Champion 100520 inverter generator review and walk around
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- Опубліковано 26 вер 2024
- I bought this Champion model 100520 to use as an emergency backup generator for my house during outages. I made the decision based on my previous experience with Champion products, as well as the fact it was one of the largest and yet most reasonable priced inverter generator out there. This will run my 220v 20 amp well pump along with just about anything else in the house I want it to. I also have a backup 19cu ft freezer and lots of electronics that this unit can safely run. So far, I'm very happy with the generator and it is at least 25% quieter than other open frame models. I made this review to try and help others so I hope you find it helpful. Let me know if you have any questions - thanks.
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I just bought the same make and model and I wanted to thank you for a thorough walk-through.
You bet, hope you enjoy yours
Are you still happy with your purchase?
I am in the market for an inverter. Thank you.
@@coniccinoc yes. I am still pleased with it. I do want to get the “motor snorkel” so I can run tri-fuel. I think they sell a Champion with the same features, plus the tri-fuel from the factory.
@@arrond316 wow that was fast! Thank you again! This generator is a lot less expensive than a Honda but I've had problems in the past with inexpensive units.
@@coniccinoc No problem. I understand that concern, I looked at some of the expensive brands also. I feel the price is way better and I’m able to run my house through my panel. I can’t go hog wild with every single appliance running at the same time, but it keeps us comfortable. I also heard the customer service is excellent although I haven’t had to call them luckily. Definitely check into the tri-fuel champions or look up “motor Snorkel for champions”
*This is a AWESOME **Generater.Systems** and is super quite! I run propane and it works great! Purchased for camping and emergency power at the house. A for sure purchase!*
I did a test run on my Champion Power Equipment 100520 8750-Watt DH Series Open Frame Inverter today.
Number 1 problem is RFI. If you have AM Radios, then forget this generator. The RFI is no where near as low as my 1990 Honda EX4500 which does not interfere with my AM radios. This Champion 100520 will not be replacing my EX4500. It will remain a good higher wattage back up.
Interesting. Was the AM radio in the exact same location when you tested with the Honda vs Champion? It wouldn't surprise me if the Honda had some extra filtering and I don't have one to compare with on a scope to confirm. AM is quite sensitive
The AM radio was in my kitchen and the generators were sitting next to each other out in the driveway about 50 feet away. The Honda is an older 1990 non-inverter type. The 100520 is a new inverter type. I think once the RFI is in the house wiring then you are cooked. The RFI was on the radio when the AM radio was plugged into the wall or unplugged and running on the batteries, by then. It just overwhelmed the radio with hiss, but only on the Champion 100520 not the Honda.
So, you have a scope? Have you looked at the Champion output on a scope? I sent a link to the $12 Low Pass filters sold on eBay. I guess the link triggered the AI sensor. I ordered the 25 amp version. Two of those should match the 240 output for 30 amps. 30 amps is 15 amps for each leg. I don't own a battery scope which is best for AC line measurements. I use the old fashion AC powered Techtronic's scopes.
@@jimmoss9584 I have a friend who has one that I used about a year ago, I'm certainly no expert with them. Let us know how your filters work!
I will.
I use mine for running my two inverter welders and everything else for my mobile welding business. An awesome generator. I love it! Would buy it again!
Very Well explained in everything.....I just bought one today the Same model...... I will convert it to Natural Gas
Awesome review my friend! I contemplated on the predator, Honda and the Onan brands but they didn't offer the capacity to cover powering most of the house appliances and then some! This defintely made my research easier. thanks again.
Good review. I would like to add that the household outlets on the machine can only provide 20A as they are rated at 20A. If you need more than 20A, you should use the L14-30 receptacle located beside the household outlets.
Great review! I bought one. I spent months researching many brands and wasn’t sure what I needed. Thanks so much.
