Lifan ESI 2000i-CA - 1600/2000W Inverter Generator

Description

Zoom on the Lifan ESI 2000i-CA

In summary, the Lifan ESI 2000i-CA is a compact and lightweight portable inverter generator especially useful for:

• Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
• DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools

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 Lifan ESI 2000i-CA

The Lifan ESI 2000i-CA's core is the 105 cc Lifan OHV 4-stroke engine, which runs on gasoline. With an output of 120V, it provides a running wattage of 1600W and a peak wattage of 2000W.

At a noise rating of 60 dBA (just as noisy as an office), the inverter generator is started via a conventional pull-start mechanism.

Thanks to a fuel capacity of 1 gallon, the ESI 2000i-CA can operate for around 3 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.33 GPH).

The ESI 2000i-CA produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <2% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.

Outlets

The control panel provides the upcoming 2 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)

Furthermore, it has 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 3A receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries.

Portability

As the Lifan ESI 2000i-CA is an inverter generator, its encased design (L19 x W11 x H17 in) offers more aesthetics than a conventional, open frame product. The design follows the contemporary trends and is perfect for recreationally generating power.

Labeled a lightweight portable generator, the ESI 2000i-CA weighs just 48 lbs. The device can be easily moved by just one person and thus, its power may be enjoyed on-the-go. In addition, a handle (molded in the case) lets you carry it easily and further increases its convenience.

Features

The ESI 2000i-CA's control panel

When its oil levels are insufficient, the generator is overloaded and the generator is ready, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.

Security-wise, this product benefits from an automatic low oil shut-off and an overload protection (circuit breaker), which gives you a complete peace of mind when using it.

Along the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), useful for starting the generator right away, the Lifan ESI 2000i-CA's package also includes these accessories: battery charging cables and tool kit.

Emissions

The Lifan ESI 2000i-CA is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Thus, selling and purchasing this generator is allowed in each of the 50 states, including California.

Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, making it usable in forested areas.

The Lifan ESI 2000i-CA versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Lifan ESI 2000i-CA compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 1500 and 2500 W).

• Since the generator weighs in at a dry weight of 48 lbs, the Lifan ESI 2000i-CA belongs in the expected weight range for inverters which can produce between 1500 and 2500 rated watts. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Genmax GM2000i, standing at just 34.2 lbs.
• As this inverter generator has its lowest possible noise of 60 dBA, it should be considered noisier compared to its peers of a comparable running wattage. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Honda EU2200i with only 48 dBA.
• As for its autonomy, the ESI 2000i-CA, with an autonomy of around 3 hours at a 50% load, is placed on the low end among the generators of its kind. Furthermore, considering the run times, one of the generators which have a roughly same power output, with the highest autonomy, is the Lifan ESI 2500iER-EFI, as it provides around 12 hours.
• Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. Compared to its peers, this inverter generator is not exactly fuel efficient, compared to similarly powerful devices, with an estimated fuel consumption of 0.33 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Westinghouse iGen2200, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.11 GPH, may be the right generator for you.

Price comparison

The bottom line

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 Lifan

LIFAN, or rather LIFAN Power USA, is a rather small and new company, based in Arizona. LIFAN’s range is comprised of engines and related products, such as pressure washers, water pumps and of course, generators – of which there is a surprising variety, including inverters, portable generators, but also high output, standby home generators. The company admirably admits that their primary (and most likely only) manufacturing facilities are located in China and their goal is to provide affordable products above all.

Warranty Information

The Lifan ESI 2000i-CA 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 Lifan generators, please consult Lifan's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-866-471-7464.

Questions & Answers

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