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Review of the A-iPower SUA4000i Portable Inverter Generator

4000 Starting Watts, 3500 Running Watts on Gasoline

Electric Start: No

Weight: 116.6lbs

Noise: 58dB

A-iPower SUA4000i

Should You Buy It?

Not as popular apparently as some other portable inverters such as the WEN GN400i though the latter is an open-frame model and as a result noisier than the closed frame of the SUA4000i. This may have something to do with the price, which is relatively high.

As is the case with all generating equipment altitude can reduce the performance of the engines causing a reduced power output from that advertised.

Key Points about the A-iPower SUA4000i

Well-engineered
Super quiet and economical
Clean power outputs for sensitive electronics
Box includes parallel cables and basic tools
Recoil quite hard to pull 
Relatively high price 

Overview of the Generator 

A-iPower SUA400i Front and Back

As an inverter this model will give you clean, relatively quiet and light, and economical electrical power for all sorts of recreational use including camping, tailgating, and power outages. It's also RV-Ready which means you won't need to buy an adapter to connect the RV to the generator as one is included in the box. The model also comes with a useful selection of accessories in the box.

It packs a decent amount of punch with its 4,000 watts of starting power and 3,500 watts of running power. And it's pretty quiet to operate with a 65-decibel noise rating.

The SUA4000i won't suit those buyers who need a portable generator with an electric starter. However, A-iPower do produce a very similar model to this one called the SUA4000iED which also has a dual fuel capability of gasoline and LPG.

Controls and Features

A-iPower SUA4000i Control Panel

Despite lacking an electric start, the SUA4000i has a comprehensive and nicely set out control panel as can be seen here. Among its features are a low idle switch, an hour meter to keep track of how long the generator has been running, a grounding nut, circuit breakers, and LEDs for output indication, overload alarm, and check oil alert.

The connections include 1x5-20R Duplex 120v 20A outlet and 1x120v 30A, L5-30R outlet. There are also 1x12v DC 8.3A automotive outlet and a 5v USB 1.5A port.

With CARB Certification the generator can be used in all 50 states.

A-iPower provide a 2-year residential warranty.

Power Output

The SUA4000i has a 223cc OHV 4-Stroke engine with a starting output of 4000 watts and a running output of 3500 watts. The low idle switch allows the engine speed to lower so you can benefit from a less noisy operation and improved fuel economy.

As an inverter, the A-iPower's power output is clean and free from fluctuations. You won't therefore have any problem connecting electronic equipment containing sensitive components.

The generator can be connected in parallel and A-iPower provide as standard the necessary cables to make the connections.

What Most Buyers Like

We have not been able to identify many reviews of the SUA4000i. But that is no reason to believe it is not a good inverter generator. However, the relatively high price is likely to encourage many buyers to look elsewhere.

What Some Buyers Like Less

We suspect the high price will put off many potential buyers.

Specifications
Voltage120 Single-Phase
Frequency60 Hertz
AlternatorInverter
Auto Voltage RegulationYes
Running Watts3500 Watts
Starting Watts4000 Watts
Fuel TypeGasoline
Rated Amps29.2 Amps
Tank Size2.6 Gallons
Run Time @ 50% Load7 Hours
Fuel GaugeYes
Decibels @ 7m / 21 ftAccording to load 58-68
Idle ControlYes
Hour MeterYes
Carbon Monoxide MonitorNo
EngineA-iPower
Starting SystemPull Recoil
Engine Size223cc
Consumer Warranty2 Years
Commercial Warranty1 Year
Low Oil WarningYes
Cast Iron SleeveYes
Weight116.6lbs
CA (CARB) CompliantYes
Consumer Warranty2 Years
Commercial Warranty1 Year
UPC851217006374
8.3-Amp DC Automtive1
NEMA 5-20R Duplex1
NEMA L5-30R RV-Ready1
USB 5v 1.5A1
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