Excellent review. Concise and well explained 👍🏼
Great job explaining this unit I purchased one today in box from a wholesaler for 850.00 off Facebook marketplace. It has everything I was looking for and the price made the sale Ching Ching
Appreciate the time to walk thru everything. Thank You
Thanks for the review. Ordered one of these from HD this evening, along with a Reliance 10 breaker transfer switch box. Glad to have found this generator - I was going to buy a 6500W Predator brand from Harbor Freight (about $500) to run all the pumps and refers, and another inverter generator to power the more sensitive electronics stuff. Would have spent $1000. For the same money the Champion does it all - through the house circuits with the transfer switch. Big thing for us is the deep well, water tank and septic pumps. Enough circuits left over to power the family room and kitchen lights/outlets for the 2-3x year power outages we get during wind storms and downed trees. A downside of living in the 'Evergreen state'. Had a smaller Champion for the previous house - where nearly everything was on 120. Great generator then - expect this one to be just as great.
How has yours been working? I just bought the 100520 along with the Reliance 6 breaker switch. I am having issues though. I can get 2 of the 6 circuits, once I try doing more everything turns off and the red led starts flashing. Nothing should be drawing that much, only a sump pump, 1/3 hp furnace blower, 1 fridge and some lights/outlets. Am I missing something?
9:50 your welcome future buyers!!!!
Creaper, haha. First of all... " you're " Second, some folks prefer a detailed overview first. After all, this wasn't a tutorial on how to start it. I appreciate your public service though! :)
My champion generator is 3500watt. Its probably not big enough to run my entire house but last power outage I was in lasted 8 dang days. I couldn't believe that I was the only one in my neighborhood that had a generator. Everyone else stayed in hotel's or stayed with family members except 2 people that had to dill with it. They would come over to my house and want to use my microwave to heat there food 3 times a day for 8 days when our power came back on. 1 couple came over and wached DVD movies and warm there food to. And they brought popcorn over and I would have to unplug everything just to use the microwave LOL. Well now I have that same 3500 watt generator but went out and baught a bigger generator that's 9400watts now I can power the entire house.
Great, now you can power your whole house , neighbors included 😂
This generator is identical to the new Predator 8750 open frame inverter and the WEN GN875i, FYI... The predator gen has a 6 gallon tank vs the 4 gallon tank of the Champion and WEN...
If I read online correctly the Predator only has a 90 day warranty and the Champion has a 3-year.
Tank size is a good thing to look for!
Thanks for the video, I watched this and bought one. I just received mine and did the first hour of break-in. You might want to turn your handle around so the square support is on the side that takes the load while moving it. Thanks again!
Nice review.
Thank you UpnorthMike. Just purchased one
Thanks I'm glad you found this helpful. We lost power for about 18 hours last week and this rig performed great during that outage.
Nice review, after watching it I purchased the smaller version of this generator, the 6250/5000, which looks the same but just has a smaller engine and inverter.
A few comments -
***IMPORTANT*** These generators, as briefly noted in your review, have the NEUTRAL bonded to the frame. This is great if you plan on using the generator as a stand alone unit in which you plug in appliances or tools directly such as a refrigerator or table saw. However, if you plan on using it to power entire house via a load side transfer switch, or via a back fed breaker using a mechanical interlock on the panel, you will need to convert the generator to a FLOATING NEUTRAL otherwise there will be two ground paths which are an electrical shock hazard and a NEC "no no". There is a video posted by Champion on UA-cam showing how to do this. It's about a five minutes process that involves removing the four screws securing the front panel and then identifying and removing one of the wire leads on a lug behind it. The wire lead is then taped up to isolate it from arcing to the frame.
I purchased my generator through a well known distributor and it arrived quickly but I let it sit for several weeks. I decided to unbox it and test it out a few days before the return period expired. The set up was pretty straight forward, although the oil fill location wasn't well designed. The "Quick Start" guide mentions removing the shipping brackets from the bottom of the unit but the exact instructions are a bit murky. I'm pretty mechanically inclined and it took a minute or two for me to figure out what exactly it was that they were trying to convey and the location of the brackets. I recommend putting down a piece of the shipping foam, roll it forward on its face, and then remove the yellowish/orange "L" shaped brackets on the bottom.
