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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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Highest Price
$1,049.00
Lowest Price
$1,049.00
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Description

Zoom on the Generac iQ3800DF

In summary, the Generac iQ3800DF is a portable inverter generator especially useful for:

  • RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
  • People occasionally participating in outdoor fairs, festivals or events
  • 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
  • Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure

In the sections ahead, the power characteristics, availability of various outlets, the portability, and any additional features of the device shall be discussed.

Power & Run Time

Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the Generac iQ3800DF provides a 120V output and offers both versatility and power. When utilizing gasoline, it delivers a running wattage of 3,000W and a starting wattage of 3,800W. Alternatively, when operating on propane, it provides 2,700 running watts and 3,400 starting watts. Moreover, the parallel capability (parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included) allows for doubling of power output when paired with another similar or compatible unit, providing increased energy capacity and reliability for diverse needs.

This inverter generator offers two starting options: a simple traditional pull-start mechanism and a no-fuss and convenient electric starter (battery included).

The running time of the iQ3800DF, with its 3.28 gallons fuel capacity, can reach up to 20 hours on a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.16 GPH). With propane, it can reach up to 19 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.25 GPH).

The iQ3800DF generates a clean sine wave with <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), ensuring minimal electrical noise and fluctuations. This feature makes it ideal for powering sensitive electronics, providing stable and reliable AC power through the outlets.

Outlets

The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:

Two Duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle

Furthermore, it showcases 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.

While not classified as 'RV Ready,' this Generac generator can still provides the advantage of RV connection via its L5-30R receptacle, ensuring power supply to your RV with an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor.

Portability

As the Generac iQ3800DF is an inverter generator, its encased design (L24.6 x W20.3 x H22.4 in) offers more aesthetics than a conventional, open frame product. This modern design aims to provide an ideal power solution to recreational users.

With a weight of 107 lbs, the generator is still labeled as 'portable,' denoting its ability to be moved, although its heaviness might restrict easy portability. Still, once it is on the ground, its set of 2 wheels and its folding handle can easily solve the issue of low mobility and allow for easy relocation of the device.

Features

Panel of the Generac iQ3800DF

The iQ3800DF's control panel

With a digital data center integrated into its control panel, the iQ3800DF provides real-time insights into the fuel level, lifetime run hours and power output, enabling easy monitoring of its status and activity.

In addition to this info, light indicators on the device will notify you if the oil level is too low and the generator is on overload.

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.

Besides the classic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to get you promptly started, the Generac iQ3800DF also comes with some accessories: propane hose, funnel, oil and tool kit are included.

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 its weight of 107 lbs, the Generac iQ3800DF is one of the heavier inverter generators in the 2500-3500 rated wattage category. If weight is a key factor for your needs, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO is noteworthy for being one of the top contenders in this power range, with a dry weight of 46 pounds.
  • As the iQ3800DF features an autonomy of up to 20 hours at 25% load, it has a higher run time than an average generator of its type and power range. If run time is one of your main concerns, the Champion 200977 could be worth looking at. It boasts one of the highest run times among units of comparable power, lasting up to 22 hours.
  • The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. This inverter generator is one of the more fuel-efficient models of the aforementioned output range, as its estimated fuel consumption reaches just 0.16 GPH (gallon per hour) at 25% load. If minimizing fuel usage is one of your key priorities, the Energizer eZV3500P is one of the most efficient devices with similar power output, with a gasoline consumption of only 0.13 gallons per hour.

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

STRENGTHS:
  • Dual fuel
  • COsense® technology
  • Several accessories included
  • GFCI Outlets
  • USB-C port
  • Electric start
  • Parallel capable
  • Inverter
  • High run time
  • Fuel efficient
WEAKNESSES:
  • 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

General
InverterYes
Parallel capableYes, cable not included
RV readyNo
FuelDual Fuel (gasoline/propane)
Engine212 cc OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil, Electric
Warranty3 years
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V
Power
GasolinePropane
Running watts3,000 W2,700 W
Starting watts3,800 W3,400 W
Running amps25 amps22.5 amps
Peak amps31.7 amps28.3 amps
Run time @50% load13 h16 h
Run time @25% load20 h19 h
Features
GFCI outletsYes
Covered outletsYes
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets
  • 2x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
DC outlets2x 5V USB port (USB-A and USB-C)
Data centerPower output, fuel level and lifetime run hours
IndicatorsLow oil and overload
Fuel tank3.28 gal
Fuel gaugeDigital
Misc
Weight107 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)24.6 x 20.3 x 22.4 in
Noise (lower limit)Unknown
THD< 3%
ComplianceCARB, EPA, ANSI/PGMA G300-2023
SecurityLow oil and overload protection, CO monitoring
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedOil, funnel, tool kit, propane hose, and battery
Country of originVietnam
Other model numbers8944, 8946
UPC696471103793

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.

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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?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator sizing calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeRefrigerator (energy star)1921192
Hair dryer18001900
Blender400850
Total2392 W3392 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
Toaster oven800800
Radio100100
Total2380 W2800 W
For workGrinder14002500
Reciprocating saw730960
Electric fence (25 miles)250250
Total2380 W3480 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.

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