WEN 56380i - 3400/3800W Inverter Generator With Electric Start
The WEN 56380i is a quiet and compact inverter generator with a rated wattage of 3,400 W and a starting wattage of 3,800 W. (Read full specs)
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Description
Zoom on the WEN 56380i
In a nutshell, the WEN 56380i is a quiet and compact portable inverter generator mostly geared towards:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- Occasional participants of outdoor events, competitions, concerts and festivals
- DIYers who wish to improve their efficiency with tools
- 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 subsequent sections will explore in detail its power characteristics, the diverse outlets it provides, its overall portability, and the supplementary features it offers.
Power & Run Time
The WEN 56380i
The WEN 56380i is powered by a 212 cc WEN OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 3,400W as well as a peak wattage of 3,800W. Moreover, the parallel capability (WEN 56421 Parallel kit (opens in a new tab) not included) enables increasing of power output when paired with another similar or compatible unit, providing increased energy capacity and versatility for a wide range of needs.
The inverter generator features a traditional recoil pull-start mechanism and also a user-friendly and efficient electric starter (battery included). It is rated for a noise of 57 dBA (less noisy than a conversation at home).
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 2.2 gallons, the 56380i can operate for around 8.5 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.26 GPH).
The 56380i generates a clean sine wave: providing <1.2% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), delicate electronics can be plugged in its AC outlets safely.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 3 AC outlets:
Additionally, it offers 3 DC outlets: there's a 12V 8A receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy and two 5V USB ports providing convenient charging capabilities for mobile phones, tablets, and other electronic devices.
The inclusion of a TT-30R receptacle (TT for 'Travel Trailer') makes this WEN generator RV Ready, ideal for providing power to recreational vehicles.
Portability
The WEN 56380i's characteristic encased inverter generator design (L23.2 x W18 x H20.1 in) provides an aesthetic advantage and contributes to quieter operation compared to any ordinary, open frame product. This modern design aims to provide an ideal power solution to recreational users.
At 99.2 lbs, the 56380i is easily managed, ensuring it can be brought along wherever you need power. Moreover, its set of 2 wheels and its folding handle facilitate movement of the generator once it's on the ground.
Features
The 56380i's control panel
Monitoring of the 56380i's status and activity is made possible by a digital data center, which provides information on the frequency, fuel level, voltage, power output and lifetime run hours and is one of the features of its control panel.
In addition to this info, the generator's light indicators provide visual feedback when its oil levels are insufficient, the generator is ready and the generator is on overload.
Considering security aspects, the generator boasts an overload protection (circuit breaker) and an automatic low oil shut-off, offering peace of mind throughout operation.
With the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), letting you start the generator quickly, the WEN 56380i also comes with several accessories, including: tool kit and funnel. An official storage cover is also available, as a separate purchase.
Product Videos
The WEN 56380i versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the WEN 56380i compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 2500 and 3500 W).
- With its weight of 99.2 lbs, the WEN 56380i is one of the heavier inverter generators in the 2500-3500 rated wattage category. if you wish to prioritize weight, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO is one of the top contenders in its power category, weighing only 46 pounds.
- Since this inverter generator is rated for a lowest possible noise of 57 dBA, it can be considered as one of the more quiet of the products generating similar power. If noise is a concern for you, you could consider the Honda EU3000iS, which is one of the least noisy generators in its power range, rated at 50 dBA.
- Given that the 56380i reaches an autonomy of around 8.5 hours with a full tank and at 50% load, it is placed within the average autonomy range of similarly powerful inverter generators. If runtime is a priority for you, the Generac iQ3600DF stands out as one of the generators with the longest run time in its power range, providing around 13 hours of continuous use.
- The run time is important, but also hugely depends on the capacity of the fuel tank and doesn't mean much if we don't talk about fuel consumption as well. With an estimated gasoline consumption of 0.26 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, this inverter generator is among the more fuel-efficient of the products in the above-mentioned wattage range. If you wish to further improve in the area of fuel efficiency, the Pulsar PGD40iSCO, which boasts with a gas consumption of only 0.22 GPH, may be the right generator for you.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from these interactive charts, when compared to other 2500-3500W inverter generators, the WEN 56380i is on the average side of the price range.
Therefore, this generator nicely fits in the expected budget for this kind of product.
The bottom line
- In the expected price range
- RV Ready
- Electric start
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Quiet for its power (57 dBA)
- Fuel efficient
- Decent run time
- No remote start
- On the heavy side (99.2 lbs)
Do you own the WEN 56380i and agree (or disagree) with these strengths and weaknesses?
Let us know and write your own review.
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 212 cc WEN OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3,400 W |
| Starting watts | 3,800 W |
| Running amps | 28.3 amps |
| Peak amps | 31.7 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 8.5 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | No |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A 2x 5V USB port |
| Data center | Power output, fuel level, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 2.2 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Digital |
| Weight | 99.2 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23.2 x 18 x 20.1 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 57 dBA |
| THD | < 1.2% |
| Compliance | EPA |
| Security | Low oil and overload protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Funnel, tool kit, and battery |
| Country of origin | China |
| UPC | 044459563808 |
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 WEN
WEN Products, founded by Nick Anton in 1951, is an American power tool manufacturer and distributor, which claims to have a part in the development of modern chainsaw, soldering devices and wet sharpeners, through its research in random orbital technology. The Illinois based company expanded its distribution network to include various power tools, such as presses, drills and of course, power generators. As a distributor, WEN’s portfolio largely consists of branded products of different manufacturers, imported from Asia.
Warranty Information
The WEN 56380i 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 WEN generators, please consult WEN's warranty policies (opens in a new tab). Alternatively, you can also contact their Customer Support: 1-847-429-9263.
Questions & Answers
What can it power?
| Item | Running Watts | Starting Watts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| At home | Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Washing machine | 900 | 1650 | |
| Radio | 100 | 100 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2712 W | 3712 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Microwave (1000 watts) | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2710 W | 3300 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Total | 2660 W | 3760 W |
Does this have an oil change reminder (Asked October 04, 2020)
The digital multimeter has a maintenance reminder that triggers every 50 hours. Oil level should be checked on a daily basis, and every 8 hours. Oil should be replaced every 25 hours, or as necessary.
Can the 3800 watt and 2350 watt be used in the rain. ?? Just bought both. Thanks (Asked March 24, 2021)
No generator can be used in the rain. We recommend reading our article on operation in bad weather.
What is the country of origin? (Asked April 14, 2023)
The unit is manufactured in China.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
User Reviews
440 hours on the generator so far and no problems. Starts instantly every time, even at 5° below 0F. I installed an altitude jet kit because I live at 4000′ which improved fuel economy. Not loud but not as quiet as a Honda or Predator.
This unit has a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer.
My generator arrived within the week.