Lastly, I'm really glad I decided to test the generator as it was making a weird whining/moaning/singing noise that I've never heard a generator make before. The instructions specifically state that they want you to contact Champion and not return it to the store. So I called Champion, after explaining the issue and being on hold for a few minutes while they consulted more senior techs, I was informed that it mostly likely had a problem and that they want me to take it to a service center. The prospect of scheduling, loading, and driving to a service center in the middle of a pandemic was incredibly unappealing, so I called the reseller who agreed to send another one after I noticed that front panel also has some issues.
As far as the noise level of the generator, it seems to be about exactly the same as an older Champion 3800/4000 generator that I own. Mine does not have electric start, however the Chinese Honda engine clone is super easy to start and runs smooth. It only take one or two light pulls to get it running. IMO the electric start is only needed it you would like to be able to use the remote start feature.
do you have a link to the champion video?
I have the understanding that the 30 amp L14 twist lock is not GFCI protected so you don’t need to float the neutral when only connecting that to a transfer switch. The 120 volt GFCI outlets need the neutral to be bonded for running extension cords. Please let me know if I have this right or wrong. My 100520 is shipped and on its way to my house soon.
Thanks so much for the video! You helped me make up my mind about my next generator purchase. I’ve currently had a power horse 4000 for 12 years now and want to upgrade to something more powerful
I had a Power Horse years ago, you'll love this rig
So how do you like the new generator?
Thanks for the review. I had read info on line and your info was very helpful too.
This was great, thanks. Your channel name is too funny - I hadn’t read it ‘til now, but when I was listening to your voice I thought “that guy is way up North” (serious snow). We’re way down South. (Serious rain.)
THE Westinghouse has that main breaker your talking about and remote start i love mine !
Thanks for a great review! After days of looking and studying generators I think this is the one I will buy. I only wish it was a duel-fuel...
while dual fuel is a nice addition, gas is the old faithful and with proper maintenance, you'll be good. i just bought this one myself.
I am going to buy one, but I wish it had a bigger gas tank. Thanks for the review. It was helpful.
It seems most of the generators in this size have about the same size tank. I'm guessing from a manufacturing standpoint they try to balance weight with function. I've seen some aftermarket kits on eBay for other generators where you can buy a remote gas tank but I've just never tried it with any of mine.
@@upnorthmike6085 Most of the non inverter generators have a 7 gallon tank. I know my old one does.
The new Predator 8750 inverter is the same exact generator but has a 6 gallon tank instead of 4 gallon tank.
Thank you very much Mike. This was a great video.
Thank you for taking the time to post this video. Very thorough and well thought out. I was excited to find this in the 6250 variation, but even more excited to find that they offered it in an even bigger unit. I think that this wattage should work well for me. I'm loving the remote oil drain -- well done Champion. Is the battery included?
Thanks for the review, very helpful. I'm in the process of replacing a NOISY 10kw construction generator like the one you mentioned with something quieter and smaller. I have decided that Champion is a good value brand now I just have to choose between the model featured in your video or the smaller one with no electric start. I think the deciding factor is going to be 69 db for the 5kw model VS. 72 db for the 7kw model, not to mention the smaller, lighter form factor. Since my Schneider hybrid inverter has a support mode that limits gen current and uses solar battery assist for surge/starting loads like an AC unit, the 5kw is fine.
I'm in the same situation....not sure I want a battery to maintain. What's your advice?
@@spacecoastz4026 Ya, the typical lead acid motorcycle battery that comes with most generators does not last that long and sometimes can cause a corrosion problem around the mounting area.
The other issue with an electric start generator is that if you do run it on Nat Gas how do you push the primer button on the pressure regulator? Starting with Nat Gas can be a bit tricky, best done manually. If you do choose an electric start generator I would recommend installing a LiFePO4 battery as long as the temp will be between 32 and 100 degrees F.
