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Powerhorse LC3500i (Discontinued)

The Powerhorse LC3500i is a quiet and compact inverter generator with a rated wattage of 3,000 W and a starting wattage of 3,500 W.

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Powerhorse LC3500iPowerhorse LC3500iPowerhorse LC3500iPowerhorse LC3500i

This product was discontinued. For your convenience, we decided to leave this page up.
It was replaced by the Powerhorse LC4500i. However, you might still find it second hand on eBay, by clicking on the button below.

Description

Powerhorse Inverter Generator provides quiet, reliable power with low total harmonic distortion to safely run sensitive electronics with no interruptions or disturbances. Quiet 57dB noise level makes it ideal for home, camping, tailgating and more.

Zoom on the Powerhorse LC3500i

In a nutshell, the Powerhorse LC3500i is a quiet and compact 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
  • DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
  • Homeowners in need of an emergency backup power for their essentials
  • Camping and tailgating hobbyists looking for a portable power source

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 Powerhorse LC3500i in use

The Powerhorse LC3500i

The Powerhorse LC3500i is powered by a 212 cc (6.1 hp) Loncin OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 3,000W as well as a peak wattage of 3,500W. Moreover, since it is parallel capable (parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included), its power may be doubled if linked to a second compatible unit.

The inverter generator features a simple traditional pull-start mechanism and also a convenient and easy-to-use electric starter (battery included). It is rated for a noise of 57 dBA (less noisy than a conversation at home).

With a fuel capacity of 2.6 gallons, the LC3500i may run for up to 11 hours with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.24 GPH).

Sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets, as the LC3500i produces a clean sine wave, with a <2% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).

Outlets

The control panel includes the following 3 AC outlets:

Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
120V 30A (L5-30R) receptacle

It also sports 1 DC outlet: there's a 12V 10A receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy.

Even if this Powerhorse generator isn't quite RV Ready, it still allows for an easy RV connection via an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor, thanks to its L5-30R receptacle.

Portability

The Powerhorse LC3500i's characteristic encased inverter generator design (L22.8 x W17.3 x H20.1 in), provides an esthetical advantage over any ordinary, open frame product. The generator has a contemporary design, convenient for recreationally generating power.

The 99.2 lbs of the LC3500i's dry weight enables you to use it anywhere you will ever need. Moreover, once it’s on the ground, its set of 4 wheels and its double handle will allow you to shift it without effort.

Features

Panel of the Powerhorse LC3500i

The LC3500i's control panel

To help you monitor the LC3500i's status and activity, its control panel is equipped with a digital data center, giving you information on the power output, lifetime run hours and voltage.

In addition to this info, several light indicators serve to show you when the generator is ready, the generator is overloaded and the oil level is too low.

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.

While the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), helpful for starting the device promptly, come with the Powerhorse LC3500i, the following accessories are also included: tool kit, battery charging cables and funnel.

Emissions

The Powerhorse LC3500i 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.

Product Video

The Powerhorse LC3500i versus other generators

The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Powerhorse LC3500i compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 2500 and 3500 W).

  • As its weight is 99.2 pounds, the Powerhorse LC3500i falls in the expected weight range of the inverters in the 2500-3500 rated wattage category. In terms of weight, one of the champions in their power range is the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, standing at just 46 lbs.
  • With a lowest possible noise of 57 dBA, this inverter generator places itself amongst the more quiet of the products delivering similar power. For those who are looking for a less noisy device, we suggest the Honda EU3000iS. With just 50 dBA, it is one of the most quiet devices in this power range.
  • Regarding its autonomy, the autonomy of the LC3500i, reaching up to 11 hours at a 25% load, can be considered as low end, compared to other inverters of a roughly equal output. Concerning the run times, one of the several devices with a comparable output, offering the highest autonomy, is the Champion 200914, which is able to run for up to 22 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 0.24 GPH at a 25% load. If you wish to acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Energizer eZV3500P, with a fuel consumption of 0.13 GPH could be in your good books.
According to our stats, the following comparison is pretty popular: Powerhorse LC3500i vs Predator 3500.

The bottom line

STRENGTHS:
  • Several accessories included
  • Electric start
  • Parallel capable
  • Inverter
  • Quiet for its power (57 dBA)
AVERAGE SPECS:
  • Decent weight (99.2 lbs)
WEAKNESSES:
  • No remote start
  • Relatively low run time
  • Low fuel efficiency

Do you own the Powerhorse LC3500i and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?

