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Description
Zoom on the Lifan ESI 3600iER-CA
In summary, the Lifan ESI 3600iER-CA is a quiet 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
- Amateur DIY lovers
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source
The following sections will present you in detail its power characteristics, the different outlets it offers, its overall portability, the extra features it benefits from, and any relevant emission compliance details.
Power & Run Time
The Lifan ESI 3600iER-CA houses a 270 cc Lifan OHV 4-stroke engine, which provides 120V, consumes gasoline and delivers a running wattage of 3300W along with a peak wattage of 3500W.
The inverter generator features a conventional pull-start mechanism and also a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included). It is rated for a noise of 57 dBA (less noisy than a quiet suburb). The ESI 3600iER-CA can also be remotely started, offering further convenience (key fob included).
With a fuel capacity of 3.6 gallons, the ESI 3600iER-CA may run for around 7 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.51 GPH).
The ESI 3600iER-CA generates a clean sine wave: providing <2% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD), delicate electronics can be plugged in its AC outlets safely.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 3 AC outlets:
It also sports 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 8A receptacle allowing you to easily charge your batteries.
This Lifan generator isn't quite RV Ready, but it features an L5-30R receptacle, allowing a simple RV connection through an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor (included).
Portability
The Lifan ESI 3600iER-CA is an inverter generator and has an encased design of the following dimensions: L25 x W20 x H22 in. Thus, it is more aesthetical than conventional, open frame products. The design follows the contemporary trends and is perfect for recreationally generating power.
Since the generator weighs 145 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). However, this lack of maneuverability is compensated by its set of 4 wheels and its folding handle, with which you can conveniently shift it, once it's on the ground.
Features
The ESI 3600iER-CA's control panel
The light indicators show you if the generator is overloaded, the generator is ready and the oil level is too low.
A built-in fuel gauge allows for a quick, easy and convenient check of the fuel level of the inverter generator.
From a security standpoint, the product offers an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, allowing you to use it with a peace of mind.
With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the Lifan ESI 3600iER-CA also comes with several accessories, including: key fob, battery charging cables, tool kit, battery charger and RV adapter.
Emissions
The Lifan ESI 3600iER-CA is EPA-approved and CARB-compliant. It can therefore be sold and purchased in all 50 states, including California.
Moreover, it features a spark arrestor, which makes it suitable for use in forested areas.
Product Video
The Lifan ESI 3600iER-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 3600iER-CA compare to generators of similar power (between 2500 and 3500 W).
- At a dry weight of 145 pounds, the Lifan ESI 3600iER-CA is one of the heavier devices which can produce between 2500 and 3500 running watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the Generac GP3300i, with a dry weight of just 59.5 pounds.
- With a lowest noise rating of 57 dBA, the inverter generator is one of the more quiet of the generators of similar power. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Honda EU3000iS with only 50 dBA.
- The ESI 3600iER-CA's autonomy is somewhat low end compared to devices of its power range, as it reaches only around 7 hours at 50% load on a full tank. If concerned with autonomy, one of the products of a comparable power output, which offers the highest run time, is the Predator 4375, boasting with around 16 hours.
- Autonomy holds its importance, however, it is largely dependent on the generator’s fuel capacity and so, it is nonsensible to discuss it without mentioning fuel efficiency as well. This inverter generator is rather wasteful, compared to other devices within the aforementioned output range, when it comes to gasoline consumption, as it reaches roughly 0.51 GPH at a 50% load. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Westinghouse iGen4200, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.17 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
The bottom line
- Several accessories included
- RV adapter included
- Remote start
- Inverter
- Quiet for its power (57 dBA)
- No data center
- No parallel ports
- On the heavy side (145 lbs)
- Relatively low run time
- Low fuel efficiency
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | No |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 270 cc Lifan OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric, Remote |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3300 W |
| Starting watts | 3500 W |
| Running amps | 27.5 amps |
| Peak amps | 29.2 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 7 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A receptacle |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 3.6 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 145 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 25 x 20 x 22 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 57 dBA |
| THD | < 2% |
| Emissions | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Tool kit, key fob, battery charger, RV adapter, battery charging cables, and battery |
| Warranty | 3 years |
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 3600iER-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 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 2492 W | 3492 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Pair of small speakers | 45 | 45 | |
| Total | 2635 W | 3225 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 | |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2380 W | 3480 W |
how does the remote work, (Asked February 06, 2021)
The "Remote Control" switch on the control panel must be in the "ON" position. Then, double-click and hold the "ON" button on the remote until the engine starts.
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