Generac iQ2000 Portable Generator Review

Generac iQ2000 comes with a durable casing and construction. It is a quieter and innovative generator that is very easy to use. It is a highly portable machine because of its lightweight and compact size. Also, it offers decent runtime and comes with a variety of innovative features.

Generac 6866 power station with quiet performance

Features:

Generator Type: Generac iQ2000 is a closed frame inverter generator. It is lightweight and has a compact design. It makes it a perfect power solution for camping trips and tailgating parties. Also, travelers and explorers can use it to keep their life running during their journeys.

Warranty: It comes with a 3-year limited residential and a 3-year limited commercial warranty.

Portability: Generac iQ2000 is an extremely portable generator. It only weighs 46.5 pounds, and its comfortable carrying handle helps a single person to carry it without much effort. It is also compact, having dimensions 20″ (L) x 12.6″ (W) x 16.9″ (H).

Engine and Output Power: It has an 80cc, 4-stroke Generac OHV engine, which gives 120 Volts Output and delivers 2000 watts of starting power and 1600 watts of running power.

Clean Sine Wave: You can safely plug your sensitive devices in the AC outlets as it produces clean power with less than a 3% THD rating. Sensitive devices include smartphones, gaming systems, TV, laptops, tablets, computers, and others.

THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) is the measurement of the distortion present in the signal. Less THD means that the harmonic distortion present in this generator’s signals is not going to damage your sensitive electronics.

Parallel Capability: Generac iQ2000 is a parallel-ready unit. There are no separate parallel outlets available on the control panel; the two 120 Volt AC outlets will do this job for you. It is called a smart paralleling feature.

You need to purchase the parallel kit separately to connect another iQ2000 to generate more output power.

Tank Capacity and Runtime: A fuel tank of 1.06 gallons allows you to run the generator up to 7.7 hours at quarter load and up to 5.7 hours at half load.

Its engine consumes around 0.14 gallons per hour at quarter load.

Economy Switch: There is a special economy switch featuring three modes of operation: Economy, Standard, and Turbo.

Economy Mode is the quietest among all. Select this Mode when you only need to power those appliances that are resistive loads (non-motor starting). Take the example of a fan, light, and video game.

Standard Mode is best to select when applying both resistive loads (non-motor starting) and inductive loads (motor starting). Keep in mind that this Mode is suitable for the loads, especially that turn on and off. Take the example of an air conditioner.

Turbo Mode is ideal to choose when you need to connect motor-driven loads that run continuously. For example, drill, blender, and hairdryer.

Starting Method: It is only equipped with a recoil (pull-start) system.

PowerDial: PowerDial is an easy-to-use dial that integrates three operational settings: Start, Run, and Stop.

To start the engine, move the knob to the start position where the fuel and choke both get on. Choke helps cold engines start quickly by giving a rich mixture (more fuel and less air) to the carburetor. As soon as the generator starts, switch to the Run position to take the generator into the normal operation state. Here the generator slowly reduces the choke use. And the Stop setting shuts down the fuel supply and allows the engine to use the remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting down completely.

Operational Sound: It operates quietly at a decibel rating of 53 dBA at a 25% load.

Power Receptacles: Generac iQ2000 only features two 120 Volt 20 Ampere (5-20R) outlets.

Fuel Gauge: A fuel sensor/fuel gauge shows how much fuel is remaining in the tank. It is present on the top of the economy switch where “E” indicates Empty, and “F” indicates Full.

Power Bar: Power Bar is next to the Fuel Sensor Bar. It shows the amount of power being used.

Runtime Display: It displays the runtime of the generator. First, it shows the total run hours when the engine starts, and then it displays the remaining runtime during operation.

Status Lights: In between the Fuel Gauge and Power Bar, there are four generator status lights: Over Temperature, Low Oil Level, Output Ready, and Overload.

The Over Temperature LED illuminates when the generator’s temperature reaches above the normal operating temperature. The Low Oil Level LED turns on when the remaining oil level reaches below the safe operating level.

The Output Ready indicates that the generator is ready to produce Output. And the Overload LED tells that the generator is under additional load.

Safety: Over temperature power cut-off, automatic low oil shutoff, and overload protection are all included in the safety features of this generator.

When the unit temperature rises, the inverter stops supplying power through the outlets. Automatic low oil shutoff turns off the engine automatically because of lower oil levels. And the overload protection also shuts down the engine to avoid overheating caused by overloading.

Emissions: Generac iQ2000 can be used in all the American 50 states. It follows the emission standards set by both EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board).

Generac iQ2000 vs. WEN 56203i vs. Yamaha EF2000iSv2 vs. Briggs & Stratton P2200

Features

Models

  Generac iQ2000 WEN 56203i Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Briggs & Stratton P2200
Peak/Rated Watts 2000W/1600W 2000W/1700W 2000W/1600W 2200W/1700W
Tank Size 1.06 gal. 1 gal. 1.1 gal. 1 gal.
Runtime 7.7 hrs (25% load) 10.8 hrs (25% load) 10.5 hrs (25% load) 8 hrs (25% load)
Noise 53 dBA 51 dBA 51.5 dBA 59 dBA
THD Rating < 3% < 1.2% <2.5% < 3%
Starting Mechanism Recoil Recoil Recoil Recoil
Weight 46.2 lbs. 40.3 lbs. 44.1 lbs. 54 lbs.

My Opinion:

Pros: Generac iQ2000 is a lightweight inverter generator. It is parallel capable, quite easy to operate, and has a lower decibel rating. It gives great power output, comes with an automatic low oil shutoff protection, and features a runtime display and status lights.

Cons: There is no USB port available. Also, its runtime is relatively on the lower side.

FAQs

Can you use the Generac 6877 parallel kit to connect a different generator brand with iQ2000?

No, it can only connect two Generac iQ2000 inverters. Never try to connect another inverter generator from a different brand with the help of this 6877 parallel kit.

What type of oil does Generac iQ2000 use?

It depends on the temperature of your area where you are going to run this generator. You can either use 10W-30 or SAE 30 motor oil. Also, synthetic 5W-30 oil can be used for the widest range of temperatures.

Is there a fuel drain plug on this unit?

No, it doesn’t have a fuel drain plug. But it contains an oil drain plug so that users can easily drain the oil when needed.

Leave a Comment