFCI outlets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port (USB-A and USB-C) |
| Data center | Power output, fuel level and lifetime run hours |
| Indicators | Low oil and overload |
| Fuel tank | 3.28 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Digital |
| Weight | 107 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 24.6 x 20.3 x 22.4 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | Unknown |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023 |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Bonded to frame |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, propane hose, and battery |
| Country of origin | Vietnam |
| Other model numbers | 8944, 8946 |
| UPC | 696471103793 |
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 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 engineered and built in the USA. However, their components can be a mix of domestic and foreign parts.
Warranty Information
The Generac iQ3800DF 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 | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Rice cooker | 650 | 650 | |
| Set of 5 LED light bulbs | 55 | 55 | |
| Total | 2397 W | 3397 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Water heater (10 gallons) | 1000 | 2000 | |
| Mixer | 200 | 200 | |
| Total | 2390 W | 3390 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Drain cleaner | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2380 W | 3480 W |
What is the noise rating of the iQ3800DF?
Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Generac does not provide their units' noise levels.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
