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Description
Zoom on the WEN 56480iX
In a nutshell, the WEN 56480iX is a 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
- 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
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 WEN 56480iX's engine, 224 cc OHV 4-stroke, fueled by gasoline, can deliver 120V. It provides a running wattage of 4,000W and reaches a peak wattage of 4,800W. Additionally, as the generator is parallel capable (parallel kit not included), it can be linked to a second unit for more power.
At a noise rating of 62 dBA (just slightly more noisy than an office), this inverter generator can be started via a conventional pull-start mechanism, or a simple and elegant electric starter (battery included).
With a full tank, the 56480iX can operate for around 7 hours at 50% load (fuel consumption around 0.27 GPH), thanks to its fuel capacity of 1.9 gallon.
Delicate electronics can be plugged in an AC outlets safely, as the 56480iX generates a clean sine wave, reaching a <1.2% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Outlets
The control panel includes the following 5 AC outlets:
Additionally, it features 3 DC outlets: there's a 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) receptacle with which charging your batteries is made easy and two 5V USB ports (USB-A) allowing you to conveniently charge electronics such as mobile phones and tablets.
Thanks to its TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer'), this WEN generator is RV Ready.
Portability
The WEN 56480iX's characteristic encased inverter generator design (L23.8 x W12.6 x H22.1 in), provides an esthetical advantage over any ordinary, open frame product. This type of design is the most modern and convenient way to recreationally generate power.
The 56480iX can be taken anywhere with you, thanks to its weight of 77 lbs. Moreover, once it’s on the ground, its set of 2 wheels and its telecospic handle will allow you to shift it without effort.
Features
The 56480iX's control panel
The control panel of the 56480iX includes a digital data center, which assists you in monitoring its status and activity, as it provides information on the power output, frequency, fuel level, voltage and lifetime run hours.
In addition to this info, when the generator is on overload, its oil levels are insufficient and the generator is ready, you will be informed by the featured light indicators.
The fuel shutoff feature turns off the flow of fuel, allowing for the 56480iX to use up the remaining fuel from the carburetor before automatically shutting down. This helps fight the build-up and blockages caused by stagnant fuel inside the carburetor, minimizing maintenance while prolonging the unit’s lifespan.
From a security point of view, the generator is equipped with an overload protection (circuit breaker), a low fuel automatic shutdown and an automatic low oil shut-off, giving you a peace of mind during use.
The unit also benefits from WEN's CO Watchdog carbon monoxide detection. This system measures the accumulation of poisonous CO gas while the generator is running. If the level of CO gas gets too high, the CO Watchdog system will automatically shut down the generator.
As for its accessories, apart from the previously mentioned features, the WEN 56480iX also comes with the basic documentation and an owner's manual (opens in a new tab), allowing you to start it right away.
Emissions
The WEN 56480iX 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, so it is adequate for use in forested areas.
The WEN 56480iX versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the WEN 56480iX compare to inverter generators of similar power (between 3500 and 4500 W).
- Weight-wise, the WEN 56480iX has only 77 lbs, which renders it one of the lighter inverter generators which produce 3500 to 4500 rated watts. If you are concerned by weight, one of the champions in the above-mentioned power range is the WEN GN400i, with a dry weight of just 66.1 pounds.
- Because this inverter generator emits noise as low as 62 dBA, it can be considered to have a pretty average expected noise rating for a device of its power. If noise emissions are important to you, one of the least noisy generators of this power range is the Westinghouse iGen4500DF with only 52 dBA.
- As for its autonomy, the 56480iX, with an autonomy of around 7 hours at a 50% load, is placed on the low end among the generators of its kind. 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 Westinghouse iGen4500DF, with around 15 hours.
- 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 0.27 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 acquire one of the most gasoline efficient products of this power range, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF, with a fuel consumption of 0.23 GPH could be in your good books.
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3500-4500W inverter generators, the WEN 56480iX 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
- CO Watchdog
- RV Ready
- Electric start
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Lightweight for its kind (77 lbs)
- Fuel efficient
- Acceptable noise (62 dBA)
- No remote start
- Relatively low run time
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 224 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil, Electric |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 12V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 4,000 W |
| Starting watts | 4,800 W |
| Running amps | 33.3 amps |
| Peak amps | 40 amps |
| Run time @50% load | 7 h |
| Run time @25% load | Unknown |
| GFCI outlets | No |
|---|---|
| Covered outlets | Yes |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation | Inverter |
| AC outlets |
|
| DC outlets | 1x 12V 8A (cigarette lighter style) 2x 5V USB port (USB-A) |
| Data center | Power output, fuel level, lifetime run hours, voltage and frequency |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | 1.9 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Digital |
| Weight | 77 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 23.8 x 12.6 x 22.1 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 62 dBA |
| THD | < 1.2% |
| Compliance | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil, overload and low fuel protection, CO monitoring |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Battery |
| Country of origin | China |
| UPC | 044459564805 |
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 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 56480iX 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 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 | Dish washer | 1500 | 3000 |
| Electric fry pan | 1500 | 1500 | |
| Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 | |
| Total | 3192 W | 4692 W | |
| For camping | RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Mixer | 200 | 200 | |
| Total | 3190 W | 3780 W | |
| For work | Table saw | 1800 | 4500 |
| Electric fence (25 miles) | 250 | 250 | |
| Total | 2050 W | 4750 W |
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