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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 buffs looking to enhance their experience
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
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 is powered by a 105 cc Lifan OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 1600W as well as a peak wattage of 2000W.
Enjoying a noise rating of 60 dBA (just as noisy as an office), this inverter generator gets running thanks to a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.
With a fuel capacity of 1 gallon, the ESI 2000i-CA may run for around 3 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.33 GPH).
Delicate electronics can be plugged in an AC outlets safely, as the ESI 2000i-CA generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <2% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD).
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 2 AC outlets:
It also sports 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 3A receptacle with which you may charge your batteries with ease.
Portability
The Lifan ESI 2000i-CA is an inverter generator and has an encased design of the following dimensions: L19 x W11 x H17 in. Thus, it is more aesthetical than conventional, open frame products. The generator has a contemporary design, convenient for recreationally generating power.
With a weight of only 48 lbs, the ESI 2000i-CA may be viewed as a lightweight and portable generator. The product’s power can be enjoyed on-the-go, as it can be moved by a single person without trouble. Its handle (molded in the case) allows you to carry it easily, further enhancing its convenience.
Features
The device’s light indicators will display if its oil levels are insufficient, the generator is overloaded and the generator is ready.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, giving you a peace of mind during use.
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: tool kit and battery charging cables.
Emissions
The Lifan ESI 2000i-CA is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. Therefore, its sale and purchase are permitted in all of the 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, which makes it suitable for use 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 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 devices which can produce between 1500 and 2500 rated watts. Regarding dry weight, one of the champions in the same power range is the Genmax GM2000i, with a dry weight of only 34.2 lbs.
- This inverter generator, with its lowest possible noise rated at 60 dBA falls into the more noisy category, compared to other devise of a similar running wattage. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may be interested in the Honda EU2200i, one of the least noisy generators similarly powerful as this one, rated for 48 dBA.
- The ESI 2000i-CA's autonomy is somewhat low end compared to devices of its power range, as it reaches only around 3 hours at 50% load on a full tank. If you consider autonomy on a single full tank as one of the deciding factors, one of the generators in the same power range that offers the highest run time is the Pulsar PG3250, with around 16 hours.
- While the run time is an important parameter, it is dependent on the fuel tank’s capacity and thus, doesn’t say much on its own unless we consider fuel consumption as well. In fact, this inverter generator is not among the most fuel efficient, within the aforementioned wattage range : its estimated gasoline consumption at 50% load is around 0.33 GPH. If you are concerned with gasoline efficiency, having a fuel consumption of just 0.11 GPH, the Westinghouse iGen2200 is a device you could look out for.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 1500-2500W generators, the Lifan ESI 2000i-CA is on the cheap side of the price range.
It can therefore be a really good buy if you're looking to acquire a budget generator.
The bottom line
- Inexpensive
- Several accessories included
- Inverter
- Decent weight (48 lbs)
- Quiet, but noisy for its type (60 dBA)
- No data center
- No electric start
- No parallel ports
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
Inverter | Yes |
---|---|
Portable | Yes |
Parallel capable | No |
RV ready | No |
Fuel | Gasoline |
Engine | 105 cc Lifan OHV 4-stroke |
Starting system | Recoil |
Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
---|---|
Running watts | 1600 W |
Starting watts | 2000 W |
Running amps | 13.3 amps |
Peak amps | 16.7 amps |
Run time @50% load | 3 h |
Run time @25% load | Unknown |
GFCI outlets | No |
---|---|
Covered outlets | No |
Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
AC outlets | 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) |
DC outlets | 1x 12V 3A receptacle |
Data center | No |
Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
Fuel tank | 1 gal |
Fuel gauge | No |
Weight | 48 lbs |
---|---|
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 19 x 11 x 17 in |
Noise (lower limit) | 60 dBA |
THD | < 2% |
Compliance | CARB, EPA |
Security | Low oil and overload protection |
Spark arrestor | Yes |
Neutral | Floating |
Accessories included | Tool kit and battery charging cables |
Warranty | 3 years |
Series | Energy Storm |
UPC | 682017212777 |
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
What can it power?
Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
---|---|---|---|
At home | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
Total | 992 W | 1992 W | |
For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
Total | 1270 W | 1860 W | |
For work | Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 |
Total | 1260 W | 1260 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.