@@bentleyjarrard885 Thank you
maybe a piece of window tint film would work over the meter. check with a nearby window tinting place and grab up a piece of scrap....
Great Review...Thanks
Great review Mike. A couple things...how loud is this when you have a 50% load on it ?
Also, and this is HUGE, DO NOT use regular gas in these as it will gum up the carburetor, use gas that has no Ethanol in it.
I suppose the how loud question is a bit relative to the user. I can say for certain it is significantly quieter than my open frame construction generator. As far as the gas, I agree and only use 91 octane non-oxygenated in any of my small engines.
Even ethanol free gas will varnish in the carb if you leave it in for extended periods. Never leave ANY gas in ANYTHING for more than a month without doing some maintenance runs.
Stabil works wonders.
@@Dickj203Seafoam for me..
I have not purchased a generator yet but wanted to add something I learned. My understanding is the recoil start WILL NOT start the generator if the battery is dead. The battery is still needed for a valve or something on the carb to start. Has anyone tried to start their generator without the battery attached to confirm? Just dont want anyone to get stuck without a generator at a bad time.
Not an issue. I assume the stator has enough current when it turns over to operate anything that needs a 12v signal so removing the battery will only stop the remote/electric start feature
Good stuff, thank you sir! Have you put it to use yet? If so, how well did it perform in maintaining proper frequency as loads increased?
how about the db level? I live close to my neighbor.
How load is it at full load from say 20ft away? How do you think it would compare to a traditional open frame that puts out the same power?
just got this unit and right out of the box it won't run with the choke off for more than 6 seconds. 6 seconds exactly every time. Already emptied and checked and re-checked the oil level. Any idea what it could be? the middle warning light also briefly goes red as it shuts off, but its literally never been on for more then 6 seconds. Never had any load on it.
Good review Mike. By any chance would you have the part number for the jumper cables? I would like to purchase them but can't find them for a part number. Any help would be appreciated. Later
That gen set still running good? Thanks for your time!
Like a champ, no pun intended! It's a work horse for sure and we use it often, especially in the summer around the hunting shack
Should the neutral be bonded or floated when hooked to home with interlock?
Great video. I am shopping right now for an inverter generator and this model has my interest. 3% THD is awesome. Do you know who makes the engine ? I am thinking about buying it and adding a Propane fuel option from US carburetion.
Champion makes their own engines.
How many amp is your well pump? Is it a 2 wire or 3 wire with control box(start capacitor &relay)
3 wire 240v on a 20 amp circuit. I have never tested the actual draw, but this guy can handle it
@upnorthmike6085 thank you! I may pick one up soon, I loose power a good bit and current champion 2k inverter will run basics. Just need something for well pump + whatever else.
Hey Mike, is it possible to pair 2 of these together to double to wattage? Is that officially possible and what would that entail?
Great video, thanks for posting. Are you sure the meter reads amps/watts or any type of load measurement? Looking over the Champion manual the "Intelliguage" reads Voltage, Hertz, current session run time, and total run time. The (R) for current session run time looks like an (A)... Not sure why Champion would not include this vital info in the "Intelliguage". How are we supposed to know home much load is on the unit?
Letter "R" and letter "A" appear the same on the display. It does not make the diagonal line that distinguish the two letters...
I agree with you, the intelliguage is basically useless. On mine, no load, it says 246 volts, 60.0 hertz, current run time, and total run time. The only useful thing about it is the total run time, so I can track maintenance and change the oil on time.
So if I have a 30A towable rv, can I use an adapter for the twist lock plug and just plug it in???
Yes you could. This would be a large generator though for a 30a RV. Look at my other videos and there are enclosed options that are cheaper, quieter and have the standard RV 30a plug in.
So I bought this for a food trailer and when I have everything running it overload shuts off ,
What 240v connection extension gauge limit does it take ?
