A must-have household appliance?
It’s been suggested that portable generators are the next “must-have” appliance for your home. The Earthquake IG800W inverter generator is quickly filling that bill for several reasons.
When you first hear of the brand name “Earthquake” you might wonder why. Until you know that Earthquake Powered Chore Equipment is better known for their other products. They are the worlds leading manufacturer of earth augers. They also make rototillers and log splitters among other “earth” tools. Make sense now?
Their entry into the inverter generator market is a home run! They make only one (so far) and this is it. This model has quickly become a consumer favorite and a best seller at Amazon (and Amazon sells tons of inverter generators).
The range of portable 1000 watt inverter generators are the popular choice for those needing portable electricity and know that they will only power up one device at a time. The benefit of low operating noise, light weight, and the ability to charge the ever present sensitive electronics (think cell phones and tablets) makes this category the next must-have household appliance.
But like anything else, you should know exactly what you’re getting and what you’re not getting. Read on for a detailed analysis of this new star.
You can check out the price of this earthquake generator, also known as model 11613, to see that is is a fraction of the cost of other inverters in this power output range. For the famous brands (some reviewed on this website) you will pay more than twice for the power.
Add the fact that it gets the same consumer review star rating and you might be on to something here. In fact, this unit gets 4.4 out of 5 stars on the popular Amazon rating platform. The few low ratings are because of delivery or human error rather than quality concerns.
So What Can I Expect to Use This For?
This is a small inverter generator. About as small as they come. Know its limits and don’t expect any more.
The power output is 700 running watts and 800 maximum surge watts. You can expect to get the full rated power. Many portable generators have difficulty providing their advertised rated power. Not so here. Follow the recommended operating procedures including fuel recommendation and you should be just as happy.
The great outdoors with the quiet IG800W
That said, 700 watts is not going to run many of your high demand electrical needs. That is, don’t expect to run a standard refrigerator in a power outage. Even if it requires 700 watts to run, your refrigerator needs another 1000 watts or so when its compressor kick on. You might even have difficulty with a microwave as most run at about this wattage.
What you should consider this for is to run smaller devices not in a power outage, but by choice. That is, conveniences away from a power source, like when camping, tailgating, or working in the yard. You’ll be able to use small power tools, shop lights, food warmers, coffee pots, televisions, stereos…get the picture?
And because its an inverter type generator, it produces clean power. You can operate sensitive electronic equipment without fear of the sine wave power fluctuations damaging your devices. So yes, charging phones and tablets, or powering computers is a go with the IG800W.
And for our friends in California, this generator is CARB compliant, meeting the strict air quality guidelines on emissions.
What About the Hardware?
Engine
It is run by a 40cc, 4-cycle Viper engine. Yeah it’s not a 2-stroke that you might expect in a low wattage generator so no need to mix oil in the fuel. The engine is made in China, which is not a bad thing anymore. Most small engines are made there.
The US company is Ardisam at 1160 Eighth Avenue in Cumberland, WI, of which Earthquake is a division. You can visit their website at www.getearthquake.com. There you can order parts if necessary and you can contact them at 800-345-6007 for any issues, or email at info@artisam.com.
Fuel Tank and Features
The fuel tank holds 0.55 gallons of gasoline (about 1/2 gallon or 2.1 liters). Earthquake recommends the use of 87 minimum octane with NO ethanol content. If your gas contains ethanol, it is suggested to use a fuel stabilizer per manufacturer’s direction. Ethanol attracts moisture and moisture and engines don’t mix. You can get a gummy buildup in the tank, in the fuel lines and in the carburetor.
On a full tank of gas, you can expect for this unit to run continuously for 8.2 hours on 1/4 load. Granted, 1/4 load is only about 200 watts of output. That works out to about, on average 14 hours per gallon of fuel. That gives you more time without worrying about operation. More recreation, more tailgating, more handyman-ing, whatever.
Easily accessed spark plug through removable cover
There is a long fuel screen that fits at the fill opening. This will catch the larger particles that might find their way accidentally in to your tank. The cap is vented which must be set to open when running and closed when stopped or stored. Running the unit when this is closed will stop the engine due to lack of fuel flow.
