Generac iQ5200DF - 3900/5200W Dual Fuel Inverter Generator With Electric Start
The Generac iQ5200DF (8947) is a portable dual fuel inverter generator with a rated wattage of 3,900 W and a starting wattage of 5,200 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the Generac iQ5200DF
In a nutshell, the Generac iQ5200DF is a portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers wishing to enhance their freedom and nomad lifestyle
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- 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
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
Thanks to its dual-fuel technology, the Generac iQ5200DF provides a 120V output and offers both versatility and power. When utilizing gasoline, it delivers a running wattage of 3,900W and a starting wattage of 5,200W. Alternatively, when operating on propane, it provides 3,500 running watts and 4,700 starting watts. In addition, the parallel capability (parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included) empowers increasing of power output when linked to another similar or compatible unit, ensuring expanded energy capacity and reliability for various applications.
Equipped with a traditional recoil pull-start mechanism and a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included), this inverter generator provides versatile starting capabilities.
Regarding its running time, the iQ5200DF, with a 3.2 gallons fuel tank, can operate for up to 15 hours with a full gasoline tank (with fuel consumption estimated at around 0.21 gallons per hour). It also offers up to 20 hours (on a 20 lbs tank - propane consumption around 0.24 GPH) of operation when using propane.
With a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), the iQ5200DF delivers a clean sine wave—essential for safeguarding your delicate electronics when plugged into its AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 5 AC outlets:
Moreover, it boasts 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.
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
Thanks to its closed inverter generator design (L24.6 x W20.3 x H22.5 in), the Generac iQ5200DF not only offers superior aesthetics but also operates with reduced noise levels compared to a typical, open frame generator. This modern design aims to provide an ideal power solution to recreational users.
Even at 107 lbs, the generator is categorized as 'portable,' suggesting its movability, although its weight impede its portability. Nevertheless, the restricted maneuverability is counteracted by its set of 2 wheels and its folding handle, enabling easy shifting once the generator is set in place.
Features
For easy status and activity monitoring of the iQ5200DF, its control panel integrates a digital data center, offering insights into the power output and lifetime run hours.
From a security standpoint, the generator is furnished with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during operation.
The iQ5200DF 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.
In addition to the traditional documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) to help you get started promptly, the Generac iQ5200DF also includes several accessories: tool kit, oil, funnel and propane hose.
The Generac iQ5200DF versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Generac iQ5200DF compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- At 107 lbs dry, the Generac iQ5200DF is consistent with the standard weight profile for inverters ranging from 3500 to 4500 rated watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the WEN 56432iX, with a dry weight of just 52.9 pounds.
- The iQ5200DF's autonomy is somewhat low end compared to devices of its type and power range, as it reaches only up to 15 hours at 25% load on a full tank. If run time is one of your main concerns, the Firman WH03662OF could be worth looking at. It boasts one of the highest run times among units of comparable power, lasting up to 25 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 0.21 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. To prioritize fuel savings, we advise considering the Champion 201319, which stands out for its gasoline efficiency, consuming just 0.16 gallons per hour.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 3500-4500W dual fuel inverter generators, the Generac iQ5200DF 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
- Dual fuel
- COsense® technology
- Several accessories included
- GFCI Outlets
- USB-C port
- Electric start
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Decent weight (107 lbs)
- Decent fuel efficiency
- No remote start
- Relatively low run time
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Dual Fuel (gasoline/propane) |
| Engine | 223 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
| Gasoline | Propane | |
|---|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,900 W | 3,500 W |
| Starting watts | 5,200 W | 4,700 W |
| Running amps | 32.5 amps | 29.2 amps |
| Peak amps | 43.3 amps | 39.2 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 9 h | 11 h |
| Run time @25% load | 15 h | 20 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 and lifetime run hours |
| Indicators | No |
| Fuel tank | 3.2 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 107 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 24.6 x 20.3 x 22.5 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 | 8947, 8945 |
| UPC | 696471104509 |
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 iQ5200DF 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 | |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1075 | 1175 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 3112 W | 4112 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 3100 W | 3520 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Paint sprayer | 600 | 600 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2480 W | 5180 W |
What is the noise rating of the iQ5200DF?
Due to the lack of standardization in noise emission measurement, Generac does not provide their units' noise levels.
How do you charge the electric start battery on this? And if you charge it by running the unit how long does it have to run till the battery is charged ? (Asked June 10, 2025)
The unit will charge the battery when running. It is also possible to charge it with an appropriate 12V charger.
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