I don't follow, what do you mean on extension gauge limits? You would be limited by the amount of current draw from the 240 connection on the generator. If your trailer uses lots of electric items for toasters, blenders or deep fryers that draw lots of power, you may need to step up to a 10kw unit
Very helpful review -- and thorough as well. One quick question -- could this be fitted with a propane fuel option? Thanks, Gene
Yes, check www.uscarb.com. This other guy has a utube video showing how to install it.
I wonder how the noise level compares to my "enclosed" Briggs Q6500, as this at least on paper - offers up a bit more power. Have you attempted to run your well pump with the Champion yet, especially in Ecomode? My Q6500 will start my well pump in Eco mode but you are well aware of it lol.
I have been looking purchasing a home backup generator and the Briggs Q6500 the this Champion are at the top of my list. How do you like your Briggs? Does it have any shortfall you don't like? Does it provide enough power for basic backup? We have a gas water heater, furnace and range so I don't need as much power!
@@matthewchatfield567 other than being a little shy on power for my particular use case, it has otherwise been excellent and incredibly fuel efficient!
So what are the parameters of "economy mode"? Will it throttle up when required for loads? Does it make electricity supply too variable for electronics, etc? When should you use it?
Yes, economy will adjust the throttle when needed and ramp up for a load. The purpose of it is to allow the generator to throttle down and run more efficient when there may be only be a slight load. If an AC unit or a big draw kicks on, the generator will throttle up to produce the needed power.
By turning economy mode off does it run at full throttle like a conventional generator?
@@Dickj203 yes
When the generator runs will it recharge the battery just like the car?
Yes. But, buy a small battery Tender charger and keep it on your battery so that its always charged. Mine is on a timer, so it charges the battery for 3 hours per week, that way it never over charges and boils the battery.
What’s the difference between this unit and the Wen 8750 inverter, specs about the same and look identical other than color?They are cheaper as well.
they're the same unit with a few discrepancies.
Most of these generators come from the same factory and are white labeled, while the manufacturers have a few things tweaked afterwards to make it less obvious.
Does the Generator have trouble starting a well pump motor when set on ECO mode or does it have to be off?
@NonyaBusiness! i totally agree. if you are using this or any generator to power your house or anything significant... eco mode will never be on and it will be just about as loud as any other generator. Only exception I’ve seen is the Honda 7000 inverter that currently cost $4500+ dollars
Can this generator make 240VAC split phase just like the Utility 240VAC feeder? In other words, are the two hots phased 180 degrees apart? I want to know if this could power a central AC, water heater, or other 240VAC residential device.
Thats what it is....it could power a smaller central AC (2 ton), possibly while needing a hard start kit. Water heater is a maybe... oven probably not, but a burner or two on top, probably yes.
@@bubbatime Thank you Scott. It was not clear from the specs or wiring diagram. My last generator (traditional open frame) was only 6500W/8250W and it could start and power my 3-ton 16SEER AC with soft start no problem with a refrigerator, freezer, TV, lights and other minor loads on. It only draws 2400W running and about 5500W starting demand. My water heater is a hybrid heat pump, and in heat pump only mode draws 300W-ish. Seems like this Champion will be fine for my emergency use.
How many hours do you have on it ?
I want a 15KW inverter Generator with a 50amp output. Who makes one ?
I don't know of anyone making an inverter that size
duramax makes one runs about 5 GRAND
Hey UpNorth Mike wanted to ask if you new of anything you could do too quiet down a champion 7500 watt portable generator somebody said that they make silencers for them, any ideas thanks
I made a sort of "quiet box" for my big generator. I just used rockwool insulation on some ply wood and used chicken wire to hold the rockwool in place. It significantly quiets them down. Just be sure to leave plenty of air space for intake and exhaust. I would not modify the muffler as you may change engine performance.
@@upnorthmike6085 ok I get that stuff and try it thanks for the help and information..
Did this generator start your well pump with ECO mode on?
Yes, it will just cycle to full power as the demand increases
Looks like this model is discontinued? Anyone know Why or if you can buy old inventory?