There is also a fuel valve which must be set to open when running and closed when stopped or stored. When storing, you would close the valve and run until the unit dies to remove gas from the carburetor. So both the fuel vent and fuel valve work in tandem.
When it it time to drain the fuel tank for storage, you must use the siphon method. There is no fuel drain and it is not recommended to tip the unit over to drain the fuel.
Oil Reservoir and Oil Features
With side panel removed you can see oil fill plug on bottom
The oil reservoir that you should always check before operation holds 11.8oz (.35L) of 10W-30 motor oil (SJ, SL or better). When you first get your IG800W, you should change your oil after 10 or so hours rather than the recommended 20, just to be safe.
Running without the proper amount of oil will damage any generator. This unit will automatically shut off if it detects an oil level that is too low. When the oil level is low, a warning light will glow on the control panel before it shuts off.
Being an inverter generator, there is a housing surrounding the insides (not open frame like standard generators). Therefore you’ll need to remove one of the panels to get to the oil fill reservoir. Simply remove four screws from the side with the starter rope and remove the panel. There you’ll find the cap for the oil fill. Simply fill slowly with a long neck funnel until the oil reaches the threads of the cap opening.
When it comes time to change the oil, it does not have an oil drain plug. You must drain into a pan by tipping the unit until. This is more complete when the unit is warm but not hot.
Control Panel
well planned easy access control panel
This is a very simple control panel. It has only ONE AC receptacle (5-20R) like the standard outlet you’d find in your home or office. There is a weather protector over this outlet. This amount of power would render multiple outlets useless. If you need to operate two AC devices from the one outlet, consider a splitter generator cord or attaching a power strip. Remember though, you are limited by the power.
Remember the formula watts = volts x amps? Well 700 watts in a 120 volt 60 Hz system means that you have barely 6 usable amps. 120volts x 6amps = 720 watts. You can’t run many devices simultaneously by sharing 6 amps.
You’ll find the engine on/off toggle and also a toggle called the economy control switch. This is the hallmark of an inverter generator. This type of generator only supplies the power for the load that is asked of it. A Standard generator runs at the same speed at all times. When the economy control switch is on, the unit will power down when the load is no longer required of it. You’ll get better fuel efficiency and reduced noise.
Overload Protection
Most generators have circuit breakers that you set in case of an overloaded conditions. This unit instead has what it calls “instant reset circuit breaker”. This may be a fancy way to say that it turns off if overloaded. There is a glowing light (green) when the unit is producing power, and a glowing (red) light when the unit is approaching is maximum power output, or if the unit overheats.
DC Capability
There is also a 12V/4.5A DC plug for charging your 12 volt battery. Earthquake is kind enough to include this charging cord in the box. There is no indicator light that the charging is taking place or when the battery is charged. When using the charging DC feature, be sure to turn OFF the economy control switch.
As will all engine-generators there is a grounding plug. It is recommended when using any portable generator that your ground the unit via copper wire attached to a copper rod driven into the ground. The attachment for this wire in on the control panel.
How Noisy Is It and Is it Easy to Operate ?
Inverters Are Quiet
Inverter generators are known for being the quietest generators due their operating technology as well as their noise suppressing housing. That is why these are the choice when using a generator in public. There is no need to place this generator long distances from where you want to use it due to noise.
This unit is rated at 58 dB (decibels). That in itself is quiet, but would be expected to be quieter. For example, the Yamaha ef2000is is rated at 52 dB and the Champion 73536i is rated at 53 dB in spite of operating an engine twice the size (80cc) and producing twice the power (1600 and 1700 watts).
In general, the less expensive inverters like the Earthquake inverter, are noisier, but still relatively quiet.
Starting is Simple and Easy
Notice the primer bulb top left next to the choke slider
This is your standard recoil type starting mechanism. Most reviewers report that knowing when to choke and prime are key to simple one pull starting.
