A-iPower SUA12000ED Portable Generator Review

A-iPower SUA12000ED is a powerful, tough, and reliable generator. You can either run it on gasoline or propane. It is a transfer switch ready unit that produces great power and features weather-resistant covered outlets. It also starts easily, operates quietly, and has basic but essential safety features.

A-iPower SUA12000ED power station for campsites and RVs

Features:

Generator Type: A-iPower SUA12000ED is an open frame, dual fuel conventional generator. It is a rustproof unit having a powder-coated finish. It has a rigid tubular steel frame that makes it ideal for construction sites. Also, you can use this generator as a backup power source during outages at home.

Switch-On-Demand Technology: Its Switch-On-Demand Technology allows users to conveniently switch between gasoline and propane. There is no need to turn off the engine to switch between the fuel options. You can do this during the operation.

Portability: The weight of this generator is 242 pounds, so it is impossible to lift it manually. But it is quite easy to transport, thanks to its ergonomically designed U-shaped handle and 9-inch never-flat wheels. These big and solid wheels help you to move it on any kind of terrain.

If we talk about its size, then it is 21 inches wide, 27.9 inches in length, and 22.8 inches in height.

Emissions: This environmentally friendly generator is both EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board) certified. Both these certifications allow users to use this unit in every American state, including California.

Warranty: A-iPower SUA12000ED comes with a 2-year warranty. Also, a free technical support facility is available.

Starting Mechanism: A keyless electric start system (battery included) along with a recoil backup. The Intelli-Start feature always keeps the battery fully charged.

Engine: It features a powerful and reliable 459cc, 4-stroke Senci SC460 OHV engine. The cast-iron cylinder sleeves provide durability and extend the engine’s run life. It also has an air-cooled cooling system to keep the engine temperature down.

Oil Capacity: It has an oil capacity of 1.2 quarts. It is equal to 1.1 liters.

Power Wattage: A-iPower SUA12000ED gives both 120 Volt and 240 Volt output and delivers 12,000 starting wattage and 9000 running wattage on gas. But with propane, it produces 10,000 starting watts and 8000 running watts.

Alternator: You can run both your motor-driven appliances and power tools at the same time, thanks to its high-performance alternator. It produces 25% more starting power.

THD Rating: Its Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) rating is <8%. It means this generator is not an ideal choice to power sensitive electronics.

Its signals have more harmonic distortion, so it is suggested to avoid powering your delicate electronic devices.

Tank Size and Run Hours: A-iPower SUA12000ED can run up to 8.5 hours at half load on a 7-gallon gasoline tank and up to 10 hours at half load on a 20-pound propane tank.

It consumes around 0.82 gallons of gasoline per hour and 0.47 gallons of propane per hour.

Noise Level: Its low tone muffler helps the generator to run at 69 dBA at quarter load.

Power Receptacles: It has a total of seven power receptacles, including six AC outlets and one DC outlet. All these outlets are covered for protection against dust and water.

There are four 120 Volt 20 Ampere (5-20R) GFCI receptacles, one 120/240 Volt 30 Ampere (L14-30R) receptacle, and one 120/240 Volt 50 Ampere (14-50R) receptacle along with a 12 Volt 8 Ampere receptacle.

The 5-20R outlets allow you to power all the 120 Volt appliances. These outlets are GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interruption) protected to provide protection against electrical shocks in the event of a ground-fault.

A-iPower SUA12000ED is a transfer switch ready generator because of the availability ofan L14-30R receptacle. Link your generator to the manual transfer switch of your house with the help of this outlet.

You can power your heavy-duty tools with the 14-50R outlet. And the DC outlet is there for charging your batteries.

Hour Meter: This digital hour meter not only shows the generator’s runtime but also helps you track maintenance intervals.

Oil Alert Lamp: This red LED lamp turns on when the generator’s oil level goes too down.

Safety Features: Low oil shutdown, overload protection, and automatic voltage regulator (AVR).

Low oil shutdown safeguards the engine from potential damage. Overload protection also shuts down the engine to protect the generator from overheating. And the automatic voltage regulator minimizes voltage fluctuations to provide consistent and stable power under changing loads.

Accessories Included: A-iPower SUA12000ED comes along with charging cables, a spark plug tool, oil, extension cord, adaptors, and a user manual. 

A-iPower SUA12000ED vs. DuroMax XP12000EH vs. Pulsar G12KBN vs. Westinghouse WGen9500DF

Features

Models

  A-iPower SUA12000ED DuroMax XP12000EH

 

Pulsar G12KBN

 

Westinghouse WGen9500DF
Peak/Rated Watts (Gas) 12000W/9000W 12000W/9500W 12000W/9500W 12500W/9500W
Peak/Rated Watts (Propane) 10000W/8000W 10200W/8075W 10800W/8550W 11200W/8500W
Gas Tank Size 7 gal. 8.3 gal. 8 gal. 6.6 gal.
Propane Tank Size 20 lbs. 20 lbs. 20 lbs. 20 lbs.
Runtime (Gas) 8.5 hrs (1/2 load) 9 hrs (1/2 load) 12 hrs (1/2 load) 12 hrs (1/2 load)
Runtime (Propane) 10 hrs (1/2 load) 4 hrs (1/2 load) 5 hrs (1/2 load) 7 hrs. (1/2 load)
Noise 69 dBA  72 dBA 76 dBA 73 dBA
Starting Mechanism Recoil, Electric Recoil, Electric Recoil, Electric Recoil, Electric, Remote
Weight 242 lbs. 221 lbs. 209 lbs. 220 lbs.

My Opinion:

Pros: A-iPower SUA12000ED is a reliable dual fuel generator. Its solid steel construction makes it highly durable. It can easily handle big-sized appliances and power tools simultaneously. It is quiet for its power, comes with an electric start mechanism, and features GFCI outlets. Also, it is easy to assemble.

Cons: Its runtime is relatively low. Also, its warranty is only for 2 years.

FAQs

Which oil should I use in A-iPower SUA12000ED?

The motor oil that is recommended to use in this generator is SAE 10W-30.

Is it possible to run this generator on natural gas?

Yes, you can, but only if converted.

If you need to convert this generator to natural gas, then you will void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Is A-iPower SUA12000ED an RV-ready generator?

Yes, you can call it an RV-ready generator if you own an RV with ampere service.

 

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