Pulsar PGD16iSCO - 1200/1600W Inverter Generator
The Pulsar PGD16iSCO is a quiet, compact and lightweight inverter generator with a rated wattage of 1,200 W and a starting wattage of 1,600 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
The Pulsar PGD16iSCO inverter generator provides super-quiet performance and weighs only 24 pounds, making it perfect for camping trips, outdoor events, the job site, and much more.
Zoom on the Pulsar PGD16iSCO
In a nutshell, the Pulsar PGD16iSCO is a quiet, compact and lightweight portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- Camping and tailgating buffs looking to enhance their experience
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
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
The Pulsar PGD16iSCO's design includes a gasoline-fueled 57 cc (2.1 hp) OHV 4-stroke engine. With a 120V output, it gives a running wattage of 1,200W and also a peak wattage of 1,600W. In addition, as it is parallel capable (parallel kit not included), this power can be doubled when linked to another similar or compatible unit.
Featuring a noise rating of 56 dBA (less noisy than a refrigerator), the inverter generator utilizes a standard recoil pull-rope starting mechanism for ignition.
Featuring a 0.6 gallon fuel tank, the PGD16iSCO provides continuous power for around 6.5 hours at 50% load on a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.09 GPH).
The PGD16iSCO produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 2 AC outlets:
Moreover, it boasts 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports (USB-A) designed for hassle-free charging of various electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets, ensuring uninterrupted usage.
Portability
With its enclosed inverter generator design (L17.1 x W9.6 x H15.7 in), the Pulsar PGD16iSCO offers superior aesthetics and operates with minimized noise levels, distinguishing itself from standard, open frame generators. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
Since the PGD16iSCO weighs only 24 lbs, it can be labeled as a portable lightweight generator. Designed for easy mobility, one person can move it around without any difficulty, ensuring power on the go. In addition, a handle (molded in the case) lets you carry it easily and further increases its convenience.
Good to know: This unit ranks 8th in our list of the 10 smallest portable generators.
Features
Light indicators on the device will signal if its oil levels are insufficient, the generator is ready and the generator is overloaded.
In terms of security, the generator features an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, ensuring peace of mind during its use.
The unit also benefits from Pulsar's CO Sentry carbon monoxide detection. The sensor monitors for the accumulation of poisonous carbon monoxide gas around the generator, and shuts down the engine is increasing levels of CO gas are detected.
Alongside the standard documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab) for quick setup, the Pulsar PGD16iSCO is bundled with additional accessories: oil, tool kit and funnel.
Product Video
The Pulsar PGD16iSCO versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the Pulsar PGD16iSCO compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 1000 and 2000 W).
- As for its weight, the Pulsar PGD16iSCO weighs only 24 pounds, making it one of the lightest inverter generators in the 1000-2000 rated wattage category.
- At 56 dBA, this inverter generator's noise rating is in line with the expected average for devices within its type and power category. If noise emissions are one of your priorities, you may want to take a look at the Honda EU2200i. It's one of the quietest options among generators of similar power, rated at 48 dBA.
- As the PGD16iSCO offers around 6.5 hours run time on a full tank at a 50% load, it falls within the average autonomy range among the inverter generators of a similar power. If you wish to prioritize autonomy, the Westinghouse iGen2200 shines as one of the top contenders, offering one of the highest run times among generators with similar power output, totaling around 10 hours.
- Run time is a key metric, but it's dependent on the generator's fuel tank capacity. Therefore, discussing fuel efficiency is necessary for a complete understanding. This inverter generator is one of the most fuel-efficient options in its power range, consuming approximately 0.09 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load.
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 1000-2000W inverter generators, the Pulsar PGD16iSCO 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
- CO Sentry technology
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Lightweight (24 lbs)
- Fuel efficient
- Acceptable noise (56 dBA)
- Decent run time
- No data center
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | No |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 57 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 1,200 W |
| Starting watts | 1,600 W |
| Running amps | 10 amps |
| Peak amps | 13.3 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 6.5 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets | 1x Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) |
| DC outlets | 2x 5V USB port (USB-A) |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 0.6 gal |
| Fuel gauge | No |
| Weight | 24 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 17.1 x 9.6 x 15.7 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 56 dBA |
| THD | < 3% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, and tool kit |
| UPC | 814726028114 |
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 Pulsar
Pulsar is a brand registered under the Pulsar Products inc., based in California, USA. The company offers a decent choice of air compressors, pressure washers and of course, generators – which range from 1,2 kW to 10 kW and include dual fuel and RV-Ready designs. Pulsar has several facilities scattered throughout the US, including two distribution centers – one in California and second in Illinois. However, the production of their products seems to be outsourced overseas, to the continent of Asia.
Warranty Information
The Pulsar PGD16iSCO 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 Pulsar generators, please contact the Pulsar Customer Support: 1-866-591-8921.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Blender | 400 | 850 | |
| Total | 592 W | 1592 W | |
| For camping | RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 |
| Rice cooker | 650 | 650 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 950 W | 1370 W | |
| For work | Reciprocating saw | 730 | 960 |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 810 W | 1040 W |
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.



