Generator Spotlight: Generac iQ3800 Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator

Key Points

• The Generac iQ3800 Inverter Generator is CARB-compliant, signifying it as a viable option for installation in regions with strict requirements like California.
• Supporting dual fuel functionality, the Generac iQ3800 generator can run equally well on gasoline and LP (liquid propane).
• The iQ3800 portable generator has the lasting performance to operate for 13 to 20 hours straight, depending on the fuel type and percentage of power used.

Powering your tools while you’re working outside or keeping the lights on when dealing with a power outage greatly increases your quality of life. Many people associate generators with job sites or home backup power, but what if I told you that you could use a single generator for both scenarios? The CARB-Compliant Generac iQ3800 Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator is the perfect option for anyone in the United States looking for supplementary power on the go, including in states like California with strict air pollution restrictions.

Have we piqued your interest? Then grab a seat and enjoy our breakdown of why the iQ3800 Generator is one of our favorite generators from Generac for any use-case.

Portable & Simple to Maneuver

If portable power is the game, Generac’s iQ3800 generator is the name of the best solution for any number of applications. In fact, here are some of the many places we’ve seen a Generac inverter generator applied out in the world:

• Camping trips
• Hiking
• Backyard festivities
• Ballparks and other sporting events
• Beach trips
• Festivals
• Food stands
• Medical tents at festivals, charity events, etc.
• Construction sites
• Workshops

Practically anywhere you want to go, the Generac iQ3800 portable generator can tag along! Just be sure to bring plenty of spare fuel if you’ll be running the unit for long periods of time.

Dual-Fuel Performance

As a dual-fuel system, the Generac iQ3800 can support the use of both gasoline and liquid propane. How efficiently the fuel types operate varies; a full tank of gasoline running for 13 hours straight and a 20lb LP (liquid propane) tank offering 16 hours of continuous use when operating at 50% power. These times are lengthened when the rated load requires only 25% of the iQ3800’s power, extending run time to 20 hours on gasoline and 19 hours with a 20lb LP tank. With the option to run the unit in economy mode to reduce operational noise and fuel consumption, the Generac iQ3800 is ready to supply the long-lasting performance you need.

When burning fossil fuels like propane and natural gas, a natural byproduct of their combustion is carbon monoxide gas. We’ve discussed how to stay safe from carbon monoxide in your home, but what about while you use an iQ3800 Generac generator? With the inclusion of COsense Technology, you won’t have to worry about carbon monoxide poisoning. This powerfully protective feature stops the unit and alerts you when hazardous CO gas is detected, saving lives and protecting the ozone.

CARB-Compliant Generator

Have you heard of CARB compliance before? If you haven’t worked in the industry or lived in California, chances are high that this is your first time. CARB, or the California Air Resources Board, is an agency designed to shield inhabitants of California from air pollution and the effects it has on the environment and our health. Choosing a CARB-compliant generator gives you a range of game-changing benefits, including:

• Cleaner power: CARB-compliant generators sustain performance longer while putting out fewer harsh chemicals and air hazards than non-compliant models
• Less air pollution: By creating fewer harmful chemicals during regular operation, CARB-compliant generators have fewer negative effects on the environment
• Fewer health risks: For those who deal with cardiac and respiratory diseases and illnesses, CARB-compliant generators are a safer option to avoid health complications
• High-quality construction: Generators that earn CARB compliance are made of better hardware to ensure efficient, dependable, clean performance that lasts for years to come

Pro tip: Generators that do not earn CARB compliance cannot be sold in the state of California. Using generators in CA that aren’t CARB-compliant can result in fines and other legal action.

Specs

Want to know the nitty-gritty of what a Generac iQ3800 Inverter Generator can do for you? Here is a quick list of our favorite inclusions that make this system worth a deep dive:

• Parallel Ready: The iQ3800 units are built to support the use of a parallel kit, an option that can supply double the power by connecting two iQ3800 units together.
• Quiet Operation: Boasting a fully enclosed casing, the iQ3800 reduces functional noises to provide the results you want without loud, intrusive operational sounds.
• USB Ports Included: The addition of USB ports as a standard inclusion on the control panel lets you charge mobile devices and tablets while you work.
• Covered Outlets: Protecting the outlets and ports ensures longevity, keeping debris, dust, dirt, and other particulates from getting inside the unit and causing problems.
• Safe for Electronics: Thanks to a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) less than 3%, the iQ3800 ensures safe, stable power that’s perfect for sensitive electronics like phones, appliances, tools, and other electronic equipment.

Pro tip: Learn more benefits and features in the Generac iQ Series Specification Manual!

Shop Generac Generators with IWAE Today

Generating power when the grid is down or inaccessible is vital for not just businesses and contractors, but for you and your loved ones. Whether you want to build a shed in the backyard for your family to use, keep the fridge operational when a power line goes down, create a magical ambiance with twinkling lights under the stars, or use any other portable power plans, the Generac iQ3800 generator is the right tool for the job. Fold out the handle, roll the generator wherever you need, then fold the handle back down to keep the unit compact during use! For work, play, or anything in between, the sturdy, plastic enclosure of the Generac iQ3800 Inverter Generator keeps the unit safe and reliable for years to come.

Looking for a generator like the iQ3800? Maybe you need something more robust. Either way, the customer service team at IWAE is ready and willing to help you find the perfect generator for your needs. Reach out, share your situation, and feel the stress melt away as our experts give you the information to make an educated decision on what generator best suits you. We’ll even go over which generator accessories could make a world of difference for your use case! (Spoiler alert: the iQ3800 is pretty likely to be the exact model we suggest if its size fits your needs!)