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Description
Zoom on the WEN GN400i
In summary, the WEN GN400i is a compact and lightweight portable inverter generator especially useful for:
- RV travellers who wish to upgrade their experience to another level
- People occasionally participating in sporting competitions, open-air performances and outdoor festivals
- Handcrafting enthusiasts who wish to work on-the-go
- Homeowners who want to be sure of their ability to power their fridges, cooking tools, heating and lighting equipment during power failures
- Tailgating and campground aficionados with the desire of enjoying power anywhere they go
In the following paragraphs, we shall explore the power characteristics, available outlets, portability, and any additional features of the device, along with its emission compliance information.
Power & Run Time
The WEN GN400i
The WEN GN400i is powered by a 212 cc OHV 4-stroke engine. It delivers 120V, runs on gasoline and offers a running wattage of 3500W as well as a peak wattage of 4000W. In addition, as it is parallel capable (WEN Parallel Connection Kit (opens in a new tab) not included), this power can be doubled when linked to another similar or compatible unit.
At a noise rating of 67 dBA (less noisy than a normal conversation), the inverter generator is started via a simple traditional pull-start mechanism.
Thanks to a fuel capacity of 1.85 gallon, the GN400i can operate for around 7 hours at 50% load with a full tank (fuel consumption around 0.26 GPH).
The GN400i produces a clean sine wave: thanks to a <1.2% Total Harmonic Disruption (THD), your sensitive electronics can be safely plugged in the AC outlets.
Outlets
The control panel features the following 3 AC outlets:
In addition, it provides 2 DC outlets: there's two 5V USB ports with which charging of electronics like mobile phones and tablets is made convenient.
This WEN generator is RV Ready, as it features a TT-30R receptacle (TT stands for 'Travel Trailer').
Portability
The design of the WEN GN400i is a typical, open frame, with the dimensions of L19.8 x W13.8 x H18.9 in, offering support and stability and enabling the possibility of raising it above ground level. The device has been designed for tough environments and demanding outdoor use.
With a dry weight of 66.1 lbs, the GN400i can easily follow you wherever your power needs are. Moreover, grabbing and moving this product is made even easier by its open frame design.
Features
The GN400i's control panel
The light indicators show you if its oil levels are insufficient, the generator is on overload and the generator is ready.
Thanks to a built-in fuel gauge, the inverter generator allows you to quickly, conveniently and easily check the gas level at a glance.
The fuel shutoff feature turns off the flow of fuel, allowing for the GN400i 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 of the carburetor, minimizing maintenance while prolonging the unit’s lifespan.
As for its security measures, the device features an overload protection (circuit breaker), an automatic low oil shut-off and a low fuel automatic shutdown, letting you 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 WEN GN400i also comes with several accessories, including: oil, 2 altitude kits, tool kit and funnel.
Emissions
The WEN GN400i 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 Videos
The WEN GN400i versus other generators
The following charts are provided to give you an idea of how some of the key specs of the WEN GN400i compare to generators of similar power (between 3000 and 4000 W).
- In terms of its dry weight, the WEN GN400i stands at only 66.1 lbs, meaning that is one of the one of the lightest devices of the 3000-4000 rated wattage category
- As this inverter generator can emit noise as low as 67 dBA, it finds itself in the average expected noise for this kind of power. If you’d prefer a less noisy device, one of the most quiet devices, which share the same power range with this one, is the Cat INV4000E, whose lowest noise levels reach just 51 dBA.
- Autonomy-wise, with around 7 hours on a full tank at a 50% load, the GN400i is on the low end when compared to other generators of a similar power output. If autonomy is your priority, one of the devices of a similar power output with the highest run time is the Predator 4375, reaching around 16 hours.
- Even though run times are undoubtedly important, they are dependent on the fuel capacity to a large extent. For a more wholesome picture, we must take into consideration the fuel consumption of the generator. This inverter generator can be considered as fuel efficient, due to its low estimated fuel consumption of only 0.26 GPH (gallon per hour) at 50% load, within the aforementioned wattage range. 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.
Here's a list of the most popular specific comparisons:
Price comparison
As you can see from this interactive chart, when compared to other 3000-4000W generators, the WEN GN400i 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
- Several accessories included
- RV Ready
- Parallel capable
- Inverter
- Lightweight (66.1 lbs)
- Fuel efficient
- Acceptable noise (67 dBA)
- No data center
- No electric start
- Relatively low run time
Features and Specifications
| Inverter | Yes |
|---|---|
| Portable | Yes |
| Parallel capable | Yes, cable not included |
| RV ready | Yes |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 212 cc OHV 4-stroke |
| Starting system | Recoil |
| Voltage | AC: 120V 60 Hz, DC: 5V |
|---|---|
| Running watts | 3500 W |
| Starting watts | 4000 W |
| Running amps | 29.2 amps |
| Peak amps | 33.3 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 | 2x 5V USB port |
| Data center | No |
| Indicators | Low oil, overload and output ready |
| Fuel tank | Steel, 1.85 gal |
| Fuel gauge | Yes |
| Weight | 66.1 lbs |
|---|---|
| Approx. dimensions (L x W x H) | 19.8 x 13.8 x 18.9 in |
| Noise (lower limit) | 67 dBA |
| THD | < 1.2% |
| Emissions | CARB, EPA |
| Security | Low oil, overload and low fuel protection |
| Spark arrestor | Yes |
| Neutral | Floating |
| Accessories included | Oil, funnel, tool kit, and 2 altitude kits |
| Warranty | 2 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 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 GN400i 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 | Refrigerator (energy star) | 192 | 1192 |
| Hair dryer | 1800 | 1900 | |
| Toaster oven | 800 | 800 | |
| Total | 2792 W | 3792 W | |
| For camping | Radiant heater | 1300 | 1300 |
| RV refrigerator | 180 | 600 | |
| RV AC (11,000 BTU) | 1010 | 1600 | |
| Slow cooker | 270 | 270 | |
| Cell phone charger | 20 | 20 | |
| Total | 2780 W | 3370 W | |
| For work | Grinder | 1400 | 2500 |
| Demolition hammer | 1260 | 1260 | |
| Bug zapper | 80 | 80 | |
| Total | 2740 W | 3840 W |
Does this model have a fuel shutoff? (Asked February 26, 2020)
This model has a manual fuel shutoff. There's a valve that you can turn to the OFF position in order to let the generator run until the fuel is used up.
Does the Wen 400i has electric start? (Asked September 07, 2020)
The unit is recoil start only.
Couldn't find the right answer for you? Ask your own question.