Let us know and write your own review.

Features and Specifications

General
InverterYes
Parallel capableYes, cable not included
RV readyNo
FuelGasoline
Engine212 cc Loncin OHV 4-stroke
Starting systemRecoil, Electric
Warranty2 years
Power
VoltageAC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V
Running watts3,000 W
Starting watts3,500 W
Running amps25 amps
Peak amps29.2 amps
Run time @50% loadUnknown
Run time @25% load11 h
Features
GFCI outletsNo
Covered outletsNo
Automatic Voltage RegulationInverter
AC outlets
  • 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R)
  • 1x 120V 30A (L5-30R)
DC outlets1x 12V 10A receptacle
Data centerPower output, lifetime run hours and voltage
IndicatorsLow oil, overload and output ready
Fuel tank2.6 gal
Fuel gaugeNo
Misc
Weight99.2 lbs
Approx. dimensions (L x W x H)22.8 x 17.3 x 20.1 in
Noise (lower limit)57 dBA
THD< 2%
ComplianceCARB, EPA
SecurityLow oil and overload protection
Spark arrestorYes
NeutralBonded to frame
Accessories includedFunnel, tool kit, battery charging cables, and battery
Country of originChina
Other model numbers792220

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.

Spec Improvement×

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About Powerhorse

Powerhorse is a trademarked brand name of gas-powered outdoor products owned and distributed by the Northern Tool & Equipment Company Inc. through their store locations and online. Powerhorse outdoor products include gas- and electric-powered tools including pressure washers, wood chippers/shredders, log splitters, electric generators and inverters. The product line also offers engines and water pumps. The brand's motto is "Power You Can Depend On". Powerhorse generators are engineered, developed and tested in Minnesota, but manufactured in China or Vietnam.

Warranty Information

The Powerhorse LC3500i is covered under a warranty for up to 2 years. This warranty may be limited and may not cover all parts of the generator.
For more information about the warranty of Powerhorse generators, please contact the Powerhorse Customer Support: 1-866-443-2576.

Questions & Answers

What can it power?
Examples of items that can be simultaneously powered.
The examples below are based on a maximum load of 80% and estimated wattages. For a more accurate estimation, use our generator sizing calculator.
ItemRunning WattsStarting Watts
At homeRefrigerator (energy star)1921192
Hair dryer18001900
Blender400850
Total2392 W3392 W
For campingRadiant heater13001300
RV refrigerator180600
Toaster oven800800
Radio100100
Total2380 W2800 W
For workGrinder14002500
Reciprocating saw730960
Drain cleaner250250
Total2380 W3480 W
The unit LC3500i did not electric start when I purchased it. I had to rope start the unit. Does the unit charge it? (Asked August 22, 2020)

The unit will charge its own battery while running.

Powerhorse LC3500i
6.6 Total Score
3 reviews
Add your review
Price
7
Value
6.7
Quality
6
Performance
6.7

User Reviews

Most Recent Most Helpful Highest Rating Lowest Rating Add your review
  1. Avatar
    ORLANDO SANCHEZ October 18, 2022 at 2:45 pm
    4.25
    Price
    90
    Value
    90
    Quality
    70
    Performance
    90

    It is a tremendous machine, super silent and turns on quickly, I recommend it.

    + PROS:
    • Silent
    - CONS:
    • Na
    Helpful(0) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  2. 5
    Price
    100
    Value
    100
    Quality
    100
    Performance
    100

    We have had this generator for 5 years without issue. We use it like crazy at our hunting camp. We change the oil at least twice a year. Runs great. Make sure sure the eco button is off when trying to start.

    + PROS:
    • Reliable and pretty quiet
    - CONS:
    • No cons. Great machine.
    Helpful(0) Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
  3. 0.65
    Price
    20
    Value
    10
    Quality
    10
    Performance
    10

    I would not buy again. I have had in twice for service to correct issue about “cold starting” but still not corrected. The issue is “it will not start when cold”, say below 35 degrees F.

    + PROS:
    • During warm weather it runs great.
    - CONS:
    • Absolutely will not start when cold!
    Helpful(0) Unhelpful(1)You have already voted this

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