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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Acme Tools | Price history for the Generac iQ3800DF |
|---|
| Highest Price $1,049.00 Lowest Price $1,049.00 Current 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
- DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
- Homeowners who want to be able to use the most necessary devices in their household, even during a blackout
- Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
- Professionals who want to be able to deliver results, even during a power failure
Over the following sections, you'll uncover its power characteristics, the selection of outlets it offers, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it includes.
Power & Run Time
Featuring dual-fuel technology, the Generac iQ3800DF provides 120V, and offers both power and versatility. Running on gasoline, it delivers a running wattage of 3,000W and a starting wattage of 3,800W. When propane-powered, it offers 2,700 running watts and 3,400 starting watts. Furthermore, its parallel capability (parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included) allows for doubling of power output when connected to another similar or compatible unit, ensuring expanded energy capacity and reliability for various applications.
Equipped with a manual recoil starter system and a straightforward and intuitive electric starter (battery included), this inverter generator provides versatile starting capabilities.
Regarding its running time, the iQ3800DF, with a 3.28 gallons fuel capacity, can operate for up to 20 hours with a full tank of gasoline (fuel consumption around 0.16 GPH). When using propane, it can run for up to 19 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.25 GPH).
Featuring a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the iQ3800DF delivers a clean sine wave, guaranteeing the safety of your sensitive electronics plugged into its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 5 AC outlets:
Additionally, it offers 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (1 x USB-A and 1 x USB-C) providing convenient charging capabilities for mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices.
Though it may not be labeled as 'RV Ready,' this Generac generator offers the benefit of hassle-free RV connectivity through its L5-30R receptacle, allowing you to easily power your RV with the assistance of an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor.
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. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
Since the generator weighs 107 lbs, it will be incredibly difficult to manually lift it and transport it, even though it is technically considered to 'be portable' (in the sense that it is movable). Nevertheless, thanks to its set of 2 wheels and its folding handle (a decent solution to its lack of maneuverability), the generator can be easily moved, once placed the ground.
Features
The iQ3800DF's control panel
To help you monitor the iQ3800DF's status and activity, its control panel is equipped with a digital data center, giving you information on the lifetime run hours, fuel level and power output.
In addition to this info, some light indicators allow you to instantly see if the generator is on overload and the oil level is too low.
In terms of security, the generator features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during its use.
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: tool kit, oil, funnel and propane hose.
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
- 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)
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 |
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 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 | Electric fry pan | 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 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Total | 2390 W | 2980 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.