Yes I said, “prime”. This model had a primer bulb near the choke which you must pump 6 times prior to starting cold. This is not common in generators. On the image to the right, the primer bulb is on the top left, and the choke is right next to it. You can also see the handle for the starter cord.
This is the panel that you will remove to access the oil reservoir and the air filter maintenance.
The general starting procedure is simple:
- turn economy control off
- set fuel tank air vent open
- turn fuel valve on
- set engine switch to run
- press the primer bulb six times with choke lever in the run position
- move choke lever to choke position
- pull the starter cord
- after start move the choke lever back to the run position
To stop the generator:
- disconnect devices
- set engine switch to stop
- turn the fuel valve off
- close the fuel tank air vent
Warranty and Maintenance
Artisam offers the standard 1 year parts and labor limited warranty. If used for commercial purposes, the warranty is 90 days. Of course this is determined by proof of purchase and dated invoice. Customer service is good at fixing any issues up to replacing if necessary.
One note is their stated “quality assurance” program in which they state that they test certain units. In order to test them it is necessary to fill with liquids (fuel and oil). Although they can’t ship units with combustibles in the reservoirs, you might get on that appears “used”. In at least one instance, the oil was not removed and leaked all over. This is unacceptable and not legal. If your box appears to have been resealed, or if you detect the smell and/or feel of liquids, contact customer service either at Artisam or the location at which you purchased it.
Warranties ask that you properly maintain your gen-set for the period that you own it. The maintenance is straightforward, standard, and accessible. Proper maintenance is well described in a better than average, well written operator manual.
- check oil level with each use
- replace at first 20 hours (at most) and 3 months/50 hours thereafter
- check air filter (foam type) regularly at 3 months/50 hours and replace when necessary (found near oil fill)
- check fuel strainer at 6 months/100 hours and replace if damaged
- check the spark plug every 3 months/50 hours and replace if necessary
- there is a plug cover for easy access
- use plug type TORCH CMR6A (NGK 1223) with gap .6-.7 mm
- clean the spark arrester with a wire brush by removing the muffler shroud
Size and Weight
Lightweight to take anywhere easily
This unit is small. This unit is lightweight. In fact it barely tips the scales at 21 pounds empty of oil and gas. It is claimed that it is 25% lighter than similar wattage generators.
With it being so small and lightweight, it is perfect for carrying into remote areas where larger units are unwieldy.
The L x W x H dimensions in inches are 15.6 x 8.2 x 14. You’ll see by the dimensions that this inverter is small and narrow.
Narrow units like this tend to be top heavy, especially when filled with gas. Special care should be taken to make sure that it doesn’t tip, especially during transport.
Included in the box you get a charging cord for the DC plug. And of all things, they give you a phillips screw driver! As if every household in America doesn’t already have one. Thanks anyway for the thought, Earthquake. What would be a nice touch is if they included a spark plug wrench or oil funnel instead. Notably absent is a fuel gauge, but with such a small amount of fuel it’s probably unwarranted. Your first oil is NOT included. Have some handy if you want to fire it up as soon as it arrives.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- inexpensive for an inverter
- true to its rated watts
- low oil shut-off
- fuel efficient
- CARB compliant
- quiet
- lightweight
- phillips screw driver included
- dc cord included
CONS
- no fuel gauge
- oil not included
- must tip unit to empty oil
- must siphon to remove fuel
Earthquake IG800W model 11613 Summary
After reviewing this newer entry in to the portable inverter generator market, I am sold. For small, inexpensive portable power, this unit is the one. If money is an issue, you’ll save several hundred dollars off of a similarly sized Yamaha or Honda. Of course those units are the top of the line and have more features that you pay for. If one plug will suffice, then this one could be for you. If just a bit louder is OK with your, then this one could be for you. If you don’t need the option of connecting to a duplicate unit for more power, then this one could be for you.
Apparently, with the popularity and consumer comments so far, many people agree with me. This one could be for you!
Consumers rate the Earthquake IG800W:
4.4 Stars out of 5
Read Amazon reviews to see just what a value others have found.
Filed under: $250 - $499 • Earthquake • Reviews