Home Depot has the next size smaller available, the 6250/5000 watt.
Still available. Mine is arriving this Friday
This unit has a bonded neutral, shouldn’t the neutral be floating when connected to your main house panel through an inlet?
good question. Rarely is this mentioned. I'm looking to connect a generator directly to a dedicate breaker, with interlock to the main house breaker, and need to investigate this topic further.
I’m doing the same. From my research I believe you would want the neutral floating on generator for a house panel connection because your main panel, meaning your first from the meter, has the neutral and grounds bonded. And per the NEC they are only to be bonded once.
@@tex-electric5771 I have to read the a couple more times, but on first go sure seems to be saying that bonded neutral design can be rather easily converted to floating neutral. help.championpowerequipment.com/article/4etN4HzYKq-disconnecting-the-neutral-bond-to-frame
Yes I believe you are correct!
@@tex-electric5771 I should read through more of the comments.... one by PrimusPilus73 below notes this as well. I'm likely going for the 6250/5000. Already have an electrician scheduled to install a Reliance 30A L14-30 plug behind my garage, and wire it to the main panel. I could do this myself, but also need to shift a couple breakers to the subpanel to make room for the new 30A Gene breaker so will pay a pro and not have any worries that I screwed something up... GL in your home gene project!
You can not get 59 amps out of those 20 amp outlets. 20 for the left side...and 20 on the right.
No, and I never suggested that.
@@upnorthmike6085 I must have misunderstood what you said.
So how loud is it?
I suppose that's a bit subjective. It's certainly quieter than an open frame that's not an inverter like you'd commonly see at a construction site. however it's not as quiet as a fully enclosed unit of the same size.
Can this be run in parallel with another Champion 100520?
It sure can, you just need to buy the parallel kit. I've never done it but I saw a guy with a big fifth wheel camper who had two different champion models parallel together and he said it works awesome. That's why he did that instead of buying just one bigger one and he said just in the off chance that one were to go down he could still have one to run the necessities.
@@upnorthmike6085 Where does the parallel kit connect? I don't see anything on the panel?
I don't see a kit for this. Looks like they max out at the 4k units
www.championpowerequipment.com/parallel-kit-selector/
@@Nibarger you are right. I'm sorry, my two other smaller units can parallel but not this one.
Having phone number inscribed every cranny is not helpful if they don't pick up the phone. Just tested how long would it take me to get to support. Spent 1 hour on the phone, ended up hanging up. and that's middle of business day, no night, no weekend. No comment on equipment, just beware: when you going to need help, you won't have any
i think you got your amps reversed on your plugs
Wish it was in propane as well.
I have an all gas champion 9300, that I converted to propane with a $30 carburetor replacement amazon, runs great now on either gas or propane.
How much?
Google it damn
@@joshmason1003 it’s all over the place! Amazon has raised the prices on champion.
Got mine a few weeks ago for 950 or so. Have to watch Amazon for when they drop the price.
Can this be connected to a fuse box and run most of your home during a hurricane?
@NonyaBusiness!I Looked into the generlink and called them. Our power company won't allow for it. Going with the interlock instead.
I used a simple interlock, have powered anything I want in house, central ac, heat, with a champion 9300watt. Wired a large wire cable with a 50amp plug to go into generator...
yes the cheapest and easiest way to do it is a PB30 generator inlet box. You wire that up to a 30 amp breaker, slap it in your panel, and buy the interlock kit, and good to go. Less than $125 worth of parts, and you can pick whichever circuits you want....
Mine has a bottom plastic cover in front covering bottom battery area. Can I remove this to add oil? I’ve been adding from the side and it’s a pain.
I just use the angled funnel and mine is a breeze. I don't like removing panels if I don't have to
@@upnorthmike6085 I used the one it came with. The funnel attached to a plastic tube. But it takes forever and spills
@@Dickj203 I try to keep the funnel spout hovering just above the oil opening and this usually prevents the "glugging" of airlock when filling up